Grant & Funding Support

East Ayrshire Council

East Ayrshire businesses who have identified business growth projects through the beReady programme or who wish to undertake training or accreditations or attend trade events can apply for grant support.

All East Ayrshire businesses can apply for up to 40% of project costs, up to £750. There is a minimum grant value of £500, i.e. your project value must be in excess of £1250.

For businesses who meet certain criteria (in relation to turnover, staff, sector and export activity) funding of up to £3,000.

Grants are not available for capital expenditure or property related costs.

Approval must be sought in advance of committing to a project. Retrospective applications will not be accepted. Grants will not be paid where evidence shows payment has been made to a supplier in advance of project approval.

All applications, with the exception of trade exhibitions, will require three quotes to be submitted to ensure the business is securing best value. The lowest quote does not have to be accepted.

For trade events, only international travel will be supported. One return flight per business will be supported.  No UK travel costs will be supported. One hotel room per business will be supported. No additional travel or subsistence costs will be supported. Stand costs or attendance at a trade exhibition for one person will be made. Attendance at any given trade event will only be supported once, i.e. grant support will not be made year on year.

If you wish to apply for grant support please email [email protected]

West of Scotland Loan Fund

West of Scotland Loan Fund provides loans of up to £100,000 to new or existing businesses. It is designed to fund viable business projects as an alternative to commercial funders like banks.

Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland

Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland supports young people aged 18 to 30 years old, by providing funding and mentoring to help them start or grow businesses. Loans of up to £5,000 and grants of up to £1,000 are available.

Regional Selective Assistance

If you are looking for investment that will directly result in the creation or safeguarding of jobs, Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) may be for you.

RSA is a discretionary grant scheme, so there are a number of criteria to be met for an application to be successful. The amount offered depends on the size of your business, location of the project and our assessment of how much is needed for the project to go ahead.

RSA is administered by Scottish Enterprise. However East Ayrshire Council may be able to provide assistance with the preparation of an application so in the first instance please contact 0330 678 1611.

Find Business Support

Find Business Support gives customers an overview of all funding and services offered by public sector organisations across Scotland, conveniently in one place. This makes it quicker and easier for businesses to find the information, advice and support they need, when they need it. Information is available for businesses of all sizes – from start-ups to established companies, from sole traders to large enterprises, from commercial businesses to social enterprises.