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GrantScotlandComhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council)

Early Enterprise Support Scheme (Western Isles)

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council)

Description

Grant funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Business Gateway team, supporting new businesses and those trading for less than 5 years in the Outer Hebrides, with an enhanced rate for under-30s, net-zero projects, and Uist repopulation-zone businesses.

Amount

£5,000 (full-time businesses) or £2,500 (part-time businesses), up to 50–70% of eligible costs

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: Scotland.
  • Applicant must be a registered business.
  • Most relevant to: Energy & Utilities, Hospitality & Tourism, Creative Arts & Media, Technology & Digital, Manufacturing, Construction.
Notes
Covers up to 50% of eligible costs (£5,000 full-time / £2,500 part-time businesses), rising to 70% for applicants under 30, net-zero projects, cruise-market product development, childcare projects, or businesses in the Uist repopulation zone.
Requirement
New businesses, or those trading for less than 5 years, in the Outer Hebrides operating in renewables/energy, recycling, tourism (excluding accommodation), creative and culture-based activity, food and drink, IT, life/health sciences, R&D and innovation, manufacturing and processing, childcare, construction, or traditional indigenous industries. Applicants must fund the project up front and claim against proof of costs.

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How to apply

Contact Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Business Gateway team to discuss your project, then submit a business plan, 3-year financial projections, an application form, and bank statements.

View official source

Last verified: 20 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.