Scottish Enterprise – Support and Funding

Scottish Enterprise (SE) is Scotland’s national economic development agency and a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government.  It supports businesses to innovate and scale to transform the Scottish economy by focusing on new market opportunities and has a strong track record in supporting ambitious companies across Scotland to grow and scale through innovation, investment and internationalisation.

 SE has a range of support (including funding) available for companies based (or planning to set-up) in Scotland - information can be found here.

 Funding is targeted towards projects that generate jobs, upskill staff and support Scotland’s ambitions for a low carbon economy.

 As an example, the SE discretionary R&D grant can support companies in developing new products, services and processes.

 The grant applies across sectors (including maritime), is not call-based (thematic) and accepts enquiries and applications on an ongoing basis.

 Administered discretionarily, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working independently on innovative projects may receive a grant to cover between 35% and 50% of their eligible project costs. Large companies working independently on innovative projects may receive a grant to cover between 25% and 40% of their eligible project costs. Consortiums (consisting of two to six companies) that are carrying out eligible R&D can also be considered.

 Further details and information on how to enquire/apply for R&D grant funding can be found here.

 Where companies are considering setting up in or trading/exporting from Scotland, Scottish Development International (SDI) which is Scotland’s trade and inwards investment agency, may be able to assist.

 Lastly, for information on wider public sector support available in Scotland, please visit Find Business Support.