Business Growth Grant

The South Lanarkshire Business Growth Grant (SLBGG) is a competitive, discretionary grant designed to help established, full‑time businesses across South Lanarkshire strengthen their long‑term sustainability and drive growth.

This fund supports projects that will:

• create new jobs
• increase business turnover
• reduce energy consumption
• demonstrably support progress toward net‑zero carbon emissions

If you're looking to invest, innovate, or transform your business, the SLBGG may be able to help.

What the grant supports

SLBGG offers funding for 50% of eligible project costs (excluding VAT). Funding can support a range of growth‑focused activities, with maximum awards as follows:

Up to £20,000 for:

• capital expenditure
• infrastructure improvements

Up to £5,000 for:

• specialist consultancy
• staff training
• exhibition and trade show participation

Key funding limits:

• the maximum total grant any business can receive between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027 is £20,000.
• the minimum award is £5,000, meaning project costs must be at least £10,000.
• grant awards cannot exceed 10% of the business’s most recent annual turnover.
• each business may submit one application during the 2026–2027 period.

Eligibility criteria

You may apply if you can answer yes to all of the following statements:

• my business is based in South Lanarkshire
• my business is a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (up to 250 employees)
• my business has been actively trading for at least 12 months
• my business does not operate in any of the following sectors:
  - gambling or betting
  - drinking establishments that do not serve food
  - takeaway-only food businesses
  - credit unions
• my business turnover is above the VAT threshold, or is expected to reach £90,000 within 12 months of applying
• no project-related costs have been incurred and no commitments (including orders or deposits) have been made
• my business is not in arrears with:
  - Non-Domestic Rates (for commercial premises), or
  - Council Tax (for home‑based businesses)
• the proposed project will contribute to at least one of the following:
  - measurable progress toward net zero
  - at least 10% turnover growth within 12 months
  - the creation of new jobs

Not eligible

Unfortunately, the following businesses or projects cannot be supported:

Businesses:

• pre-trading or feasibility-stage enterprises
• businesses trading for less than one year

Projects involving:

• any reduction in jobs
• hire purchase or finance agreements with no immediate ownership
• cash or credit card payments
• work required solely to meet statutory or legislative obligations
• costs linked to buying, adapting, or maintaining road vehicles or trailers used to transport people or goods
• security systems, CCTV, or fire alarms

Home‑based businesses may apply, but must contact planning to confirm whether consent is needed - written confirmation is required. Please note: home‑based businesses are not eligible for infrastructure improvement support.

Important

To be considered for funding, no project work may begin until you have received a formal grant decision.

How to apply

The first step is to speak with a Business Adviser at Business Gateway Lanarkshire. Following this meeting, you’ll be issued the online application form.

Your application must also include a newly completed Scottish Enterprise Net Zero Accelerator Tool report.

Before applying, please read the full SLBGG guidelines, which explain:

• eligibility in detail
• grant conditions
• required evidence and documentation

For further information or questions, please contact: business.support@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.