South Lanarkshire Business Startup Grant

We offer a grant to help new businesses in South Lanarkshire grow, create jobs and work more efficiently. You can apply for up to £4,000 to support a specific project, such as buying equipment, improving your marketing or developing skills. You must have been trading for less than 12 months, be based locally and work with Business Gateway. You’ll need to pay for your project first and then claim the grant.

How much you can get

• up to 50% of eligible project costs
• minimum grant: £2,000
• maximum grant: £4,000

Grants of more than £2,000 are only available to businesses that can demonstrate one of the following:

• you operate from commercial premises
• you are VAT registered
• you employ at least one staff member (not including owners or directors)

Who can apply

You can apply if your business:

• is actively trading
• has been trading for less than 12 months
• is based in South Lanarkshire
• has a business bank account
• is working with Business Gateway

Who cannot apply

You cannot apply if your business:

• is not yet trading
• is outside South Lanarkshire
• is in gambling, betting, farming or agribusiness
• only offers takeaway food
• uses zero-hour contracts

What you can use the grant for

You can apply for funding for:

Capital Equipment

• machinery, tools or IT systems
• energy-saving equipment

Consultancy

• marketing support
• e-commerce development
• industry accreditations

Training

• skills development
• training on new equipment
• sustainability training

Exhibitions

• first-time trade show attendance
• exhibition stand costs

What is not funded

We cannot fund:

• stock or day-to-day costs
• vehicles
• building work
• projects already started
• legal or compliance costs
• security systems
• cash or credit card payments

How to apply

Start by speaking to a Business Adviser at Business Gateway Lanarkshire. They will guide you through the process.

Before you apply, read the full Business Startup Grant Guidelines for eligibility, conditions and required documents.