Scottish Enterprise Funding - Scotland Business Grants

Overview

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's main economic development agency, funded by the Scottish Government, supporting ambitious businesses across the Lowlands and Uplands of Scotland. Its funding and grants portfolio helps companies access the right finance to grow, innovate, and create jobs - from direct business grants and R&D funding to investment readiness support and connections to angel and venture capital. Scottish Enterprise also supports access to Horizon Europe and other European innovation programs, and works alongside partners like Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Business Gateway to deliver a comprehensive support ecosystem.

What You Can Find Here

Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) - grants for businesses creating or safeguarding jobs through capital investment projects in Scotland
Research and Development Grants - funding to help businesses develop new products, processes, and services through innovation
Capital Grant - assistance for businesses purchasing equipment, machinery, or plant required for growth projects
Scottish Co-Investment Fund - equity co-investment alongside accredited angel syndicates into high-growth Scottish businesses
Scottish Venture Fund - equity investment for early-stage Scottish companies with strong growth potential
Scottish Loan Scheme - flexible commercial loans for established Scottish businesses unable to access mainstream bank lending
Horizon Europe and PEACEPLUS access - competitive international research and innovation funding with Scottish Enterprise guidance
Angel and venture capital investment readiness support - helping ambitious companies attract private investment

Who Should Use This

Established Scottish businesses making capital investments that create or safeguard jobs - eligible for Regional Selective Assistance
High-growth Scottish SMEs undertaking R&D to develop new products or processes needing innovation grant support
Early-stage Scottish startups with investor traction looking to access the Scottish Co-Investment Fund alongside angel investors
Scottish companies that have been declined by mainstream lenders and need the Scottish Loan Scheme as an alternative
Technology and life science companies in Scotland ready to compete for Innovate UK and Horizon Europe grants
Manufacturing and engineering businesses in Scotland planning capacity expansion or equipment upgrades
Scottish founders preparing to pitch to investors who need investment readiness coaching and warm introductions

How to Get Started

Step 1: Visit scottish-enterprise.com/support-for-businesses/funding-and-grants to explore available programs by category
Step 2: Review the eligibility criteria and funding levels for the program that best matches your project
Step 3: Contact Scottish Enterprise directly - phone +44 300 013 3385 or use the contact form to speak with an adviser
Step 4: Work with your assigned adviser to determine whether a grant, loan, or equity co-investment is most appropriate
Step 5: Prepare your application including a business plan, financial projections, project plan, and evidence of market demand
Step 6: Submit the formal application and await an appraisal - do not begin project expenditure before receiving a formal offer

Things to Check Before Applying

Scottish Enterprise support is only available to businesses based in the Lowlands and Uplands of Scotland - Highland and island businesses use Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Grant offers must be accepted before committing to project expenditure - retroactive costs are not eligible
RSA is subject to UK and international subsidy control rules - maximum aid intensities apply by business size and location
Sanctions checks are carried out on all applicants - companies with trading or investment links to Russia and Belarus may be declined
Equity programs through the Scottish Co-Investment Fund require an accredited lead investor to co-invest alongside the fund
European funding (Horizon Europe) requires international collaboration with at least one non-UK partner organisation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Scottish Enterprise funding?

Businesses based in the Lowlands and Uplands of Scotland can apply. Businesses in the Highlands and Islands should contact Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) instead.

What is Regional Selective Assistance and how much can I get?

RSA is a discretionary grant for businesses making capital investments that create or safeguard jobs in Scotland. Grant amounts are negotiated case by case and are subject to subsidy control rules. There is no fixed maximum, but aid intensity limits apply.

Does Scottish Enterprise offer equity investment directly?

Scottish Enterprise offers equity co-investment through the Scottish Co-Investment Fund alongside accredited angel syndicates, and through the Scottish Venture Fund for early-stage companies.

Can I apply for European funding through Scottish Enterprise?

Yes. Scottish Enterprise provides guidance and support for Scottish organisations applying to Horizon Europe and PEACEPLUS programs. These are competitive international programs awarded on merit.

How long does the application process take?

Timescales vary by program. Grant applications typically take several weeks to months depending on the size and complexity of the project. Contact Scottish Enterprise early in your planning process.