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Business

HIE Quality

A grant scheme designed to enhance the quality of accommodation within the Highlands and Islands. The full range of tourist accommodation is eligible for grants for building works and the purchase of equipment. This can, e.g. enable businesses to install ensuite bathrooms; improve kitchen/dining areas.

Further details can be obtained from your Local Enterprise Company.

HIE Activity

A grant scheme which aims to stimulate businesses to raise the product quality and range of tourist activities and experiences on offer, capitalising on the area’s outstanding natural environment and unique culture. Although being delivered throughout the Programme area, priority will be placed on the more remote or fragile areas. Examples of project types are wide ranging including wildlife and adventure operations, interpretation, events and festivals, cruising and sailing.

Further details can be obtained from your Local Enterprise Company.

Business Advantage

A grant and loan scheme available to businesses in the Western Isles. Three types of assistance are available through this scheme – Kick Start Loan (interest free loans of £2,000 - £10,000 for capital expenditure and related set-up costs); Kick-Start Grant (discretionary marketing grants from £500 - £5,000 p.a. to enable the implementation of a marketing plan and to undertake internet and e-commerce marketing projects); and Business Loan Scheme (loan guarantee scheme in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Western Isles Enterprise providing loans of up to £30,000 for growing businesses).

Further details can be obtained from Norman MacLean, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, 01851 707471

Employment Loan Fund

Interest free loans to businesses to increase working capital or purchase equipment in order to create or safeguard employment in the Highland Council area. The loan, together with any other public sector funding, must not exceed 25% of total funding for the project. Loans from £1,000 - £10,000 are unsecured; £10,001 - £20,000 may require security; £20,001 - £50,000 require security. Repayment periods of up to 7 years are acceptable, depending on loan size.

Further details can be obtained from David Owen, Highland Opportunity Ltd., 01463 228340.

HIE Productivity

A grant scheme designed to focus on the provision of capital grants to support SMEs in the Highlands and Islands to undertake an in-depth transformation process through investment in new machinery; investment in, and the development of, new technologies through in-house research or the purchase or licensing of Patents and Intellectual Property; implementation of new business processes, technologies and methodologies, including waste minimisation, energy efficiency and e-business.

Further details can be obtained from your Local Enterprise Company.

Employment Grant Scheme

This scheme offers financial incentives to small and medium sized enterprises and contributes towards a wage subsidy for unemployed people throughout the Highlands & Islands to encourage the creation of new, additional and permanent jobs.  The project is aimed at long-term unemployed people, those in danger of becoming long-term unemployed, young people over the age of 16, disabled and socially excluded communities for which appropriate enhanced subsidy rates are offered.

Further details can be obtained from Jane Gair, Highland Opportunity Ltd., 01463 228342.

Recruit

A labour market initiative designed to address known barriers to employment growth in fragile economies.  SME’s in rural areas are offered an individual personalised service providing tailored advice and guidance on all aspects of recruitment.  Businesses and unemployed people in these locations are at a distinct disadvantage when accessing assistance and support.  This project aims to safeguard, created and broaden the range of sustainable job opportunities focussing on the recruitment/successional needs of sole traders, family run businesses and community owned enterprises. 

Further details can be obtained from Moira McRonald, Highland Opportunity Ltd., 01463 228344.