Local Funding Information

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Highland and Island Enterprise offer financial assistance to help new and existing businesses expand and develop.  They normally offer grants of up to 25 per cent of costs, but their assistance is discretionary and might be higher in rural or disadvantaged areas, and lower in urban areas.  They also offer loans and, under certain circumstances, will consider taking an equity stake in a business.  Other activities include: delivery of business support services, provision of training and learning programmes, assistance for community and cultural projects and measures for environmental renewal.  For more information visit: http://www.hie.co.uk/.


HIE Network financial assistance for community projects

HIE Network offers financial support for a wide range of community-based projects. They can offer advice and funding to properly constituted voluntary groups which have membership open to all. If the group is new, they can arrange help with model constitutions.

Grants are available for many different kinds of project – from feasibility studies and the purchase of equipment through to the refurbishment of buildings. They support projects which enhance the culture, heritage and environment of the area including community-based events and festivals. They cannot help with ongoing running costs.
The average grants are 25% but this will vary depending on the location and size of your project. They can also help you to access other potential sources of finance for your project including lottery and European funding. They cannot help if payments have been made on a project which has already started.

For further information please visit www.hie.co.uk/skye-west-ross/ or email sale@hient.co.uk


Energy-Efficiency Loans

Energy-efficiency loans are designed to save you money when you replace your existing equipment with a more energy-efficient model. Small or medium sized businesses could borrow £5,000 to £100,000 (subject to terms and conditions) at 0% fixed interest to fund the purchase of equipment such as lighting, boilers or insulation. Any energy-saving investment where the estimated value of energy saved over the first 5 years exceeds the capital amount will be considered. Typical examples could include one or more of the following: Building Technologies - air conditioning; boilers

For further information visit info@thecarbontrust.co.uk or telephone 020 7170 7000.

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