Business start-up

Starting a new business can be difficult and demanding in even the most favourable of circumstances. HIE Caithness and Sutherland's Business Start-Up Scheme aims to overcome some of the initial financial problems of the proposed new business by offering a monthly grant for the first twelve months. This monthly grant is seen as a contribution towards the running costs of the business, helping to ease the cash flow problems, which the majority of new businesses face.

Any person resident in Caithness and Sutherland can be considered under the scheme whether they are in employment, self-employed or unemployed.

Qualifying businesses may be started on a full-time, part-time or seasonal basis.

To be eligible for Business Start-Up Grant applicants must be able to satisfy the following criteria:

  • The business proposal must be new, and not part of, or an addition to, an existing business
  • The proposed new business must not be in competition with any other existing business within the local area
  • Applicants must be prepared to attend any Business Skills Courses identified by HIE Caithness and Sutherland
  • The Business Plan should include details of background and experience relevant to the proposal, market research, marketing plan and cash flow projections
  • The Business Plan must demonstrate a need for a Business Start-Up Grant in its early stages, while at the same time showing real prospects of being viable in the long term

Business Start-Up Grants are entirely discretionary and are credited to the business account. During this period HIE Caithness and Sutherland will carefully monitor the business's performance and will be available to provide any necessary advice as and when required.

For further information, please contact:

Ian Thomson - development manager (Thurso office)

Jane Mason - development manager (Golspie office)

Additional information and guidance, including a guide to help you decide whether you have what it takes to set up a new business and a look at the day-to-day reality of starting a business and the skills and qualities that you will need, is available at Start Your Own Business.