Start your business

We can help people setting up in business in a number of ways:

Business Start-Up Allowance
This programme offers up to £2,000 in the form of a monthly payment which can be as much £500.  Grants can also be available towards any equipment or other capital costs needed to start up your business.

Businesses can be full-time, part-time or even seasonal, however, part-time seasonal businesses are not eligible.

The businesses we can help are likely to be in our priority sectors of tourism (although businesses set up to provide additional accommodation are unlikely to be assisted), food and drink processing and manufacturing and production.  Businesses in the service sector may be assisted where the service is not currently provided locally or where the service is to be provided to clients outwith Orkney.

Business Start-Up courses
HIE Orkney organises regular business start-up 'taster' sessions which will help identify the issues you will need to be aware of when you start your business.  More intensive courses, aimed at helping you to produce a business plan, are also available.  All courses are advertised in the local press.

Information and Advice
HIE Orkney can provide information, advice and guidance on a wide range of business-related topics such as: setting up in business; company information; legislation; products and suppliers; innovation and much more.

We have access to business counsellors who can provide advice and guidance on running a small business.  We can also provide advice and often financial assistance to help you market your business.

Training
Financial assistance may be available towards any training requirements that are necessary to help you set up your business and run it successfully.

Useful links

Highlands and Islands Enterprise: start a business - useful information to help you start planning your new business.

Careers Scotland - information is available from the Orkney office of Careers Scotland on a wide variety of training courses.  Tel: 01856 872460.

Orkney Islands Council -  information regarding Reserve Fund grants is available from the Department of Development Services, Economic Development Section at Orkney Islands Council.  Tel: 01856 873535.

Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust  - basic finance and professional support for people aged 18-25 who are starting their own business.  Assistance is normally in the form of a loan.  Grants can be available where the applicant is unemployed. 

Shell Livewire - advice and assistance for people aged 16-30 who are setting up in business.