Digital Grant For Highland Businesses - Up To £5000

7th November 2023

The Highland Council is inviting local businesses to apply for grant support to enable them to introduce new digital systems which will improve business performance and encourage growth.

Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "We know that many Highland companies are keen to digitalise their business model but want advice and support to ensure they are doing the right thing.

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"By offering a grant of up to £5000 and providing specialist digital advice if a business needs it, we will be working with local businesses to improve their competitiveness and their operational efficiency."

Eligible expenditure includes investment in digital skills, the purchase of new software and hardware, an online booking system; new Ecommerce website, or new websites incorporating interactive functionality.

For more information, on this grant scheme and other business grants available from the Council, businesses are asked to go to the Council's website and follow the Digital Grant guidance available.

If businesses wish to access digital advice, they are asked to contact the Council's Business Gateway Highland (external link) service to seek advice and to access the digital support (external link) online.

The Digital Grant is being provided by The Highland Council with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Below is a brief summary of eligibility criteria for applicants:

Organisations must operate from or be located in the Highland area
Trading for a minimum of 6 months i.e. business must have been receiving sales.

Organisations must have a dedicated business bank account.

Individual must be a UK resident with the right to work in the UK.

Meet the definition of an independent small enterprise with under 50 employees world-wide.

Most industry sectors are eligible for consideration.

Only one grant per business.

No personal or business debt to the council e.g. Council Tax or Business rate arrears;

Must operate on a full-time basis.

Community groups, not for profit organisations, voluntary or charitable organisations cannot apply for this grant.