Move Your Cycling Facilities Up A Gear - Grants Between £5000 and £25,000

5th January 2024

The Highlands and Islands have the potential to be a world-class cycling destination. With cycling tourism valued at an estimated £37bn to the European economy, there is a significant opportunity for the region to benefit from this growing market.

Investments in cycling infrastructure and new cycling initiatives are being made across the Highlands and Islands. By capitalising on this opportunity, businesses and communities can tap into the growing demand for cycling experiences from both domestic and international visitors. This not only benefits the economy, but also promotes active and sustainable tourism, contributing to the overall wellbeing of communities across the region.

WHAT IS IT?
The Cycling Tourism Facilities Fund is a great opportunity for tourism businesses, communities, and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise region to apply for funding of up to £25,000 to develop and enhance the cycling tourism facilities in your area. Quality cycling facilities can attract cycling visitors who are looking to enjoy the scenic landscapes and unique offerings of the region by using sustainable active travel.

WHAT CAN THE FUNDING BE USED FOR?
The funding can be used towards capital projects investing in fixtures, fittings, construction, adaptation or upgrades to improve cycling tourism facilities.

Examples of eligible projects include:

new secure covered cycle storage
new open cycle parking, sheltered cycle parking
enhancement to existing cycle parking/storage to increase capacity and/or security
lockers and storage
drying facilities
bike maintenance equipment e.g. repair stations.

This list is not exhaustive; all grant assistance from HIE is discretionary.

Funding will be prioritised for projects that demonstrate market growth potential and alignment with national and regional cycling strategies and plans and/or existing/planned cycle routes.

Please note: this fund covers capital investment projects only. Facilities being developed with support from this fund must be for, and to benefit, visitors.

WHAT CAN THE FUNDING NOT BE USED FOR?
The funding cannot be used to:

support projects that are already underway at the time of enquiry
purchase bike maintenance consumables (e.g. spare parts, oil, tubes)
cover ongoing maintenance and running costs of existing facilities
create overnight accommodation facilities
support cycle path development and associated infrastructure
purchase bikes, including e-Bikes

HOW MUCH CAN I APPLY FOR?
The minimum grant is £5,000 up to a maximum of £25,000 which will cover up to 50% of total eligible project costs. The amount awarded will be dependent on factors such as the size or your organisation, where you are based, and the project being proposed.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Enterprises (businesses, social enterprises and community organisations) that can demonstrate that they operate in the tourism market and are based in the Highlands and Islands are eligible for this fund.

Enterprises will normally have been trading for six months or more.
Applicants must comply with HIE's fair work conditionality for grant support. For more information, please visit our Fair Work web page. If you want to speak to someone about the fair work requirement or need more information, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk 

HOW DO I APPLY?
Please complete the enquiry form to enquire about the Cycling Tourism Facilities Fund.

For full details and to apply go HERE