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The East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) provides loans of up to £50,000* to eligible businesses with a fixed interest rate of 6%, over a maximum repayment period of 5 years. 

The East of Scotland Investment Fund operates in conjunction with other commercial lending agencies and applicants must demonstrate that at least 50% of the total funding package is being provided by the private sector.

*Please note: applications for £25,000 or less from sole traders, partnerships with fewer than 4 partners or unincorporated associations will not be accepted.

How can the funds be used?
Loans can be used for the purchase of plant machinery and equipment (new or used), for the provision of working capital, for the purchase, refurbishment or expansion of commercial property and for the purchase of a business.

Loans cannot be used for speculative property development for sale or lease, or to finance private cars.

Who can apply?
The scheme is designed to assist businesses with commercially viable proposals but who may experience difficulty in raising all of the required funding from the usual sources.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a funding gap as we will not be the sole funder of projects. 

See below for details of current eligible sectors, however every attempt is made to accommodate priorities at the local level and we would welcome all enquiries.

Click here to view case studies of Fife businesses that have benefitted from the ESIF scheme

Current Eligible Sectors

  • Manufacturing
  • Service to manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Wholesale
  • Transport and distribution
  • Software development
  • Farm diversification
  • Tourism & tourism infrastructure
  • Service based (providing they are not one of the ineligible sectors)

Current Ineligible Sectors

  • Retail
  • Motor vehicles
  • Real estate/property development
  • Professional services
  • Social and personal services
  • Pubs, clubs and restaurants
  • Local services

Who we are
The East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) is a consortium of nine Local Authorities, including Fife Council, working together to provide loan finance to new and growing businesses within the east of Scotland.

Our objectives
Our main aim is to encourage and support the creation, development and growth of small and growing businesses within the east of Scotland, so that they will in turn be able to contribute to and strengthen the local economy in terms of jobs, growth and wealth.

What to do next

Contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 for more information and guidance on the application process.

Click here to download your application form

Completed applications forms should be accompanied by a business plan, supported by audited accounts, unaudited accounts or financial statements (where appropriate) and at least two years detailed financial projections.

How long does the application process take?

Usually a decision can be made about your application within six weeks, depending on when it is received.