SME Development Grant | Business Gateway Fife

PLEASE NOTE: This fund is currently closed to new applications due to high demand. This site will be updated when the fund reopens.

What is the SME Development Grant?

Replacement for the SME Competitiveness Fund (Trade Development and Workforce Upskilling)
Non-repayable grant.
Maximum of £2,850 per business between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2025
Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Who’s eligible for the SME Development Grant?

Businesses located in Fife.

The focus will be on supporting SMEs, although larger businesses may also be eligible. Priority will be given to key sectors (Energy Industries, Financial and Business Services, Food & Drink, Manufacturing & Engineering, Tourism) and projects that will boost jobs/turnover.

To avoid duplication, if a business’s circumstances mean they’re eligible for similar support from other agencies (e.g., Scottish Enterprise, SDS) they should seek support from those agencies first.

What can the SME Development Grant be used for?

Workforce Upskilling – allowing SMEs to improve their capacity to grow and take advantage of new approaches and technologies by ensuring their existing workforce is appropriately skilled.
Trade Development – allowing SMEs to access new markets and discover new opportunities for growth through attendance at exhibitions and trade shows as well as participating in learning journeys and overseas trade missions.
Transition to Net Zero – funding to support SMEs making progress towards net zero emissions through a range of measures including premises improvements, waste reduction or reuse and the creation of green jobs.
R&D & Innovation Support – support primarily for micro-SMEs unable to access the R&D and innovation support provided by Scottish Enterprise.
Agriculture Business Diversification – support to develop agritourism and food & drink focussed proposals as well as supporting adoption of new approaches and technologies.
Support for Studies – support for businesses requiring studies (e.g., ecological impact, noise) as part of a project to develop new or existing premises.

How to apply for the SME Development Grant?

This grant is offered at the discretion of a Business Gateway Adviser. Therefore, in order to be considered, a business must be actively engaged with Business Gateway Fife.