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Last update 21/07/2025

Grants and Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Orkney Islands Council, UK (2025 Guide)

Are you a budding entrepreneur or small business owner in Orkney looking for financial assistance? The Orkney Islands Council and other organisations offer a variety of grants and government-backed loans to help your business take flight. This guide provides essential 2025 funding information tailored to businesses in Orkney.

🧭 Grant and Loan Programmes

Grants

🔹 New Business Start-Up Grant
Provides up to £5,000 for new businesses in Orkney to assist with setup costs such as rent, equipment, and marketing.
➡️ New Business Start-Up Grant – Orkney Islands Council

🔹 Orkney Islands Council Economic Development Grant Scheme
Offers sector-specific grants, including support for tourism, food & drink, and the creative industries.
➡️ Economic Development Grants – Orkney Islands Council

🔹 Creative Scotland Open Fund
Supports individual creatives and organisations in Orkney with flexible funding for cultural projects.
➡️ Creative Scotland Open Fund

Government-Backed Loans

🔹 Start-Up Loans (UK Government)
Offers personal loans of up to £25,000 with fixed interest and free mentoring for businesses trading under 24 months.
➡️ Start-Up Loans UK

💡 Advice on Applying

🔹 Contact Business Gateway Orkney
Book a free consultation to get tailored advice and support:
➡️ Business Gateway Orkney

🔹 Understand Eligibility Criteria
Read all eligibility rules carefully before applying to ensure your business qualifies.

🔹 Prepare a Strong Application
Include a professional business plan, cash flow forecast, and explain how the funding will help your growth.

🔹 Meet Application Deadlines
Submit applications early to avoid missing out—some funds are time-sensitive or limited in budget.

🔹 Get Help if Needed
Business Gateway and local advisors can assist with grant writing and business planning.

🗂️ Key Resources

Business Gateway Orkney
https://www.bgateway.com/local-offices/orkney
Orkney Council Business Advice and Support
https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/B/business-support.htm
Find Business Support (Scottish Government)
https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
https://www.hie.co.uk

📞 Orkney Islands Council Contact Information

Website: https://www.orkney.gov.uk
Phone: +44 1856 873535
Email: Contact via the official form

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What is the New Business Start-Up Grant?
This grant provides up to £5,000 to help cover initial costs like premises, marketing, and equipment.

▫️ How can I apply for the Orkney Economic Development Grant Scheme?
You can apply directly through the Economic Development Grants page, where you'll find criteria and application forms.

🔹 What is the Creative Scotland Open Fund?
This fund supports cultural and creative projects, including those based in Orkney. Both individuals and organisations can apply.

▫️ Who can apply for Start-Up Loans?
Anyone aged 18+ with a business trading under 2 years can apply for up to £25,000 in loans, plus 12 months of mentoring.

🔹 Where can I find information on all available business grants in Orkney?
Visit the Orkney Council Business Support page for up-to-date listings.

▫️ What services does Business Gateway Orkney offer?
They provide business planning support, market research, and help prepare funding applications.

🔹 Are there deadlines for these grants and loans?
Yes. Deadlines vary—check individual schemes and apply early to avoid missing out.

▫️ Can I apply for more than one grant or loan at the same time?
Yes, as long as you're eligible for each scheme and there are no conflicting terms.

🔹 What should I include in my application or business plan?
Include your business overview, financial projections, funding needs, and expected outcomes from support.

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What is Value Ad?

Value Ad is an innovative policy designed to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between two key groups: new businesses and service providers. This policy helps startups save significantly on essential services while enabling service providers to gain valuable traction and growth opportunities.

How is it a Win-Win Deal?

For New Businesses:

Cost Savings: Startups can save 50% to 80% on essential services such as website development and marketing. This means they don’t need to invest heavily upfront, making it easier to launch and grow their business.

Alternative Investment: The money saved through these discounts can be reinvested into other critical areas of the business, acting as an alternative investment that fuels further growth and development.

For Service Providers:

Initial Customer Base: Service providers, often tech startups themselves, can attract a significant number of initial customers by offering their services at a discounted rate. This helps them build traction and demonstrate value, which is crucial for attracting venture capital (VC) funding and other opportunities.

Marketing Efficiency: By providing affordable services, service providers do not need to spend heavily on marketing to acquire new customers. The discounted services themselves become a powerful marketing tool, bringing in customers who can spread the word and enhance the provider’s reputation.

Growth and Expansion: Attracting more customers through Value Ad helps service providers expand their client base and build long-term relationships, which can lead to increased revenue and business growth.

Alternative Investment for New Businesses:

For new businesses, the significant cost savings achieved through the Value Ad policy effectively serve as an alternative investment. Instead of spending large amounts on website development and marketing, they can leverage the affordable services provided by service providers. The saved funds can be redirected into other strategic areas of the business, enhancing overall growth and sustainability.

Benefits for Service Providers:

Service providers benefit from the Value Ad policy by gaining access to a ready pool of new customers who are drawn by the discounted rates. This initial customer base is crucial for:

Building Traction: Demonstrating product or service viability to potential investors.

Securing Funding: Enhanced customer traction and a growing user base can make the service provider more attractive to venture capitalists and other funding sources.

Market Penetration: Establishing a presence in the market quickly and efficiently without heavy marketing expenditures.

In Summary:

Value Ad is a strategic policy designed to create a win-win scenario for both new businesses and service providers. By offering significant discounts on essential services, startups can save and reinvest those savings, while service providers gain crucial initial customers and market traction. This mutually beneficial arrangement supports the growth and success of both groups, making Value Ad a powerful tool for business development and investment.

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