Funding Opportunities in Aberdeenshire: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses

Aberdeenshire, with its dynamic economy and strong entrepreneurial community, offers a range of financial support options to help startups and small businesses flourish. This guide will navigate you through the various grants and government-backed loans available to boost your business growth in the region.

Grant and Loan Programs

Grants

Business Start-Up Grant Scheme
Provides up to £3,000 for new businesses within their first 12 months in the Aberdeenshire Council area, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about the Business Start-Up Grant Scheme
First Employee Grant
Offers £1,000 to help Aberdeenshire-based businesses hire their first full-time employee, fostering job creation at the local level.
Business Resilience and Growth Fund
Offers grants up to £25,000 to support local economic recovery and growth. This fund focuses on areas such as innovation, digital technology, employment creation, and energy efficiency.

Government-Backed Loans

Start Up Loans Scotland
Provides personal loans from £500 to £25,000, accompanied by 12 months of free mentoring, for individuals starting or expanding a business in Scotland.
Apply for Start Up Loans Scotland
Business Loans Scotland (BLS)
Offers loans between £25,000 and £250,000 for businesses that are unable to secure traditional funding. These loans come with an interest rate of about 11% and can have terms up to 5 years.
Explore Business Loans Scotland

Key Resources

Business Gateway Aberdeenshire
Your primary contact for local business advice and support, helping navigate through available funding options and application processes.
Visit Business Gateway Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire Council - Support for Business
Provides comprehensive information on various business support programs and funding opportunities specific to Aberdeenshire.
Explore Aberdeenshire Council's Business Support
Find Business Support
This Scottish Government platform allows you to search for funding and support programs based on your location and business needs.
Search for funding on Find Business Support

Aberdeenshire Council Contact Information

Website: Aberdeenshire Council
Phone: +44 1467 530700
Email: Contact forms are available on their website.

Advice on Applying

Contact Business Gateway Aberdeenshire: Start by consulting with their advisors to get tailored advice on suitable funding options.
Understand Eligibility Criteria: Ensure your business meets the requirements for each funding opportunity to optimize your chances of success.
Prepare a Compelling Application: Develop a clear business plan and financial projections that demonstrate how the funding will positively impact your business.
Meet Deadlines: Submit all required documentation ahead of the application deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What costs does the Business Start-Up Grant Scheme cover?
- It typically covers startup costs such as equipment, marketing, and website development.
Who is eligible for the First Employee Grant?
- Businesses in Aberdeenshire hiring their first full-time employee.
How do I apply for the Business Resilience and Growth Fund?
- Applications can be made through the Aberdeenshire Council's website, with details and guidance provided by Business Gateway Aberdeenshire.
What are the terms for loans offered by Business Loans Scotland?
- Loans range from £25,000 to £250,000 with a typical interest rate of about 11% and terms up to 5 years.
Can I combine different funding sources for a single project?
- Yes, depending on the specific conditions of each funding source, it is possible to combine grants and loans for a project.
Where can I find workshops or seminars on funding applications in Aberdeenshire?
- Business Gateway Aberdeenshire frequently hosts workshops and seminars that include guidance on funding applications.
Are there sector-specific grants available in Aberdeenshire?
- While many grants are broadly applicable, some may target specific sectors like technology, innovation, or energy efficiency.
What should I include in my financial projections when applying for funding?
- Include detailed revenue forecasts, expense budgets, and cash flow statements.
How often can I apply for these grants and loans?
- You can apply as often as new opportunities arise, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each program.
Who can help me fine-tune my business plan for these applications?
- Advisors at Business Gateway Aberdeenshire can assist you in refining your business plan and financial projections.

Use this comprehensive guide to navigate the funding landscape in Aberdeenshire effectively. For more personalized assistance or to begin your application process, contact Business Gateway Aberdeenshire or consult the Aberdeenshire Council's business support pages.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE

INVESTMENT

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.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT