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Last update 21/07/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in Shetland Islands Council, UK

Introduction

Shetland Islands Council, Business Gateway Shetland, and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) offer a range of grants and government-backed loans helping local entrepreneurs and SMEs to start, grow, and thrive in this unique island economy.

Advice on Applying

Contact Business Gateway Shetland
Start your process here—advisors will assess your needs and guide you through available support and the application process (startupgrant.co.uk, Shetland.org).
Understand Eligibility Criteria
Confirm your business meets location, trading age, and sector-specific criteria before applying.
Prepare a Strong Application
Include a detailed business plan, two-year cash flow forecasts, itemised costs, and justification for the funding (startupgrant.co.uk, findbusinesssupport.gov.scot).
Meet Deadlines
Keep an eye out for application periods—some schemes have limited funding rounds.
Seek Additional Support
Business Gateway offers free mentoring, and HIE can support business case development (hie.co.uk, startupgrant.co.uk).

Grant & Loan Programmes

🔹 Shetland Business Start‑Up Grant

Up to £4,000 for pre-start and new startups under 12 months old.
Covers capital, marketing, and training costs. No match funding required.
Requires participation in a Business Gateway startup workshop (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot).

🔹 Economic Development Grant Scheme

Up to £25,000 for businesses, social enterprises, and community groups.
Supports growth, new products or markets, productivity, and resource efficiency (Funding Scotland).
Open all year—submit an enquiry via the council website or Funding Scotland (Funding Scotland).

🔹 SIC Commercial Loan Funding

Council-backed commercial loans for new and growing businesses and voluntary organisations.
Terms and interest vary—get in touch with SIC’s economic development team (startupgrant.co.uk).

🔹 HIE Grant Continuation

HIE is matching SIC contributions to continue the start-up grant fund until 31 March 2025 (hie.co.uk).

Key Resources

Business Gateway Shetland – free advice, workshops, lender-readiness support (Business Gateway | Business Gateway).
Shetland Islands Council Business Support – full details of grants, loans, and schemes (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot).
Find Business Support (Scottish Government) – searchable database by region and sector (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot).
Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) – co-funding and strategic support (hie.co.uk).

Council Contact Information

Phone: 01595 744 800
Email: via Shetland Islands Council Business Advice and Support page
Business Gateway Shetland: 01595 745 945 (Business Gateway | Business Gateway, startupgrant.co.uk)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What is the Shetland Business Start‑Up Grant?
A grant up to £4,000 for new businesses (under 12 months). Covers capital, marketing, training—no match funding required (startupgrant.co.uk, findbusinesssupport.gov.scot).

▫️ What is the Economic Development Grant Scheme?
Grants up to £25,000 to support business growth, innovation, or community benefit projects (Funding Scotland).

🔹 Are any loans available?
Yes—Shetland Islands Council offers commercial loans to growing businesses and voluntary groups; details via enquiry (startupgrant.co.uk).

▫️ Do I need to attend a workshop?
Yes—the start-up grant requires attendance at a Business Gateway workshop or webinar (findbusinesssupport.gov.scot).

🔹 Can other local bodies help fund?
Yes—HIE matches SIC funds and supports regional economic development (Funding Scotland, hie.co.uk).

▫️ How do I apply for the Economic Development Grant?
Submit an enquiry form via the council site or the Funding Scotland portal (Funding Scotland).

🔹 Where can I find more support?
Enjoy free advice and support through Business Gateway, SIC, Funding Scotland, and HIE.

Value AD

2025

100% FREE

BUSINESS TOOl

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.

FREE BUSINESS TOOLS