2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in West Lothian, UK

Introduction

West Lothian Council, through its Business Gateway and Invest in West Lothian teams, offers a wide range of grants and support to help firms at all stages—from early startups to established businesses—thrive and grow.

Available Grants

🔹 High-Growth Start‑Up Grant

• Purpose: Supports businesses within their first 18 months of trading to expand capacity, develop products, or attend trade events.

• Amount: Up to £4,000; must be VAT‑registered or have turnover over £ 60k, based in a commercial premise, and employing or planning roles ([turn0search0], [turn0search2]).

🔹 Intro to Business Grant

• Purpose: Helps very new businesses (≤6 months trading) get started with equipment/tools.

• Amount: Up to £1,000 (email Business Gateway to apply) ([turn0search0], [turn0search2]).

🔹 Parental Business Start‑Up Grant

• Purpose: Assists West Lothian parents (especially under 25, lone parents, or with disabled children) to start businesses.

• Amount: Varies; priority given to high‑need groups ([turn0search0], [turn0search2]).

🔹 Business Development Grants

• Purpose: Supports SMEs in expansion—training, marketing, and equipment.

• Amount: Flexible; subject to Business Gateway eligibility ([turn0search0]).

🔹 Low Carbon / Energy Efficiency Grant

• Purpose: Helps firms reduce their carbon footprint with strategic energy-saving projects.

• Amount: Up to £8,000; eligibility requires a minimum of five employees and one year trading ([turn0search1], [turn0search3], [turn0search18]).

🔹 Digital Development Grant

• Purpose: Boosts digital capacity (websites, e‑commerce, cybersecurity).

• Amount: Up to £7,500 for VAT-registered SMEs (over 6 months trading); non‑VAT firms up to £1,000 ([turn0search10]).

🔹 Project Grant

• Purpose: UKSPF-backed support for capacity building and productivity.

• Amount: Up to £7,500 against at least £15,000 project costs ([turn0search5]).

🔹 Cyber Security Grant, Trade Development Grant, Innovation Grant, Employer Recruitment Incentive, Childminder Grant, Graduate Recruitment Fund, Project Grant

• Part of the broader Business Support suite via Invest in West Lothian—details available through Business Gateway ([turn0search0], [turn0search6]).

🔹 Shop Front Improvement Scheme

• Purpose: Supports façade improvements in town centres and villages.

• Amount: Variable; contact planning team (Nairn Pearson) ([turn0search0], [turn0search2]).

Government‑Backed Loans

• Start‑Up Loans – UK personal loans of £500–£25,000 with mentoring.

• British Business Bank Schemes – Accessible via accredited lenders in Scotland, including Recovery Loan Scheme and Start‑Up Loans ([turn0search12]).

Key Resources

• Business Gateway West Lothian – Free advice, support, and help accessing grants/loans ([turn0search4], [turn0search6], [turn0search14], [turn0search10]).

• Invest in West Lothian – Central platform for business funding info.

• Council Economic Development Team – Hosts workshops and sector assistance.

• West Lothian Chamber of Commerce – New-business membership offer through Business Gateway ([turn0search0]).

Contact & Further Information

📞 01506 283 400
✉️ bgateway@westlothian.gov.uk
🌐 Visit Invest in West Lothian or Business Gateway West Lothian websites for scheme eligibility and applications ([turn0search0], [turn0search6]).

Advice on Applying

1. Engage early with a Business Gateway Adviser to identify suitable schemes.

2. Check eligibility, especially business age, turnover, staffing, and sector restrictions.

3. Prepare a business plan, cost quotes, and impact metrics (jobs, carbon savings, sales).

4. Ensure co-funding where required (e.g., project and digital grants).

5. Stay alert to funding windows—some reopen frequently, others close once fully allocated.

6. Combine schemes thoughtfully—for example, High Growth Grant + Digital + Low Carbon.

Additional Insights

• £645,000 distributed through Business Gateway in 2024–25; this support enabled over 150 businesses to grow ([turn0search9]).

• Low Carbon grants align with the council’s Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy consultation this July 2025 ([turn0search13]).

• Business Gateway also runs a “Women in Entrepreneurship” programme to support female-led businesses ([turn0search10]).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 
🔹 What is the High-Growth Start‑Up Grant?
A grant of up to £4,000 for businesses within their first 18 months, VAT-registered or earning over £60 k, to support market entry and growth ([turn0search0], [turn0search2]).

 
▫️ Who’s eligible for the Intro to Business Grant?
New firms trading ≤6 months, for essential startup costs like equipment ([turn0search0], [turn0search2]).

 
🔹 How much is the Low Carbon Grant?
Up to £8,000 for firms with at least 5 employees, trading for one year ([turn0search1], [turn0search3], [turn0search18]).

 
▫️ What’s available for digital development?
Up to £7,500 for VAT-registered SMEs or £1,000 for others, covering digital projects ([turn0search10]).

 
🔹 Can I combine grants?
Yes—schemes like High Growth, Digital, and Low Carbon can support different components of your project.

 
▫️ Are loans available?
While not direct council loans, you can access Start-Up Loans and British Business Bank products via Business Gateway ([turn0search12]).

 
🔹 What is the Project Grant for?
Supports equipment or process investments (“capacity and efficiency”), offering £7,500 against £15,000+ project spend ([turn0search5]).

 
▫️ What’s the support for business women?
Business Gateway runs a Women in Entrepreneurship programme with workshops and networking ([turn0search10]).

 
🔹 Who can I contact for help?
Business Gateway (bgateway@westlothian.gov.uk or 01506 283 400) can guide you through all schemes.

 
▫️ When must funded projects be finished?
Most grants must conclude by 31 January 2026 ([turn0search0], [turn0search2]).