Shetland Business Start Up Grant

Who can apply

  • Individuals (pre-start); sole trader; partnerships, limited companies or social enterprises
  • Businesses established up to 12 months prior to the application date will be eligible to apply for assistance 
  • Most sectors can apply (see exclusions below)
  • Applicants must be located within the Shetland area

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have aspirations to establish a new full time business in Shetland which is commercially viable.

Applications for assistance must be accompanied by a robust business plan and 2-year cash flow forecast. Free adviser support is available from Business Gateway to assist with this process.

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that at least two of the following primary outcomes can realistically be achieved:

  • Creation of a new commercial or social business
  • Creation of new jobs (including owner)
  • Development of a new, innovative or improved product or service
  • Development of a new market
  • Development of export or import opportunities

You will not be eligible for funding if any of the following apply:

  • Your business operates in the close contact sector – this could include (but is not limited to) hairdressing, beauty therapy, massage therapy and certain medical provisions*.  You may be eligible to submit an application if you hold membership of a professional regulatory body that establishes and upholds standards for strict quality assurance, requiring continuous professional development
  • Self-catering/B&B/Pod-type tourism accommodation*
  • Businesses engaged in the sex industry, politics, gambling, religious activities, nude or semi-nude modelling, pyramid selling, or any business that may bring the Council/HIE into disrepute will not be considered for grant funding in any circumstances

* There may be some exceptions in particularly remote areas where provision does not already exist, or where there is a legitimate year round under-provision which can be clearly evidenced.

All decisions on eligibility are entirely at the discretion of the Council.