The Highlands cover a vast rural area where tourism, food and drink, crofting and marine businesses operate. Rural, capital and tourism funding dominate.
Funding available to businesses in Highland comes from two directions. Local programmes are run by the council, regional partnerships or area-specific funds, and are usually restricted to businesses trading within the area. Scotland-wide programmes are open to eligible businesses anywhere in the country, and are often larger.
Before applying, check three things: that your trading address falls inside the eligible boundary, that your business stage and legal structure are accepted, and whether the programme expects match funding towards the project cost.
Demonstration data. The funding records on this site are clearly labelled examples used to test the directory. They are not real funding opportunities and are not currently available.
Example Tourism Board
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Support for visitor experience improvements.
Example Rural Partnership
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Capital support for rural businesses in the Highlands.
Example Third Sector Trust
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Start-up funding for social enterprises.
Example Innovation Board
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Competitive funding for research and development projects.
Example Enterprise Agency
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Support for websites, ecommerce and digital systems.
Example Trade Support
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Vouchers for international market research and trade shows.
Example Energy Programme
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Interest-free loan for energy efficiency upgrades.
These programmes are no longer accepting applications. They are kept so you can see what has previously been available in Highland.
Example Industry Fund
Example funding programme — demonstration data. Closed demonstration programme kept for reference.
Businesses in Highland can usually apply to both local programmes run in the area and Scotland-wide funding. This page currently lists 0 open local programmes and 0 open Scotland-wide programmes.
Local programmes normally require your trading address to be within the area, and some ask for evidence such as a business rates bill. Scotland-wide funding is open regardless of which council area you are in.
Usually yes, provided the same cost is not funded twice and each funder allows it. Always tell each provider about other funding you have applied for.
Last updated: 14 September 2026
