Business funding guides

Practical explanations of how business funding works in Scotland, written for owners and people starting out rather than for grant professionals.

• How to find business grants in Scotland

  A practical walkthrough of where Scottish business funding comes from, how to search for it and how to judge whether a programme is worth applying to.

  Updated 2026-09-01

• Business grants for startups in Scotland

  What startup funding in Scotland typically covers, who can apply, and what you need in place before you apply.

  Updated 2026-09-01

• How business grant applications work

  The stages of a typical business grant application in Scotland, from expression of interest to claiming the money.

  Updated 2026-09-01

• What is match funding?

  Match funding explained for Scottish businesses: what counts, how intervention rates work and how to evidence your contribution.

  Updated 2026-09-01

• Can sole traders get business grants in Scotland?

  Yes — many Scottish funding programmes accept sole traders. Here is what to check and where the limits usually are.

  Updated 2026-09-01

• Business grants vs business loans

  How grants, loans and vouchers differ for Scottish businesses, and when a loan is the better option.

  Updated 2026-09-01

• How to write a successful grant application

  Practical advice for writing clear, fundable business grant applications in Scotland.

  Updated 2026-09-01

• What documents do I need for a grant application?

  A checklist of the documents Scottish business funders most commonly request.

  Updated 2026-09-01