The Business Start Up Fund (BSUF) offers funding for essential business purchases such as IT equipment, infrastructure, website design and stock costs. It is not geared towards addressing working capital requirements.

The BSUF provides 100% funding up to £2,500. It has a tiered funding structure with grants of £1,000 and £2,500 available. The structure has been devised to reflect the higher start-up costs associated with businesses operating from commercial premises and/or with employees. It also aims to encourage new start businesses to grow their operation earlier.  

To be considered for grant support, no expenditure should be incurred for the costs outlined in the application form until after the applicant has received a formal decision from the council regarding the grant application.

Grants can only be claimed after suppliers have been paid and once the applicant has the necessary evidence to demonstrate spend.  

For further information or to apply please email businessfund@northlan.gov.uk

Before applying, please read the “Guidelines for Applicants” to make sure that your business, and the specific project seeking support, are eligible for consideration under this grant scheme.

To request an application form, please contact either a Business Gateway Lanarkshire adviser (call 01698 520775 or email lanarkshire@bgateway.com) or a council officer (email businessfund@northlan.gov.uk) to discuss your enquiry in more detail.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.