Business Growth Fund

Funding available 

Eligible projects are 50% grant-funded and businesses can apply for up to £20,000 in grant funding per grant application. A maximum of two grant applications can be submitted to the Fund within a 24-month timeframe. 

Businesses can receive a maximum of £40,000 in total funding over a 24-month period. Any funding received from the Business Growth Fund within the last 24 months will count towards this limit. This period starts from the date of the last Business Growth Fund grant award letter being issued.   

Eligible projects 

The types of project that can be supported through the fund include: 

• Capital expenditure - up to £20,000
• Infrastructure improvement - up to £20,000
• Workforce or skills development - up to £5,000
• Exhibition support - up to £4,000 

Please review the Business Growth Fund Guidelines (see PDF document below) for information on eligibility criteria concerning the types of businesses and projects that can be considered for support, as well as examples of eligible expenditure under each of the above category headings. 

Eligible industry sectors 

The Fund is available to businesses operating in key sector industries within North Lanarkshire:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Life sciences
• Transport and logistics
• Tourism
• Food and drink (manufacturing and processing)
• Creative industries
• Digital
• Renewable energy
• Health and social care
• Social enterprises

How is funding paid? 

The Business Growth Fund is paid retrospectively. This means, that following a successful award, the applicant will need to pay out money upfront and then reclaim the grant money afterwards.

Grant funding is only available for up to 50% of net costs. This means applicants must secure the remaining 50% (or more) through private sector funding, plus VAT and delivery costs.  

How to apply 

To apply for the Business Growth Fund you must:

• be considering a project that will help your business grow, develop or improve.
• be actively working with a Business Gateway Adviser.
• Once you have confirmed your eligibility to apply for a BGF grant with your Business Gateway adviser, you will be issued with a web link that will enable you to complete your application form.

Funding panels to decide on grant application outcomes are held monthly. The schedule of panel meetings and monthly submission deadlines for 2026 is given below.

For information on how to apply and to discuss your enquiry in more detail, please contact Business Gateway Lanarkshire on 01698 442837 or email lanarkshire@bgateway.com  

Eligibility 

Please refer to the Business Growth Fund Guidance document below to see if you are eligible for funding.  

The Business Growth Fund award being applied for by your enterprise is considered to be a subsidy under the Subsidy Control Act (2022), and if successful will be awarded under the North Lanarkshire Business Growth Fund Grants Subsidy Scheme SC11504.