Business grant funding and advice were provided to support the establishment and growth of new and existing businesses to complement the wider business support available:
- £75,000 to support SME Development Grants and Support for Small Business
- £572,262 for the Business Growth Fund
- Smart Hub Lanarkshire received £50,000
- Expert Help received £175,000
UKSPF developed enhanced strands of business support and provided targeted entrepreneurial support through £140,000 to support the following themes:
- Social Enterprise Support
- Women in Business, particularly through the continued development of The HIVE
- Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) enterprises supported through the Scottish Asian Business Chamber
Social Enterprise
We worked with Inspirent and Business Gateway Lanarkshire, who have a blend of local knowledge and Social Economy expertise, to support local social enterprises. Participants received support through a business development accelerator and various events and workshops.
Women in Business
The Hive was established in 2024 to provide support to local women and offers a flexible workspace with flexible short term lets. Contracted partners Inspirent and Business Gateway Lanarkshire also worked with and supported potential and existing entrepreneurs working within the Hive. Advice, guidance and regular events were provided.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Businesses
We worked with the Scottish Asian Business Chamber to support the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community in North Lanarkshire. Through UKSPF funding, potential entrepreneurs received tailored one-to-one support, free training sessions and support with applications for any relevant grants.
More information on the wider support available through the council and Business Gateway can be found on our Business Support web pages.