Grant funding is available for businesses in certain circumstances in Orkney.  The first port of call for advice on what you might be eligible for is the Business Gateway office in Kirkwall or its website.  Through its Business Support Finder it can advise on how to apply for a grant and you can search for organisations that give grant funding, including the Scottish Government.

Orkney Islands Council also gives grant funding to local businesses through its Reserve Fund.  There are strict criteria for assistance for new business start-ups, expansions and sectoral schemes.  Funding may be available of up to 40% for the construction of new buildings or the improvement of existing buildings, machinery and equipment, up to a maximum of £55,000. Expansion in areas including manufacturing for export, tourism accommodation in certain areas and the service sector if the service is not currently available in Orkney may be eligible. The council encourages business innovation and sector-wide schemes which spread the benefit across a whole sector of an industry.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise has an area office in Kirkwall and this organisation also supports business growth through funding and advice, particularly for larger, more ambitious businesses.

There are many business and community development organisations in Orkney which apply for grant funding to support community projects which generate business and growth. These groups also manage such projects on behalf of their areas, and include many isles and mainland-based development trusts and groups.