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Business Advice and Support
Business funding, advice and support, debt advice, redundancy support and starting a business.
Business funding
There is a range of financial support available to new and established businesses based in East Lothian.
Each funding programme has its own eligibility requirements and application process. In most cases, you will be required to submit a detailed business plan along with financial projections.
As eligibility criteria and funding priorities can change, we strongly recommend that you speak to one of our business advisers before making any application.
East Lothian Funding Finder
Accessing the right finding can make a real difference to business growth and resilience. East Lothian businesses can access the East Lothian Funding Finder Portal free of charge.
This easy-to-use portal brings together a wide range of funding opportunities in one place, helping you quickly identify financial support that's relevant to your business.
Through the portal, you can:
- Access a comprehensive and regularly updated directory of funding opportunities
- Keep up to date with the latest funding news, opportunities and policy updates
- Search by industry sector, geographic area and business size
- View key application details before applying
- Contact funders directly, where applicable
Access East Lothian Funding Finder
Start-Up Loan
The Start Up Loan is a UK Government funded scheme designed to help people with a viable business idea raise the finance they need to start their own business.
Businesses can:
- Borrow up to £25,000
- Access a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum
- Choose a repayment term of 1 to 5 years
- Receive 12 months of free business mentoring
- Benefit from a government-backed loan
Funding Support for Rural East and Midlothian
Businesses and organisations operating in Rural East and Midlothian may be eligible for free access to funding information through Grant Finder.
This support is provided by the Tyne and Esk Rural Development Fund, delivered by the Tyne and Esk Local Action Group with funding from the Scottish Government.
Grant Finder is an online resource that provides information on hundreds of grant funders across the UK, including:-
- What they fund
- How much funding is available
- How and when to apply
* Please note: the urban centres of Musselburgh and Dalkeith are excluded with the exception of Dalkeith Country Park.