Business funding
There are sources of financial support to new and established businesses based in East Lothian. Each support programme has its own application process, but you should note that applications may require a detailed business plan with financial projections.
Eligibility conditions and criteria change. Because of this, we strongly recommend that you talk to one of our business advisers prior to making any application.
UKSPF Employee Development Grant
Funded by UK Government, this competitive fund offers revenue grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 to enable employers to create, develop and implement innovative skills projects and solutions which will aim to create and retain jobs, enable staff upskilling and employee career progression while meeting the UKSPF objectives:
- business growth and sustainability.
- increased local employment opportunities.
- adoption of innovation.
- the transition towards net-zero /tackling the climate and ecological emergency.
You are eligible if your business:
- is in the East Lothian Council Local Authority Area.
- has been trading for at least six months.
- meets at least one of the UKSPF outcomes.
- employs less than 250 staff.
- meets all legal requirements and regulations which relate to the operation of the business.
- is not in debt to East Lothian Council, e.g. for outstanding business rates or other charges.
- clearly demonstrates commitments to Fair Work Practices and achieving Net Zero.
- clearly demonstrates the need for the funding, the benefit to the business, the benefit to the employees(s) and the local economy and the fit with the programme objectives and outcomes.
Applications for this fund close at midday Friday 16 January 2026. If you are interested in this funding, please follow the link below to read the full guidance. Once you have read the guidance in full and agree that your business matches the criteria, you can follow the steps within the guidance to request an application form.
Start-Up Loan
The Start Up Loan is a UK Government funded scheme that helps people who have a viable business idea get the funding they need to start their own business.
Businesses can:
- borrow up to £25,000
- fixed interest rate of 6% per annum
- 1 to 5 year repayment term
- 12 months of free mentoring
- government-backed
Looking for Funding?
Tyne and Esk Rural Development Fund are delighted to announce free access to funding information in Rural East and Midlothian* for charitable, voluntary sector organisations and enterprises. The Tyne and Esk Local Action Group which receives funding from the Scottish Government, has taken a subscription to Grant Finder. The website is a free resource with information on hundreds of grant funders nationwide, including what they fund, how much they give and how to apply.
*The urban centres of Musselburgh and Dalkeith are excluded with the exception of Dalkeith Country Park.
Register on the Grant Finder Website
Find Business Support
The Find Business Support website directs your business to Scotland's public sector support. It gives customers an overview of all funding and services offered by public sector organisations across Scotland. This makes it quicker and easier for businesses to find the information, advice and support they need, when they need it.
Information is available for businesses of all sizes - from start ups to established companies, from sole traders to larger enterprises, from commercial businesses to social enterprises.