Inverclyde Council offers a grant to businesses that are starting to trade in the area. The grant will provide up to £500 and can be put towards the start-up costs of the business.

Applicants must submit:

• a business plan
• a one-year cashflow projection
• evidence of trading status
• proof of business insurance
• an unredacted copy of a bank statement, dated within the past 3 months, that clearly shows the name of the account holder, the account number and sort code

The grant will be paid into your business bank account after you submit evidence that your business is trading.

If the business is operating from commercial premises, you must also submit evidence that you or your business own the lease. 

You will need to meet with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde before you receive an application form.

You cannot apply for funding for projects that have already started.

You are eligible if:

• your business has started trading from an address in Inverclyde in the last 6 months
• you work in the business for at least 15 hours per week
• you aim to work in the business full-time by the end of your first year of trading
• your projected turnover for the first year is at least £10,000
• the business operates in a sector where there is unlikely to be much competition with other local businesses
• you have attended a one-to-one meeting with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde

This is a free service. Free business advice is also provided.

The fund will provide up to £500 towards the start-up costs of the business. You must be prepared to cover the rest of the costs from other sources.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence that your business is trading. You must be able to cover any costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

Businesses that are starting to trade in Inverclyde, or have started trading there in the last 6 months. 

After you meet with your start-up business adviser, your application must be approved and relevant information provided before you can submit a claim for payment. The timescale to approve applications will vary. Once you've submitted your claim, payment will usually be made within 20 days.

You cannot apply for funding for projects that have already started.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence that your business is trading. You must be able to cover any costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

Submit an enquiry and an adviser will be in touch to discuss your needs.