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Outer Hebrides Business Development Scheme (OHBDS)

The OHBDS is fully funded by Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and is designed to encourage new business development including start-up and growth. Awards will be based on business/economic impact and the need for financial support. There is no guarantee of funding and each case will be judged on its own merits.

Eligibility and Conditions

The Outer Hebrides Business Development Scheme is subject to the following conditions:

  • Open to existing businesses based in the Outer Hebrides and to new businesses start-ups unable to access funding from OHYESS. Business owners/applicants must also be based in the Outer Hebrides. 
  • Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, co-operative groups, social enterprises or other legitimate business trading entities can apply for support.
  • Activity must satisfy the key aims of the scheme, which is to encourage economic and business activity.
  • New visitor accommodation is normally considered ineligible.
  • Applicants must be able to fund the project until the grant can be claimed. Grant payments will be released only upon submission of ‘proof of payment’.  No money should be spent until an application has been approved and an official letter of offer provided.
  • All items purchased should be done using the bank account used by the business. Using other accounts and credit cards, should not be used. Using other accounts owned by family members should not be used. Permission should be sought from Business Gateway if for any reason the normal business account cannot be used.
  • Applicants with income from other employment will be considered part-time.
  • Each application will be considered on its own merits. However, projects in areas which are adequately served by similar existing businesses are unlikely to meet the eligibility criteria.

The following will be required:

New businesses – business plan, financial projections (3-years), application form, supporting information as required.

Existing businesses – accounts, business plan (A4 page project overview may suffice), financial projections, application form, supporting information as required.

In addition, applicants will be required to complete an online application form, provide copies of bank statements, a credit check and any other supplementary information considered necessary to assess their application fully.

Scheme terms and conditions apply and may change from time to time.