Caithness Business Fund is a private sector fund established to distribute grants to small businesses based within the Caithness and North Sutherland area (defined as the Dounreay Travel to Work Area)
The Fund's mission is to promote the economic growth of Caithness and North Sutherland by supporting new and existing businesses and developing the skill base to meet new challenges.
The Fund was created after discussions between Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Baillie Wind Farm Ltd who had a vision to see a wider area of Caithness and North Sutherland benefit from local wind farms.
The Fund promotes economic growth and assists small businesses through contributions it receives from developers and businesses either through a multi-year commitment or one-off contributions. The Fund’s main funder is Baillie Wind Farm Ltd which contributes £25,000 RPI per annum (a 25-year commitment), with additional contributions from Cavendish Nuclear, Dounreay and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
If you have an existing business or are looking to start a business, check if you are eligible to apply for a grant to assist your business development, employ an apprentice or upskill your workforce. Alternatively if you are a business, developer or individual who would like to find out how the Fund can assist you in making an investment in Caithness contact us on 01847 500104.
Latest News
Significant Investment Commitment from NRS Dounreay and the NDA, Boosts Caithness Business Fund to Bolster Apprenticeships through New FutureSkills Initiative.
The Caithness Business Fund is celebrating a substantial investment boost of £100,000 from Focus North partners NRS Dounreay and the NDA to support the launch of FutureSkills, an apprenticeship grant scheme designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.
The fund will offer eligible businesses the opportunity to access financial grant support of up to £24,500 over a maximum period of three years, towards employment and associated training costs of an apprentice. The scheme will be open to businesses that can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship and providing a supportive pathway. It targets SMEs with the aim of facilitating new apprenticeship opportunities to stimulate business growth and overcome potential financial barriers.
Assistance from the Fund is helping to “level up” access to apprenticeships for small-to-medium enterprises in the North Highlands, ensuring businesses and organisations of all sizes are equipped with skills needed both now and in the future. Eligible SMEs can access grants from the Fund to help with employment and associated training costs for accredited apprenticeship opportunities within their business.
Apprenticeship Grants - These are available to businesses which can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship, providing a supportive pathway and desire to grow and create employment.
The FutureSkills apprenticeship scheme can provide financial support up to a maximum of £24,500 over 3 years.
Any grant awarded will vary depending on the needs of each business, the apprenticeship being undertaken and the availability of any other funding.
Training Grants – These are available to businesses seeking to provide relevant courses for their employees and can clearly demonstrate a linkage to business growth and development.
Full information on criteria for Apprenticeship & Training Grants can be found in the application guidelines.
