SMART:SCOTLAND grant re-started

The SMART:SCOTLAND grant is a research and development (R&D) grant offered by Scottish Enterprise to support high-risk, highly ambitious projects by SMEs in Scotland

The programme was halted at the beginning of this year, while Scottish Enterprise worked on a new way of supporting businesses, putting in place a simpler, more inclusive funding model.  At the time, it was stated that grant funding will be targeted towards projects that help to generate jobs and support Scotland’s ambitions for a low carbon economy.

The programme has now restarted, with an initial deadline for applications at midnight on 30 June 2021.  After this, there will be a short pause while the service is moved onto a new digital platform, and from July, companies will be invited to apply using the new online application form.

YCF has long regarded SMART:SCOTLAND as one of the most beneficial funding support programmes available across the UK, and it is good to see the main features of the grant still in place.

SMART:SCOTLAND provides funding for feasibility studies that help to show that ideas could work in the real world.  Projects need to generate intellectual property (IP) to be owned by the applicant’s business.

For feasibility studies, grants can support up to 70% of the eligible costs for a small enterprise and up to 60% of the eligible costs for a medium enterprise.

Studies must last between 6 and 18 months, and the maximum grant is £100k.  Feasibility is paid with a third of the grant in an upfront instalment (a major feature which distinguishes SMART from most other funding), with the remainder quarterly in arrears.

For further information and to apply, go to the Scottish Enterprise website:

www.scottish-enterprise.com/support-for-businesses/funding-and-grants/business-grants/smart-scotland-grant

 

Written by Published: 20/05/2021 News

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