News, opportunities and helpful tools
Stay up to date with the latest news affecting rural business owners including, funding opportunities and helpful tips from the GrowBiz team.
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Solar PV Assessment
Small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises in Scotland can get free, impartial solar PV assessments from Business Energy Scotland. Find out more here.
Cairngorms Visitor Survey
Be amongst the first to hear the findings of this survey by signing up for the ‘Understanding our Visitors’ event on 10th September, 11am-12noon here.
Scottish EDGE
Round 26 is now open for applications until 2pm on 10 September 2025. Early-stage Scottish businesses from across all sectors can apply. Find out more here.
Inches Carr Craft Bursaries 2025
There are two types of Bursary depending how long you’ve been practicing professionally: Emerging Maker and Established Maker. Apply by Thursday 25 September at 17:00.
THRIVE Fundamentals 2025
This training programme is aimed at current and future food and drink entrepreneurs in Scotland. Register here for September.
Business Star Awards
The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards is now open for 2025 entries. Enter by Friday 12 September here.
Scottish Rural Leadership Programme
Business owners, directors, or senior members of a rurally based business or organisation can find out about the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme during online info sessions here.
Future Works Employer Recruitment Incentives
Perth & Kinross employers can receive a a financial contribution of up to £8,000 for the creation of new, sustainable job opportunities for those facing barriers to work. Email skillsandemployment@pkc.gov.uk for more information.
Perth and Kinross Visitor Levy
Perth & Kinross Council has launched a Public Consultation to understand whether and how a Visitor Levy should be implemented in Perth and Kinross. Find out more here
Carbon Literacy for Rural Industries
This one day course is offered on a quarterly basis for £200 per person. Find out more here.
New Perth Academy to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders
Perth Leadership Academy will work with a group of emerging leaders from the private, public and third sectors to help equip them with the skills they need to boost the leadership capability in their own organisations and help them work more effectively with other partners.
Outer Hebrides Digital Support Scheme (OHDSS)
This scheme aims to help small businesses in the Outer Hebrides develop and implement new digital systems by means of funding, mentoring and other support. Find out more here.
Advanced Innovation Vouchers
Advanced Innovation Vouchers are open to small and medium sized Scottish enterprises for research and development collaborations.The deadlines for applications are: 30th September; 31st October; and 28th November, 2025. Find out more here.
Research and Development Grants
Businesses in areas of Scotland covered by Scottish Enterprise may be eligible for funding towards researching and developing a new product, process or service, or significantly improving an existing one. Find out more here.
Futures for All
Futures for All is designed to support employers in Perth & Kinross to create new, sustainable job opportunities for individuals who are currently unemployed. Download the details here.
Change Mental Health Rural Connections
Free funded introductory mental health awareness training is available from Change Mental Health for rural organisations and businesses with less than 50 members of staff. Find out more here.
HIE New Product Development Programme
For established businesses in the Highlands and Islands to bring a new product or service to market. Find out more here.
SMART: SCOTLAND Grant
Grant from Scottish Enterprise to enable small or medium-sized businesses to conduct feasibility studies for technological projects.
Find out more here.
Technology Placement Programme
Enterprises in the Highland Council area can get up to 70% of the salary for a graduate or student placement.