Digital & tech grants in Scotland

Competitive capital and growth grant for North Lanarkshire SMEs in key sectors, covering items such as bespoke software and e-commerce platforms. Up to 50% of net costs, up to £20,000 per application.

Who can apply

• SME (under 250 employees) based in North Lanarkshire, in a key sector (e.g. digital, creative, manufacturing, logistics, tourism)
• Trading at least 12 months with turnover at the VAT threshold (exceptions for high-growth projects)
• Must be working with a Business Gateway adviser
• ICT/digital capital projects must be discussed with the adviser first
• Businesses employing staff must pay the Real Living Wage
• Applications over £10,000 must show community benefit
• Max 2 awards and £40,000 per business in a rolling 24 months; max 10 items per application

What it pays for

• Bespoke software
• E-commerce platforms
• Bespoke ICT equipment
• Servers or cloud-based systems
• Machinery or equipment, and green capital projects
• Infrastructure improvements such as premises or ICT cabling (up to £20,000)
• Workforce or skills development (up to £5,000)
• Exhibition support (up to £4,000)

What it won’t pay for

• VAT and delivery costs
• Projects already started, or orders or deposits placed before the application decision
• Capital expenditure and infrastructure grants for home-based businesses

How to apply

1. 1Contact Business Gateway Lanarkshire (01698 442837, lanarkshire@bgateway.com) and work with a Business Gateway adviser.
2. 2A council officer visits your premises and meets the directors or owners before you apply.
3. 3Once eligibility is confirmed, your adviser sends a web link to the online application form.
4. 4Submit the form with evidence (incl. business plan, accounts, 12-month cash flow and two supplier quotes) by a monthly deadline: 5pm 16 Oct, 13 Nov or 4 Dec 2026.
5. 5A monthly panel decides. If awarded, buy within six months, pay suppliers, then claim (final claim deadline 5pm 29 Jan 2027).

What the quotes must show

• On the supplier's own headed paper (ideally PDF or a scan); email quotes only if clearly from the supplier's business email
• Dated within the last 3 months, citing your business name and address and the supplier's contact details
• Clear breakdown of goods or services; impartial, accurate and value for money; handwritten quotes not accepted
• Declare any personal, business or financial connection to your preferred supplier and discuss it with your adviser first

Funding

£1,000 to £20,000

Covers

Covers up to 50% of costs

Applications

Closes 4 December 2026

Supplier quote

2, each from a different supplier

Last checked

11 October 2026

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Grant for Highlands and Islands businesses researching, developing and testing a new digital or technology-led product, process or service, including software, SaaS, AI, platforms and apps. Minimum £10,000.

Who can apply

• Based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area
• Fewer than 50 employees (incl. community and social enterprises)
• Technology must be central to a new product, process or service
• Routine business advice, incremental improvement or general digital adoption not eligible
• Retail, hospitality, personal or general business services unlikely unless creating a new tech venture
• Fair Work conditions apply; pay costs upfront and claim in arrears
• Rolling while funds last; applications close May 2027 (exact day not published)

What it pays for

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning products
• Software development and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions
• Digital platforms, apps and online services
• Data innovation and data-driven products
• Robotics, automation and cobotics
• IoT, sensor-based and connected technology products
• Cyber security, AR/VR and immersive technologies
• Other technology-enabled products with proprietary IP, incl. emerging and deep tech

What it won’t pay for

• Projects previously funded by HIE
• Salary costs of payroll employees
• Placements
• Legal costs
• Travel and accommodation (generally excluded; case by case depending on location)

How to apply

1. 1Complete HIE's enquiry form; a member of the HIE team will get in touch.
2. 2Apply with an outline brief, evidence of at least three contractor quotes and justification for your chosen supplier.
3. 3HIE appraises each case (need for funding, viability, ability to deliver, economic impact); intervention level is agreed during the application.
4. 4If offered a grant, complete the work and pay suppliers upfront, then submit a claim; HIE pays in arrears.

What the quotes must show

• Provide an outline brief for the work, evidence of at least three quotes from potential contractors and justification for your choice
• Choose your own suppliers: HIE cannot recommend suppliers
• If you pay a supplier by business credit card, say so at application; the card must be paid before you claim

Funding

£10,000 to £25,000

Applications

No closing date given

Supplier quote

At least three

Last checked

11 October 2026

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Grant for Renfrewshire businesses developing and implementing new digital systems to improve business performance and enable growth, covering up to 50% of eligible expenditure.

Who can apply

• Business located in Renfrewshire
• No closing date published

What it pays for

• Development and implementation of new digital systems that aim to improve business performance and enable growth

How to apply

1. 1Register or sign in to Renfrewshire Council MyAccount and complete the online 'Apply for a digital development grant' form.

Funding

£1,000 to £10,000

Covers

Covers up to 50% of costs

Applications

No closing date given

Supplier quote

Check the guidance

Last checked

11 October 2026

Early-stage R&D grant for founders and small businesses in the Highlands and Islands developing a new digital or technology-led minimum viable product, process or service. Covers a proportion of costs, minimum £2,000.

Who can apply

• Based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area
• Fewer than 50 employees (incl. community and social enterprises)
• Technology must be central to a new product, process or service
• Routine business advice, incremental improvement or general digital adoption not eligible
• Retail, hospitality, personal or general business services unlikely unless creating a new tech venture
• Fair Work conditions apply; pay costs upfront and claim in arrears
• Rolling while funds last; applications close May 2027 (exact day not published)

What it pays for

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning products
• Software development and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions
• Digital platforms, apps and online services
• Data innovation and data-driven products
• Robotics, automation and cobotics
• IoT, sensor-based and connected technology products
• Cyber security, AR/VR and immersive technologies
• Other technology-enabled products with proprietary IP, incl. emerging and deep tech

What it won’t pay for

• Projects previously funded by HIE
• Salary costs of payroll employees
• Placements
• Legal costs
• Travel and accommodation (generally excluded; case by case depending on location)

How to apply

1. 1Complete HIE's enquiry form; a member of the HIE team will get in touch.
2. 2Apply with an outline brief, evidence of at least three contractor quotes and justification for your chosen supplier.
3. 3HIE appraises each case (need for funding, viability, ability to deliver, economic impact); intervention level is agreed during the application.
4. 4If offered a grant, complete the work and pay suppliers upfront, then submit a claim; HIE pays in arrears.

What the quotes must show

• Provide an outline brief for the work, evidence of at least three quotes from potential contractors and justification for your choice
• Choose your own suppliers: HIE cannot recommend suppliers
• If you pay a supplier by business credit card, say so at application; the card must be paid before you claim

Funding

£2,000 to £10,000

Applications

No closing date given

Supplier quote

At least three

Last checked

11 October 2026

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Grant for West Lothian businesses introducing new digital capabilities, such as building an e-commerce website, developing an app or buying software. Up to £7,500 against a total project cost of £15,000.

Who can apply

• Based in West Lothian; key sectors incl. electronics and software, creative, manufacturing, tourism (others if strategically aligned)
• Trading more than 12 months and reached the VAT threshold
• Up to 50% of eligible costs; maximum project cost £15,000
• Businesses employing staff must pay at least the Real Living Wage
• Do not apply if awarded a Digital Development Grant in the last 12 months
• No reapplying for 18 months after drawdown; max 2 grants per business
• No closing date published; budgets are limited

What it pays for

• Building an e-commerce website
• Developing an app
• Purchase of software and IT, and digital hardware
• Improving IT infrastructure
• Enhancing digital skills of the workforce

What it won’t pay for

• VAT
• Activities already started before applying

How to apply

1. 1Review West Lothian Council's business funding guide (priorities, key sectors and pre-application criteria).
2. 2Register interest by emailing invest@westlothian.gov.uk; funding is delivered by Business Gateway West Lothian.
3. 3Apply with management accounts, financial projections and an environmental plan.
4. 4If awarded, pay upfront and reclaim the grant with invoices and bank statements (paid retrospectively).

Funding

Up to £7,500

Covers

Covers up to 50% of costs

Applications

No closing date given

Supplier quote

Check the guidance

Last checked

11 October 2026

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Grants for East Renfrewshire businesses towards bespoke IT software, IT equipment for new services and e-commerce activity. Off-the-shelf software and non-e-commerce brochure websites are excluded.

Who can apply

• Located and trading in East Renfrewshire
• Micro Business Grant: trading 12+ months, 16+ hours a week, turnover £10k-£100k, up to £2,000
• Small Business Growth Grant: trading 12+ months, turnover £100k+, 50% of eligible costs, £2,001-£5,000
• Items must be purchased outright
• Not in debt to the council (active repayment plans considered)
• Available between now and February 2027 (exact day not published)

What it pays for

• Bespoke IT software
• IT equipment for new services
• Marketing and e-commerce activities
• Capital equipment for new services, products or processes
• Exhibiting at a national trade show
• Commercial property improvements incl. energy efficiency measures

What it won’t pay for

• Off-the-shelf software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office, Sage)
• Laptops, tablets or mobile phones
• Websites or brochures without a clear focus on e-commerce; social media advertising
• Purchases or orders already made; hire purchase, lease or finance
• Furniture, consumables, second-hand equipment, vehicles
• Transport, subsistence or accommodation

How to apply

1. 1Check the eligibility criteria on the council's page.
2. 2Complete the online application form and upload supporting documents (it has no save facility and times out after 45 minutes).
3. 3Include 1 written quote per item, your last 2 months of business bank statements, annual accounts and an income and expenditure projection.
4. 4The council reviews the application and may visit; a decision is usually made within 14 days.

What the quotes must show

• Micro grants: give your rationale for the chosen supplier

Funding

Up to £5,000

Applications

No closing date given

Supplier quote

1 written quote per item

Last checked

11 October 2026

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Grant towards paid specialist advice and mentoring for Highlands and Islands tech founders, such as technical scoping, product roadmaps, MVP requirements and technical feasibility. Minimum £2,000.

Who can apply

• Based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area
• Fewer than 50 employees (incl. community and social enterprises)
• Technology must be central to a new product, process or service
• Routine business advice, incremental improvement or general digital adoption not eligible
• Retail, hospitality, personal or general business services unlikely unless creating a new tech venture
• Fair Work conditions apply; pay costs upfront and claim in arrears
• Rolling while funds last; applications close May 2027 (exact day not published)

What it pays for

• Technical scoping, product roadmap planning and advice on minimum viable product requirements
• Customer discovery, market research, market testing and competitor analysis
• Refining the business idea, value proposition and target market
• Business model development, pricing, commercial planning and go-to-market preparation
• Founder mentoring on start-up readiness and investment preparedness
• Specialist advice to prepare a business plan, action plan or investor-ready proposition

What it won’t pay for

• Projects previously funded by HIE
• Own time or salary costs of payroll employees
• Materials
• Placements
• Legal costs
• Travel and accommodation (generally excluded; case by case depending on location)

How to apply

1. 1Complete HIE's enquiry form; a member of the HIE team will get in touch.
2. 2Apply with an outline brief, evidence of at least three contractor quotes and justification for your chosen supplier.
3. 3HIE appraises each case (need for funding, viability, ability to deliver, economic impact); intervention level is agreed during the application.
4. 4If offered a grant, complete the work and pay suppliers upfront, then submit a claim; HIE pays in arrears.

What the quotes must show

• Identify up to three eligible consultants or mentors; provide evidence of at least three quotes and justification for your choice
• Choose your own supplier: HIE cannot recommend suppliers
• If you pay a supplier by business credit card, say so at application; the card must be paid before you claim

Funding

£2,000 to £5,000

Applications

No closing date given

Supplier quote

At least three

Last checked

11 October 2026

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Scottish Enterprise's SMART: SCOTLAND feasibility grant is on hold and not accepting applications. Scottish Enterprise says a new fund will launch in late autumn 2026; its terms aren't published yet.

Who can apply

• New fund's terms not yet published
• Previous round: Scottish SMEs with technically innovative feasibility projects with a commercial endpoint
• Previous round: management and technical resources could be in-house or brought in

How to apply

1. 1Sign up for Scottish Enterprise's newsletter for updates on the new fund; no applications are being accepted now.

Funding

See the official page

Applications

Expected late autumn 2026

Supplier quote

Check the guidance

Last checked

11 October 2026

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