There is a range of financial and other support available to new and growing businesses in Orkney. Please contact the Orkney office to discuss the eligibility.
The Council offers financial assistance to help businesses establish themselves, expand, develop and reach new markets.
Download our local business support guides
- Flexible Business Development Grant Guidelines
- Graduate Placement Scheme
- Economic Development Grant
- New Business Start-Up Grant
- Rural Shop Grant Scheme
- Community Development Fund Summary Guide
- Small Business Training Grant Guidelines
- Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Service
- Farm/Croft Diversification Grant Scheme Guidance
- Farm/Croft Diversification Grant Scheme Eligibility Checker
Sometimes a quick discussion with a local experienced business adviser is needed for a specific question or issue. We can arrange a 1 hour appointment in person, by phone or video with one of our local advisers, at no cost to you.
The range of topics include:
- HR - recruiting and developing people, becoming an employer, legislation, redundancy
- Digital - content management tools, website building, development and review, online trading, social media platforms, SEO, content creation, cyber security
- Marketing - planning, competitor and market analysis, customer profiling, branding and brand development, reviewing and improving activity
- Finance and funding - financial analysis, financial planning, identifying funding gaps and funding sources, profit analysis, debt management, tax obligations
- Starting a business – top tips for business planning, budgeting, registering with HMRC
Additional time may be offered following the initial 1 hour meeting.
There are many ways we can support your start-up journey.
Our Planning To Start tool is a great place to begin. It takes just 10 minutes to complete and provides you with an instant toolkit with key resources & information. We'll then connect you with a member of the team at our local office for further support.
Our website offers a business plan guide and template to download when you’re ready, market reports and research, as well as handy online guides and articles, video tutorials and podcasts. Plus, we have a great range of webinars to hone your start-up skills – from writing a business plan to marketing on a budget.
With our help, you could be in business sooner than you imagined.
Our resources and one-to-one support can help you strengthen your business.
Whether you’re looking to take on premises or learn more about digital marketing, we can help you take the next step. Get started by taking 10 minutes to complete our Strengthen Your Business Tool and get a personalised dashboard of online resources and webinars.
We know that your time is in short supply, so we also offer one-to-one advice at a time and day to suit you. Together, you and your business adviser can create a strategic action plan to suit your ambitions.
Our online resources and webinars can help you learn new skills, create opportunities and gain confidence. From HR to restructuring, innovation and digital marketing - we can help. And if specialist input is required, we can connect you to other sources of support.
Access webinars, online guides and a Digital Health Check.
From digital marketing strategy to social media, e-Commerce, cyber security and more, we can help boost your digital performance.
Our Digital Health Check is a great place to start. It will help pinpoint your digital strengths, areas you could improve, and how we can help, and it only takes 5 minutes to complete.
There are a number of relief schemes available which offer reduced non-domestic rates on qualifying business.
These include relief for small businesses (Small Business Bonus Scheme), empty properties, charities, rural businesses, renewable energy producers and nursing care establishments. Find out more or call 01856 8735 35.
The Estates Department holds details of all Orkney Islands Council properties that are for sale or rent.
For more information call 01856 873 535.
Find out if you need a license for your business and how to apply.
A list of the type of activities requiring a licence and details of how to apply are available online at www.orkney.gov.uk.
Advice and guidance on planning issues is available.
Find out online if you need planning permission of a building warrant, make an application, find out about an application that’s has been made, or find out more about long term policies such as the Local Plan. Call 01856 873 535 or visit www.orkney.gov.uk.
Environmental Health and Trading Standards help to maintain a fair and safe trading environment where local businesses and consumers can thrive.
They can provide advice and information on legislation you may need to be aware of. Find out more or call 01856 873 535 for guidance.
The Supplier Development Programme provides support through a range of free tender training, e-learning modules and Meet the Buyer events to help Scottish SMEs, social enterprises and third sector organisations in bidding for public sector opportunities.
Your local Business Gateway office can offer free support to any business considering making redundancies.
Our advisers can help you look at your business challenges and then help you make the next practical steps. Along with that we can introduce you to PACE – Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.
Find your nearest office
Business Gateway Kirkwall
School Place
Kirkwall
KW15 1NY
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
09:00 to 17:00