Outer Hebrides

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.

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.

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.

As an example you can get help in the following areas:

• Creating your business plan
• Getting the most from your advertising and marketing
• Thinking about taking on staff
• Researching your business idea
• Find out what funding you can apply for
• Registering with HM Revenue and Customs
• Finding and keeping customers
• Access to professionally-drafted contracts and legal document template

Our advisers cover the area and are happy to come and meet you locally or support you by phone or email. All you need to do is get in touch to arrange a convenient time.

Micro Business Loan - (CnES - RLF)

This 'Interest-Free' loan of up to £2,000 aims to encourage the creation and growth of small businesses, which can contribute to new jobs in the local economy. The loan programme is funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Business Loan - (CnES - RLF)

This loan of up to £50,000, repayable up to 7 years at an interest rate between 4 and 6% (depending upon amount/security), is to encourage business start-up and enable business and community developments by assisting with long-term sustainability in the Outer Hebrides. The loan programme is funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Outer Hebrides Fisheries Investment Scheme

Funding available for the purchase of fishing vessels. Loans of up to £100,000 (commercial interest rates apply).

Community Support

The Community Regeneration team offer tailored advice and support to new and developing community businesses and social enterprises.

Business Property Portfolio

A list of business units, properties and land for lease / sale by the Comhairle is available here. Highlands & Islands Enterprise may also have business units for lease and should be contacted on 01851 707 300 for further information.

Outer Hebrides Business Directory

Free online directory for all business based in the Outer Hebrides. Find out more.

Outer Hebrides Young Enterprise Support Scheme (OHYESS)

OHYESS is funded by Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered by the Comhairle’s Business Gateway service. It is designed to fill the gap for business start-up funding for entrepreneurs and development funding for early-stage companies. The scheme provides grant funding for businesses in key sectors that have been trading for no longer than five years. The funding can be used for capital costs only: up to £5,000 grant for full-time businesses and up to £1,500 for part time businesses.

The level of support is normally up to 50% of eligible costs and up to 70% will be available for projects that include any of the following: applicants under 30; net zero, cruise market product development and Uist repopulation zone.

Outer Hebrides Youth Enterprise Programme (OHYEP)

OHYEP is financed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by the Comhairle’s Business Gateway service. It is available for young entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35 with a new or existing business. The programme is designed to help young business owners gain valuable business skills, learn from mentors and access financial support. The grant funding will be used towards revenue costs only: up to £2,000 grant for full-time businesses and up to £1,000 for part time businesses.

The level of support is normally up to 75% of eligible costs. Applicants are required to sign up to a structured aftercare programme which includes access to specialist one-to-one support.

COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grant Scheme (CERGS)

CERGS is designed to help the local economy recover from COVID by supporting businesses and social enterprises with grant funding to aid recovery, build resilience and encourage development. The funding can be used for capital costs only: up to £2,000 grant for full-time businesses and up to £1,000 for part time businesses.

For each of the grant schemes (OHYESS, OHYEP, CERGS), businesses must be based in the Outer Hebrides and applicants must be able to fully fund the project until the grant can be claimed. Payments will only be released upon submission of proof of payment. The funding cannot go towards items or services that have already been purchased. Please note new tourism accommodation projects are ineligible for support.

These include reliefs for small businesses (Small Business Bonus Scheme), empty properties, charities, rural businesses, renewable energy producers and nursing care establishments.

Find out online if you need planning permission or a building warrant, make an application, find out about an application that has been made, or find out more about long term policies such as the Local Plan.

Find out more here. Many licences can be applied for online.

Advice and information is available to help businesses within the Outer Hebrides ensure compliance with this legislation.

Advice and information is available to help businesses within the Outer Hebrides ensure compliance with this legislation.

They serve a vibrant and diverse business landscape, working in partnership with their members to benefit the region.

The Chamber strives to develop an economy that is sustainable and successful. Their focus is to protect and promote the interests of local businesses and the wider community and is dedicated to promoting, strengthening and connecting the growing business community.

Operated by Women’s Enterprise Scotland, the Women's Business Centre website is free to access and offers dedicated, needs-based content on starting and growing a business, including stories, encouragement and top tips from leading business owners across Scotland.

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.