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The Scottish Enterprise Capital Grant provides support for businesses undertaking significant capital expenditure projects in Scotland.The programme is designed to encourage investment that can deliver a step change in productivity, wage growth and wider economic impact. Scottish Enterprise is particularly interested in projects that strengthen Scotland’s clean energy economy, scale innovative businesses in high-growth sectors and unlock substantial private investment.
Funding is discretionary, meaning that meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award. Projects will be assessed according to their strategic fit, economic impact, need for public funding and the benefits they can deliver for Scotland.
Key Dates and Funding
Opens: Open for enquiries
Closes: No fixed closing date stated
Funding: The minimum grant considered is £250,000. Scottish Enterprise is looking for projects representing at least £1 million of company spend.
Maximum support can cover:
The actual grant awarded may be lower than these maximum rates depending on the level of support required for the project to proceed and the economic benefits expected.
Under certain circumstances, some or all of the grant may be repayable.
Programme Overview
The Capital Grant is aimed at businesses planning substantial investment in facilities, equipment, infrastructure or other eligible capital expenditure.
Projects should contribute to Scottish Enterprise’s wider economic transformation objectives and demonstrate that the investment would either not proceed, or would proceed at a reduced scale or slower pace, without grant support.
The programme places particular emphasis on attracting private investment and supporting projects capable of delivering long-term benefits such as productivity improvements, high-quality employment, international competitiveness and economic growth.
Priority Areas
Scottish Enterprise is prioritising investment in three broad areas.
Energy Transition
Projects that can strengthen Scotland’s position as an internationally competitive clean energy economy are particularly encouraged.
This may include investments that:
Scaling Innovation
Scottish Enterprise is also looking to convert Scotland’s innovation strengths into world-leading businesses within high-growth industries.
Priority sectors highlighted include:
Productivity and Capital Investment
Projects that unlock significant private capital investment and lead to a measurable improvement in company productivity are also a priority.
The programme is intended to support Scotland’s ambition to develop a more productive, higher-wage economy.
Eligible Countries
Businesses can be headquartered in:
However, the capital investment project itself must take place in Scotland.
Projects located in the Highlands and Islands or South of Scotland should initially approach their relevant local enterprise agency for funding advice.
Who Can Apply?
Businesses can apply regardless of whether they are currently based in Scotland, provided the proposed project will be located there.
Applicants must demonstrate that the project:
Applicants will also need to demonstrate that other funding options have been explored and explain why Scottish Enterprise support is necessary.
Project Requirements
Projects are generally expected to last between 6 and 36 months.
The proposed investment must:
Businesses should engage with Scottish Enterprise before committing to the investment.
If the company has already committed to delivering the project or Scottish Enterprise determines that the investment would proceed in substantially the same form without public support, funding will not normally be awarded.
How to Apply
The process begins with an enquiry to Scottish Enterprise.
Businesses must complete an enquiry form outlining the company, proposed investment, expected economic impact and need for grant support.
Scottish Enterprise will review the initial information and provide feedback. Where the project appears suitable, an appraisal specialist may then arrange a meeting and guide the applicant through the formal application and assessment process.
Businesses should make contact before committing to expenditure or starting the project, as existing commitments can affect eligibility.
Why This Funding Matters
Large capital projects can create substantial opportunities for business growth but often require significant upfront investment. For businesses looking to establish or expand operations in Scotland, the Capital Grant can help reduce investment barriers while supporting larger, faster or more ambitious projects.
The programme is particularly relevant to companies planning manufacturing expansion, new production capacity, advanced equipment investment or facilities that support emerging industries.
By combining private investment with targeted public support, Scottish Enterprise aims to attract high-value projects that strengthen Scotland’s industrial base, create quality employment and improve long-term productivity.
How Inventya Can Help
Securing capital grant support requires applicants to demonstrate not only the value of the investment, but also why public funding is essential, what economic benefits the project will create and how it supports Scotland’s strategic priorities. Inventya can help businesses develop a strong evidence-based investment case.
Our support includes:
Inventya can help businesses prepare the case for investment before significant commitments are made, ensuring that the project is positioned strongly against Scottish Enterprise’s economic, commercial and additionality requirements.
