Financial Assistance for East Lothian Businesses
This page outlines the main sources of financial support for new and established businesses based in East Lothian. Economic Development Division’s remit is to grow and expand East Lothian’s business base and funding for business growth can help.
Each programme has its own application process. All applications will require a detailed business plan with financial projections.
Please note that eligibility conditions and criteria change. We strongly recommend that you talk to one of our Business Advisers prior to any application.
For all enquiries, or to speak to a Business Adviser, please contact
East Lothian Council
Ecomonic Development Division
Carlyle House
Lodge Street
Haddington
East Lothian
EH41 3DX
Telephone: 01620 82 72 82 Email: economicdevelopment@eastlothian.gov.uk
Economic Development Division provides free, impartial business advice and information to all existing businesses, pre-start clients and voluntary organisations in the area.
Start-Up and Existing Businesses
East Lothian Investments Ltd Interest-Free Loan - Interest-free loans up to a maximum of £10,000. The loans are unsecured and an administration fee of 5% of the total loan value is charged. 
Click here to download an application form.
Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme - The Department of Trade And Industry issues high street banks a guarantee of 70% for new businesses (loan maximum £100,000) and 85% for existing businesses (loan maximum £250,000) of the total amount. Please contact Business Gateway East Lothian for an application form - telephone 01620 827870.
Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) - Start-up grant of £1,000 per person of £3,000 per group. Unsecured loan up to maximum of £5,000 per business. Age 18-25 years only. Please contact Business Gateway East Lothian for an application form - telephone 01620 827870.
Existing Businesses Only
Loan Action Scotland interest-free loan scheme for energy efficiency. Small to medium sized companies can borrow between £5,000 and £100,000 at 0% fixed interest in order to implement measures to reduce energy costs. Through installing more efficient equipment you can reduce your Climate Change Levy and the investment can be set against Capital Allowances. Contact Economic Development Division - telephone 01620 827282. Click here for more information.
SPUR - A grant of 35% up to a maximum of £150,000 for companies wishing to undertake research and development projects leading to a new product and/or process. Please contact Economic Development Division for an application form - telephone 01620 827282.
SPUR Plus - A grant of 35% to maximum of £450,000 to help in the development of a world-beating product and/or process. Please contact Economic Development Division for an application form - telephone 01620 827282.
Business Development Grant - A discretionary grant of 50% funding is available from East Lothian Council. Selection and award of grant criteria is based on business growth and job creation. Click here to download an application form.
Business Relocation Grant - Criteria as for the Business Development Grant. Please contact Economic Development Division for an application form - telephone 01620 827282.
If you require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the form, you can download a copy free of charge from the Adobe Website.