8 export support schemes available to Scottish businesses
Tools & Resources
With Scotland enjoying a wealth of export opportunities and growth of 5.7% in the year ending March 2022, you might be wondering how you can join in the country’s success. Exporting is a journey you’ll find much easier with a guide at your side, so we have pulled together a list of schemes to help you with exporting if you’re based in Scotland.
Click each heading below for details of the scheme.
1
Scottish Enterprise - international business support
Scottish Enterprise provides online resources, guides, information, and events on business development.
International markets can offer huge opportunities for your business. If you’re new to exporting, we can help you find the right markets and get started. If you already trade internationally, we can help you expand your international sales and discover new opportunities.
For further details visit the Scottish Enterprise or call +44 (0)300 013 3385
2
Scottish Loan Scheme by Scottish Enterprise
The Scottish Loan Scheme is designed to help companies in Scotland to grow through access to loans from £250,000 to £2m.
Your business must be at least two years old with a minimum turnover of £250,000 to apply.
You can use the loans for international expansion, working capital, growth funding and capital expenditure.
Full information and terms on the loans can be found on the Scottish Loan Scheme or call +44 (0)300 013 3385.
3
Department for Business and Trade Scotland
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) can help businesses get ready to export, increase the supply of inward investment opportunities and increase overseas demand for UK exporters.
They have local trade offices based around the UK Within each office, you can contact an international trade advisor. Find your local office.
4
Scottish Venture Fund by Scottish Enterprise
The Scottish Venture Fund is a mainly equity-based fund that invests in start-ups, early-stage, and expanding businesses in Scotland.
To apply, your business must have begun trading.
The fund invests alongside private sector investments, up to a maximum of 50% of the total funding requirement, from £10,000 up to £2m.
For details on how to apply visit the Scottish Venture Fund or call +44 (0)300 013 3385.
5
Export Hub Scotland
The Export Hub Scotland is available via The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network. It offers you an opportunity to identify overseas markets and start your exporting journey.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is maximising its position as a globally trusted and credible partner, working with the Scottish Government to boost Scotland's exporting performance.
Trade Missions for Scottish companies are being developed, so if you are looking to learn more about exporting, access new markets, and are ready to take your product or service out to international markets, visit the Export Hub Scotland.
6
Scottish Chamber of Commerce
Scottish Chambers of Commerce is made up of members who form the network of the 30 Chambers of Commerce across Scotland’s towns, regions, and cities.
You can access your local hub via the Scottish Chambers or call +44 (0)141 444 7500.
7
Co-Innovate Programme
Aimed at manufacturing and tradable services SMEs with export potential, the Co-Innovate Programme provides education and capability support tailored to meet your needs.
You can access five strands of support and the Co-Innovate team will help to identify the key areas where they can positively impact your business to help you to meet your innovation needs.
The five strands of support are:
- Workshops
- Capability Review
- Expert Advice
- Business with Academia
- Business to Business
Visit the Co-Innovate Programme for more details and the full criteria.
8
mygov.scot
The Scottish Government website offers a wide range of information, tools and guidance on starting a business, accessing finance, searching for premises, and employing staff.
You will also find in-depth information relating to importing and exporting, to enable you to enter overseas markets. Visit mygov.scot to access all their resources.
Next steps:
- Explore each scheme to assess your eligibility and decide which you will contact for support.
- Prepare a brief summary of your export ambitions, any challenges you face and key questions you want to ask of each relevant scheme.
- Find more advice and tools in our Exporting Bundle.
- For businesses that are already trading internationally, check out how you can get involved with the Scottish Export Index.