Funding and what it can cover
Over the next three years, businesses will be able to apply for shared grants of £1,000 - £15,000 to invest in projects that deliver measurable benefits for
- businesses
- visitors
- the wider visitor economy.
You will not need match funding, but it may strengthen your application if you have this.
Costs that are directly attributable to delivering approved projects may be eligible where they are
- clearly identified
- necessary for the project
- fully justified.
The costs which are eligible for funding are direct project-specific costs such as
- project staff time
- delivery costs
- materials
- expenses.
The fund does not support routine operating costs. Routine costs are normal day-to-day costs of running a business such as
- rent
- utilities
- insurance
- general administration
- existing staff salaries,
Funding criteria
Applicants must:
- operate within Edinburgh’s visitor economy, with the projects being delivered within the Council area
- have been trading for at least 12 months
- demonstrate the capacity to deliver the proposed project.
Businesses or organisations may apply for more than one project as long as each application is
- distinct
- meets the eligibility.
Read the details of the funding criteria. If you need help with this, please email the team.
Business development strand
Applications must be submitted on behalf of a group of at least three businesses, demonstrating clear collaboration between participating businesses.
The group may already be formally constituted at the point of application or may be in the process of becoming constituted. Where a group is not yet constituted, the application must identify a named lead organisation that will coordinate the application and, subject to approval, act as the accountable body.
The group must be formally constituted and able to enter into a grant agreement before any funding is awarded. Constituted groups may partner with other organisations where this supports delivery, expertise or impact.
Accessibility and inclusion strand
Applications may be submitted by individual businesses or constituted groups of businesses operating within Edinburgh’s visitor economy. This includes facilities or services which are substantially for or used by people visiting the Council area for leisure or business purposes (or both). This may include, but are not restricted to
- businesses primarily serving visitors
- accommodation providers
- attractions
- tour operators
- cultural venues
- hospitality businesses
- retail businesses
- organisations operating in the visitor economy from
- social enterprises
- charities
- cultural organisations
- business events
- conferences.
Other businesses which can demonstrate a tangible and credible connection to visitors and the visitor experience in Edinburgh may also be eligible to apply.