Innovation help for H&I businesses

HIE’s Innovate Your Business service aims to help SMEs in the Highlands and Islands make changes to improve their business.

Businesses can get access to experienced advisers who can help decide on the best course of action to move their innovation strategy forward. As well as employing their own in-house advisors, HIE also opens up access to external consultants who have a huge amount of experience in working with rural businesses.

Funding of up to £15,000 is available through HIE’s Small Innovation Grant Scheme. Your business must be based in the Highlands and Islands, and should employ no more than 250 people.

Businesses can apply for the funding year-round. The award of this funding is discretionary, with priority given to innovation projects that are directly responding to the COVID-19 crisis. This could be a health-related solution, or something that helps other businesses get back to work - whether through diversification, use of technology, adapting business practices to adjust to the changing economic environment, or developing new products to continue to trade. Where a project has a significant impact on health or economic outcomes, additional funding may be available.

For more details, visit HIE’s website.