Fledgling and established small and medium businesses are in line for a grant funding boost thanks to four Aberdeen City Council-led schemes aimed at developing environmentally friendly growth and strengthening communities.
The schemes, being led by the council will see over £500,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund grants made available through to February 2026 or whenever the total allocations are fully disbursed.
The four grant streams will help provide start-up funding, slash energy costs and boost sustainability, grow business through innovation and help businesses host events to energise the city centre and increase footfall through fostering community spirit.
Councillor Alex McLellan, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “These grant schemes are to help smaller businesses, and start-ups, in Aberdeen to grow sustainably, reduce energy costs and to help them play their part in revitalising our city centre.
“Aberdeen is home to a huge number of successful businesses which contribute to making our city a vibrant place.
“I would encourage businesses across the city to take this opportunity and apply for funding.”
The four grant schemes are:
Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme – Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with Scarf is offering non-repayable grants of up to £10,000 to help businesses, sole traders and third sector organisations through covering up to 50% of their energy saving project costs. Applications will be accepted up until 23 November 2025 and should be made through https://www.scarf.org.uk/organisation/sustainable-business/aberdeen-energy-efficiency-programme/
Business Start-up Grant Scheme– the Council is offering start up grants of up to £1,000 for home-based or mobile businesses and £3,000 for traders in rateable businesses premises, with businesses launched since 1 October 2024 also being eligible. Applications will be accepted up until 28 February 2026 and should be made via:
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/services-business/business-start-grant-scheme
Business Growth and Innovation Grant Scheme – offering businesses match-funded grants of up to £2,500 and 50% of eligible capital costs to help with expanding premises, adopting new technology, building a more sustainable future, workforce expansion and other business ambitions. Applications should be submitted by 28 February 2026 to https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/services-business/business-growth-and-innovation-grant-scheme
Support for City Centre Events and Markets – offers discretionary grant funding to businesses looking to host events boosting community spirit, attracting footfall and energising the city centre. Funding is £1,000 per business per event with up to two applications allowed if multiple businesses co-organise. Applications are welcomed up until 28 February and should be submitted to:
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services-business/support-city-centre-events-and-markets
Previous recipients of grant funding have highlighted their positive impacts.
Philip Sutherland, Director, Freeland Freight Services, said: “We’re already seeing a significant impact from the new high-efficiency boiler installed by Aberdeen Gas Services. Our gas consumption has dropped by over 60% compared to the same period last year, which not only reduces our energy bills but also supports our efforts to lower carbon emissions.
“The entire process, from application to installation, was straightforward and efficient. This upgrade marks a major step forward in our sustainability journey, and we’re extremely grateful to Scarf and for grant funding from Aberdeen City Council for making it possible”
Harvey Logan, Founders Associate, Ember, said: “In March this year we installed a 145kWp solar array supplying power to our electric bus depot in Bridge of Don. The grant from Aberdeen City Council and support from Scarf was instrumental in our decision to go ahead with this installation as it supported the commercial case and provided momentum to the project.
“Since the solar system went live it's generated over 43MWh of renewable electricity. We're delighted with this outcome and now plan to use lessons learnt to install solar at more Ember sites across Scotland”
Brenda Young, Head of Income and Impact, Aberdeen Foyer, said: "Applying for the grant was a straightforward process, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support. The funding enabled us to upgrade our boiler, helping us create a warm, safe space for programme participants while also reducing our running costs. This means we can focus more of our resources on supporting those who need it most across Aberdeen City."