Local Economy Support
The Department has a number of support schemes available for those businesses in the local economy, whether that is making your business more energy efficient, gaining advice from consultants, improving productivity, or improving the look of your business.
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Get FREE, expert business advice through the Business Advisory Service. Independent consultants help identify challenges and opportunities so your business can grow, adapt, or get back on track.
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Access consultants for business projects including app development, booking systems, transactional websites, environmental efficiency, and more. Matched funding up to £7,500 to help your business.
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Get 75% funding up to £5,000 for an energy audit and access 100% interest-free loans for projects to make your business more energy efficient, reduce emissions and lower energy costs.
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Start-ups and early-stage small businesses can access training, mentoring, and up to £6,000 in funding to get their business off the ground and set up for success.
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Get up to 80% of eligible costs to create exciting events, helping organisers and local authorities boost footfall and increase spending at nearby businesses.
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Get funding through the Local Economy Fund to support activities that deliver the Strategic Goals of the Local Economy Strategy and benefit your local area and economy.
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Access funding to improve your businesses' external appearance, accessibility, payment systems, or internal fit outs of empty commercial units for commercial or residential use.
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Financial support of up to 30% for vocational training on Island, including courses on accountancy, childcare, construction, engineering, ICT, shipping, catering and many more.
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Access funding of up to 80% (capped at £2,000) towards eligible costs for hospitality, leisure, entertainment and retail venues to host in-house-events.
Frequently Asked Questions
The support listed above on this page is available for sectors across the Island's local and business economy. This includes (not limited to):
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Childcare
- Construction
- Care
- Leisure
T&Cs and eligibility checks apply.
Yes. The Business Advisory Service, which is under the Business Consultancy Scheme, enables businesses to access FREE expert, tailored advice from an independent consultant. They’ll review your business, discuss your needs, and help identify challenges and opportunities.
Find out more at Business Consultancy Scheme page.
Yes. The Business Emissions Saving Scheme helps businesses looking to become more energy efficient, reduce energy costs.
The Scheme offers two forms of support to eligible businesses.
- Applicants can apply for a grant towards 75% up to £5,000 of the cost for an energy audit.
- Applicants can apply for an interest-free unsecured loan towards energy efficiency or emissions reducing projects. Financial assistance starting from £1,000 up to £100,000, dependent on business size and sector.
Find out more at Business Emissions Saving Scheme
Yes. The Town & Village Regeneration Scheme provides support to improve internal accessibility improvement projects.
Eligible applicants in an existing property (occupied or unoccupied) can apply to receive 50% of the cost up to £25,000 for accessibility projects including signage, handrails, automatic doors, ramps, lifts and more.
Find out more at Town and Village Regeneration Scheme.
Yes. The Vocational Training and Assistance Scheme offers financial support of up to 30% for vocational training and apprenticeships on Island. This includes courses on accountancy, childcare, construction, engineering, ICT, shipping, catering and more.
Find out more at VTAS. Please note this is run by Department of Education, Sport and Culture.
No unfortunately there is no specific support available for recurring costs. However, if you are unsure what support you need, through the Business Consultancy Scheme you can access the Business Advisory Service for FREE and get a consultant to give you independent advice on your business.
Alternatively you can reach out to the department on 687333.
Yes. Through the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme there is support for existing businesses to improve the external appearance of properties, and improve internal accessibility. There is also the option for support towards the installation of payment equipment.
Find out more at Town and Village Regeneration Scheme.
There are no Schemes that are designed to specifically support wages paid to employees. There are a range of Schemes that relate to training, mentoring and financial support for specific areas within business.
There is also a free of charge Business Advisory Service, offered under the Business Consultancy Scheme which aims to help businesses prepare for the increase by way of offering trading advice, etc.
Yes. The Enterprise Support team are available and happy to discuss any potential enquiries you may have regarding potential support and can point you in the right direction.
Please contact the team either on 687333 or email enterprisesupport@gov.im
Alternatively you can complete the support contact form.
Want to know what support is available?
Complete our business enquiry form to confirm your eligibility and find out more about the support available. If you prefer to talk or have any questions, call 687333.