The Scottish Government DigitalBoost Development Grant

Post Author:

Anne Melville

Date Posted:

February 14, 2022

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The Scottish Government DigitalBoost Development Grant fund reopened for applications on 14 February 2022 but due to exceptional response closed again on 15 February 2022.

To complete an expression of interest in any future DigitalBoost Development Grant funding, please complete the eligibility check and registration and you will be contacted with further information.

https://www.digitalboostdevelopmentgrant.co.uk/

This fund aims to help Scottish businesses improve their digital capability and presence. It can be used to buy software and hardware, move your business online and improve cyber security etc.

Who is this for? 

All businesses in Scotland that are looking to enhance their service or organisation using digital technology, platforms and innovation.

All industry sectors are eligible for consideration. Charities, social enterprises and third sector organisations can also apply.

What can the grant be used for?

  • buying software
  • digital skills training
  • buying IT or digital communications hardware
  • building an online booking/ticketing system
  • implementing an ecommerce solution
  • data analytics
  • developing an app
  • digital consultancy costs
  • software or hardware rental (first year costs only)
  • building or upgrading a website
  • ongoing annual charges for platforms, hosting or online content management (first year costs only)

It cannot be used for:

  • quality accreditation
  • marketing – attending trade fairs, PR and marketing activity, branding
  • building improvements, groundworks, fixtures and fittings
  • initiatives to reduce employment in the business
  • statutory costs, property development and the purchase of stock
  • software or hardware rental (costs beyond the first year)
  • ongoing annual charges for platforms, hosting or online content management (costs beyond the first year)

How long do I have to apply?

Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis until the available budget has been exhausted. As noted above the fund is now closed due to exceptional response.

To complete an expression of interest in any future DigitalBoost Development Grant funding, please complete the eligibility check and registration and you will be contacted with further information.

https://www.digitalboostdevelopmentgrant.co.uk/

 Is my business eligible?

  • your business must be registered and operating in Scotland
  • you must not have received a grant from DigitalBoost in the previous funding rounds
  • your business must have been trading a minimum of 6 months (that is, receiving sales income for at least 6 months)
  • the applicant must be over the age of 18
  • the applicant must be a UK resident with the right to work in the UK
  • your business must meet the European definition of a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in relation to employees, balance sheet and turnover – that is, it must employ fewer than 250 persons and have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million euro, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euro

How much is the grant? 

Businesses which are VAT-registered can apply for grants of up to £20,000. For VAT-registered businesses, all VAT costs are excluded from the grant sum awarded.

Businesses which are not VAT registered can apply for grants of up to £5,000 

Recipients will be able to reclaim a maximum of 50% of the eligible cost of their project as detailed in the grant award email.

Important information regarding the application process 

The application process is in four stages:

  • The Eligibility questionnaire

You complete this to determine if you are eligible to apply for a grant.

  • Digital Integration Plan (DIP)

You then have the option to complete a Digital Integration Plan.

The DIP will give you the support you need to identify the right technology and appropriate supplier/s to bring your digital project to life. Completion of the DIP generates a Digital Implementation Roadmap (DIR) which you can download. The DIR will support and underpin the success of your digital project.

  • The formal application form

The grant application form will be pre-populated with your details from the eligibility question set.

You have a maximum of 7 days to complete and submit the DigitalBoost Development Grant application form. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Monday 21 February 2022.

  • The claim process

After you have received your grant award, you will have 4 weeks to complete your digital project and submit evidence of your grant spend. Once your evidence is verified, your grant will be paid within 10 days. Please note that all grant claims must be submitted by 31 March 2022. Claims submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Next steps

 Visit the DigitalBoost Development Grant website for more information:

https://www.digitalboostdevelopmentgrant.co.uk/

https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/digitalboost-development-grant

The information in this blog provides only an overview of Scottish Government guidance and legislation in force at the date of publication and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed Scottish Government guidance and legislation or seeking professional advice.  Therefore no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this blog can be accepted by the firm.

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

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