Entries open for Graduate Placement Grants Programme (UK)

Deadline: 31 July 2025

Entries are now open for the Graduate Placement Grants Programme to support salary costs for businesses for a two-year period to employ a new graduate within their business.

Funding Information

• The Graduate placement scheme currently supports placements for 2 years up to 70% of salary costs (excluding Employer NI and Pension contributions).

Excluded Sectors/Business Activities

• Alcohol
• Activities having a detrimental impact on the environment
• Financial Services
• Gambling
• Morally or Ethically controversial activities
• Primary Agriculture (including forestry)
• Property Development
• Weapons

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a small to medium SME i.e. sole trader, partnership or limited company.
• For avoidance of doubt the Fund will not support very small lifestyle/hobby businesses with no scalability and suggest these applications be directed to Business Gateway.
• Based in the Caithness and North Sutherland area (defined as the Dounreay Travel to Work Area).
• Looking to:
  • Start a new business (and which in the Fund’s view does not significantly displace another business).
  • Developing an existing business i.e. through training, growth plans or employing an apprentice or graduate.
• Applicant must demonstrate financial viability
• Applications will not be considered for capital equipment such as computer/printers unless they demonstrate growth or additionality

Application Requirements

• Applicants must provide:
  • A copy of latest accounts
  • Insurance certificates
  • Relevant Health & Safety documentation
  • Any other supporting documentation to strengthen your application

For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.