What projects can be assisted
The Scheme can support a range of eligible projects which will improve the sustainability of local shops and the service they provide to their local communities. Priority will be given to projects which improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon consumption and contribute to Shetland’s net zero ambitions.
These are some examples of the type of projects which may be eligible for support. These examples are purely for illustration and are not intended to be an exhaustive list as other types of projects may be eligible:
- Businesses may be seeking to upgrade or expand their premises. Examples may include upgrading ventilation systems, or refitting to increase capacity or diversify sales;
- Businesses may be operating from premises which are not energy efficient, resulting in higher utility bills. A business may want to improve efficiencies and lower running costs by making improvements to the energy efficiency of lighting, windows or walls, installing low carbon energy options including solar panels, small-scale wind turbines and air source heating;
- Businesses may wish to transition to become more efficient or secure more environmentally friendly machinery and equipment;
- Businesses may wish to expand the range of services available to their local communities and increase footfall by attracting new customers, which may require investment in facilities and equipment.
Projects developing services which are additional to core retail purposes (eg, café facilities) will only be considered where there is no direct competition or risk of displacement in the local area.
Capital investment costs relating to improving business premises may be considered under the scheme. These might include, but are not limited to:
- Premises adaptation, upgrades and improvements;
- Energy efficiency upgrades, such as lighting, windows, walls or doors;
- Renewable energy options including solar panels, small-scale wind turbines and air source heating.
The Council will have sole discretion with regard to which costs are considered eligible for grant funding. Ineligible costs might include, but are not limited to:
- Revenue costs
- Projects which may be to the detriment of other businesses in Shetland, including displacement of activity
- Costs directly related to wholesale or processing activity
- Vehicles
- Cost items which only function as repair, maintenance or direct replacement of existing assets
- Projects which the Council considers are solely for the purpose of meeting statutory requirements
- Projects where the award of assistance will exceed current subsidy control limits for a single organisation
- Costs related to a business or project the support of which may have the potential to bring Shetland Islands Council into disrepute