As part of the First Steps 2021, the First Minister of Scotland has announced plans to make a further £25m available to the hugely popular DigitalBoost Development Grant.

At Doozy Dog Marketing, we are busy creating specific packages for your business that are relevant to the DigitalBoost Development Grant. We have worked with businesses in the previous run and delivered various projects that were covered by the grant. This included website design/development, digital strategy improvement, search engine optimisation and social media management.

If you think you may be eligible for the DigitalBoost Development Grant, you should contact us to discuss your business development plans. We can prepare a package specifically designed to help you improve your digital platforms and ensure you have all the relevant information to apply for the grant when it becomes available.

1. What is the DigitalBoost Development Grant?

This fund is open to Scottish businesses to help them improve their digital platforms. It is Funded by The Scottish Government in conjunction with Business Gateway and its DigitalBoost programme.

• Businesses who are VAT registered can apply for grants of up to £25K. For VAT registered businesses all VAT costs are excluded from the grant sum awarded.
• Businesses who are not VAT registered can apply for grants of up to £5K

If you receive a grant, you are expected to contribute at least 25% of the cost of their project.

Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis.

2. Who is it for?

The grant is open to all businesses across Scotland in any sector who are looking to enhance their service or organisation using digital technology, platforms and innovation.

3. Are you eligible?

• Your business must be based in, and trading in, Scotland.
• Charities, social enterprises and third sector organisations can also apply.
• Your business must be trading a minimum of 6 months. 
• Applicants must be over the age of 18.
• Applicants must be a UK resident with the right to work in the UK.
• Businesses must meet the European* definition of an SME in relation to employees, balance sheet and turnover.
• All Industry sectors are eligible for consideration

*European Definition The category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million euro, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euro.

4. How long does it take?

The online application process should take you less than 30 minutes to complete. 

If your grant is authorised – you will have up to 4 weeks (from the date of the application authorisation email) to buy your product(s) and claim the grant.

Once DigitalBoost has received your claim for the grant, including receipts and proof of payment, They will aim to transfer the funds to your stated bank account within 5 working days.

5. How do you Apply?

The grant is currently closed and will hopefully be available in the near future. It can be applied for online through the DigitalBoost Website.

We recommend getting in touch with us to discuss your needs so we can prepare project proposals as soon as possible. This means once the grant is re-launched, you will have all the necessary documents already prepared which will give you a higher chance of being approved.