§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what schemes his Department operales to provide assistance to small businesses; if he will indicate the eligibility criteria for each scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 27 January 1993]: My Department itself operates the following schemes of assistance to small businesses.
Regional Investment Grant
Available to businesses in development areas with fewer than 25 employees for investment projects. It covers 15 per cent. of the cost of fixed assets to a maximum of £15,000.Regional Innovation Grant
Available to independent businesses or groups in the development areas with fewer than 50 employees for innovation projects. It covers 50 per cent. of agreed project costs to a maximum of £25,000.Small firms also have access to a number of schemes designed to meet their needs and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. Other more widely available forms of assistance such as regional selective assistance are open to small firms and they can also benefit from a full range of schemes operated and delivered through Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the network of local enterprise companies.