• The SMART Process
• Guidance Notes
• Application Forms
• Project Proposal
• Business Plan
• Accounts
• Technical Advisers

The SMART Process

Each application is subjected to a detailed appraisal by officials from the Scottish Government as soon as it is received. Provided that applications meet basic eligibility criteria, we will commission intensive due diligence from expert technical, commercial and financial assessors. 

The Scottish Government has established links with a broad range of Technical Experts to assist with this process.

A world-wide patent search will also be commissioned from the UK Intellectual Property Office to assess the level of innovation in your project and to ensure that it does not infringe anyone else's intellectual property. We will contact you about any issues arising from these diligence checks and we may also contact you to clarify any points in your application.

Once the information is complete, it is collated and considered before a decision is made. During this process, we will keep you up to date with progress on your application.

The result of your application will be notified to you as soon as a decision has been taken.

If you believe that any decision during the grant process is unsound because we failed to take proper account of the information you provided, or if you can supply more information or an explanantion to help us look at the project again, you can write to us to request a review.  As part of your request, you must clearly set out why you believe the decision to be unsound.  Our decision will be fully reconsidered in light of the the extra information or explanations provided.

Enquiry via Initial email or phone call

Meeting to discuss project (optional)

Business submits draft proposal (optional)

Business submits full application

Initial sift undertaken and business informed whether application will go forward for full due diligence

Full due diligence using UK Intellectual Property Office, technical expert and financial appraisal

Recommended Grant in excess of £250k?

Case considered by Advisory panel

Decision made and company informed

Issue of formal offer detailing the assistance to be offered