RSA - Regional Selective Assistance Grants

RSA is a grant offered by the Scottish Executive and is one of the most significant grants that a company may be able to access. The grant assistance rules are complex, but as guidance before proceeding to lodge an RSA application, a company must be able to answer yes to all of the following questions.

• Will the project take place in an assisted area?
• Is the project aimed at more than a local market?
• Will it involve capital expenditure on fixed assets?
• Will jobs be directly created or safeguarded in the business?
• Will the project and underlying business be financially viable and profitable within 3 years?
• Will most of the funding come from internal/external private sector resources?
• Can it be demonstrated that grant is needed to enable the project to proceed?

RSA will not be offered if there is any prior commitment to the project, so it is essential that applications for RSA are made as soon as possible in advance of the project. As more than 50% of the funding for the project needs to come from internal or external private sector resources, the applicant needs also to be able to demonstrate that sufficient such funding will be available. Skilful presentation of a company’s case for RSA yields best results, whilst poor presentation can often lead to lower levels or no grant at all being offered.

Therefore if you believe that your company has a project that may be eligible for RSA, you are recommended to contact John Jones CA as soon as possible. Initial consultations are free and entirely without obligation.