What Do We Offer?

The Craigmillar Business Incubator Project (CBIP) was established in June 2001, to provide a dedicated local business advice and direct local support to new start and existing businesses, which traditionally had not approached mainstream business advice services.

CBIP is based in the Castlebrae Business Centre and offers an informal walk-in support service for all local residents and businesses. The project provides opportunities for all residents no matter their background who wish to realise their entrepreneurial ambitions and encourages self employment as a realistic option to improve their circumstances.

What does CBIP Offer?

  • Free local professional 1 to 1 business advice
  • Support new or existing businesses to expand or diversify
  • Assistance for social enterprises
  • Direct links to mainstream business support services
  • Assistance with property
  • Stimulate entrepreneurial activity
  • Local Business Development Fund
  • Access to Edinburgh wide business funding sources

Who are CBIP clients?

  • Any resident or business in our area who wishes to start or grow a business
  • People from all backgrounds and social circumstances
  • Any local business, large or small
  • People or businesses relocating to our area that can demonstrate they will provide quality local jobs.
  • Other local Agencies Social Enterprises and Projects

What we can do?

  • Where appropriate CBIP will help the client to research their business proposal
  • A viable business plan & financial projection is prepared with the client
  • CBIP can access specialist advisers and services when necessary
  • If there is a funding gap, with CBIP assistance clients can apply for grant or loan funding to action the proposal.

Development Fund

  • The Development Fund is a local business fund of "last resort"
  • The funding can be used for start up or business growth costs
  • To access the fund there is a Funding panel interview
  • The panel decides on each award on merit
  • Grants / Redeemable grants and loans of up to £5,000 are available
  • Each award will have aftercare conditions attached
  • CBIP provides extensive business growth advice & ongoing business assistance

Since the incubator was established in 2001, over 111 grant awards have been made. Susan Todd, CBIP Grant & Loan Administrator explained "when a client has a funding gap and all other sources have been exhausted, the client can apply for CBIP grant funding. The client requires a viable well researched business plan and financial projections. CBIP will provide specialist support and advice during this planning process. Where appropriate the client is then invited to present their business plan and supporting information to the CBIP funding panel for consideration. Each application is treated on its own merit and a decision made on its benefits to the applicant and the local community"