Structural Funds

The two largest European funding instruments open to West Lothian are the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) Structural Funds. Click here for examples of previous ESF projects. 

The private sector cannot directly apply for European Funding, but can do so in partnership with the public sector. An example of this in West Lothian is Blackburn House Centre for Creative Industries. Structural Funds are often seen as the last potential source of financing for a project. They are used by applicants to part finance projects which would otherwise not go ahead. Projects must however have other sources of finance in place as ERDF can only provide up to a maximum of 50% of the funding package and ESF 45%.

European Regional Development Fund

ERDF supports projects that develop the economic infrastructure of the county. ERDF projects provide assistance for people to start or expand businesses; to develop sites and premises for businesses or tourism facilities and it provides assistance to local groups who want to develop their communities.

European Social Fund

ESF supports projects that develop the county's human resources and improves labour market skills & potential. The key aims are to get people back into work and to improve the career prospects of those already in work. Over the years ESF has played an important role in the provision of training programmes encouraging the integration of activities fostering equal opportunities into mainstream economic development programmes. 

For further information about European funding issues and opportunities in West Lothian you can contact us on 01506 777905 or at enquiries@westlothianineurope.co.uk