150 UK small business grants to apply for right now

UPDATED: Securing grants for your small business or start-up is a constant challenge – but there is help available. Here, we have rounded up a comprehensive list of grants from all over the UK.

These funds are available to SME businesses either within a specified local authority, defined as having fewer than 250 employees or with a turnover of less than £45,000 and a balance sheet totalling less than £39,000.

You will see that many of the funding opportunities are often based on a specific location or sector, or ring-fenced for a certain part of a business, like job creation or making eco-friendly changes. But we explain each grant with the information needed to see if it can apply to your project.

Grants can sometimes be combined with other forms of funding, such as banks, grant makers, crowdfunding platforms and other lenders. In fact, we have teamed up with FundingOptions.com to help you find the right finance for your business. You can find their page here.

Links to each grant can be found in the numbered headings. Please note that due to events in recent years, some of the original grants are no longer available or have been paused. Where possible, these grants have been replaced.

1. Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Non-CO2 programme

The ATI Programme offers funding for research and technology development in the UK to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace. Sustainability is a core element of Destination Zero – the UK’s aerospace technology strategy. Priorities are focused on reducing CO2 emissions in line with aviation sector’s target of Net Zero 2050, as well as further reductions of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Noise.

This Non-CO2 programme focuses on addressing challenges with reducing non-CO2 emissions from the aerospace sector, outlined in the ATI’s new non-CO2 emission roadmap. Funding will be awarded from the ATI programme budget valued at £685 million for 2023 to 2025 and an additional £975 million for 2026 to 2030.

The ATI Non-CO2 programme is a 2-stage competition:

• Stage 1: outline stage
• Stage 2: full stage application

Only successful applicants from the outline proposal will be invited to apply for the full-stage strands which are assessed separately by IUK, the ATI, and DBT.

If your full-stage application is successful, your application will progress to final approval through DBT ministers. Contracts will be issued by IUK.

Apply through the website.

2. The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme

A good source for help with funding is the Prince’s Trust, which offers development awards to help younger people kickstart their business or access training courses.

At present the Trust offers development awards of up to £500 for UK residents aged between 16 and 30 who are looking for funds to help with training. They must fit the following criteria:

• Aged 16 to 30 and living in the UK
• Studying less than 14 hours a week or not in compulsory education
• Unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week

Furthermore, development awards can support:

• Accredited course fees up to Level 3 (A level equivalent)
• Tools, equipment or uniforms for a job or qualification
• Job licence fees
• Transport to a new job until your first pay slip

Development awards can’t support:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Living expenses e.g. rent or bills
• Business start-up costs
• Costs for items that have already been paid for
• Gap year or overseas projects​​​​​​​
• Level 4 course fees and beyond (i.e. Higher National Certificate​​​​​​ or Diploma)

3. R&D tax credits

R&D Tax Credits are for innovative projects in science and technology. They can be claimed by firms who want to research or develop an advance in their field. You can even claim it on unsuccessful projects.

You can apply if you have fewer than 500 staff members and a turnover of under €100m or balance sheet total under €86m, and a balance sheet beginning before April 1, 2024.

Check Eligibility Today

4. Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme

Gigabit vouchers can be used by small businesses to go towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband connections. SMEs can claim £4,500. Eligibility criteria apply around speed and type of business – check the website for more details.

5. Innovate UK

Innovate UK provides grant funding opportunities to help companies turn innovative ideas into commercial products and services. It promotes Research and Development across a wide range of sectors, funding different stages of innovation, from early research to commercialisation.

These grants are highly competitive, with opportunities for both open innovation (encouraging cutting-edge projects from any sector) and challenge-led innovation (seeking applicants with a solution to a predefined challenge).

If your company has an innovative project in mind, you can learn more and discuss your eligibility in a free consultation with Inventya.  

Check eligibility

6. Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)

You have probably heard of the SEIS scheme. It helps start-ups to raise money for their business. You get a maximum of £250,000 including state aid awarded in the three years running up to the date of investment.

Make sure you meet the conditions so investors can claim and keep SEIS tax reliefs relating to their shares. Said tax reliefs will be withheld or withdrawn if you don’t meet these conditions for three years after the investment. The money must be spent within three years of the share issue.

7. Innovate UK Business Growth

Innovate UK Business Growth is offering UK business owners funded, bespoke support, to help grow their companies.

This includes:

• exploiting innovation, intellectual property, and connections in the UK and abroad
• entering new markets at home and abroad
• accessing funding and finance and getting investment ready

 Early stage, growth stage or scaling business with up to 500 employees (250 in Northern Ireland) are suitable for this programme.

You can find out more about what Innovate UK Business Growth offers and how to apply on their website.

Check eligibility

8. Birmingham commercial vehicle grant

This £10m grant scheme aims to help small businesses based within the Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ), wider Birmingham and West Midlands region to meet European standards.

You must have been trading for more than 12 months and own or lease heavy goods vehicles or light good vehicles that are not complaint with CAZ emission standards. You must also be able to demonstrate your use of clean air zones through your commercial operations.

The total grant package for each business is up to £180,000 – that’s up to £15,000 per heavy goods vehicle and up to 35 per cent of the maximum cost of an upgrade up at a maximum of £4,000 for each light goods vehicle.

You can find out more and register here.

9. Plug-in grant for low-emission vehicles

You can get a discount on the price of brand new low-emission vehicles through a grant the government gives to vehicle dealerships and manufacturers. You do not need to do anything if you want to buy one of these vehicles – the dealer will include the value of the grant in the vehicle’s price.

10. Government apprenticeships

The Government website has lots of info about apprenticeships as well as how to register and use the apprenticeship service. You’ve got different sites for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

11. British Council Grants

British Council Grants fund research, travel and workshops. Have a look at their website for current opportunities.

12. Ashden Awards 

The Ashden Awards are geared at businesses around the world who have outstanding climate solutions. If you win, you could get a cash prize of up to £25,000 as well as global media coverage and a chance to appear on the COP stage.

13. Countryside Stewardship

The Countryside Stewardship has around 260 grants in total depending on what improvements you want to make to your business and the options can be filtered to your needs.

14. Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG)

Receive a maximum of £30,500 per project for creating multi-purpose woodland.

15. UnLtd Starting Up Award

This is one for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to solve a social issue.

You can apply for up to £8,000 to help you start or grow along with a support package of one-to-one coaching, training, mentoring and access to networks. They’re focusing their funds on building access to meaningful employment or solutions to encourage healthy ageing

16. Funding and advice for space services

ESA Business Applications offers funding and support to businesses from any sector who intend to use space (satellite navigation, earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space weather, space technologies) to develop new commercial services.

Applications are open all year. Businesses can submit a proposal at any time through the Call for Proposals for Downstream Applications  or can apply to a competitive tender or a non-competitive Thematic Call for Proposals. 

17. Heritage Enterprise UK

This fund is for restoring neglected historic buildings and sites. Community organisations can get a grant between £250,000 and £5,000,000.

18. Workplace charging scheme

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible applicants with support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints.

The WCS is open to businesses, charities and public sector organisations that meet the applicant and site eligibility criteria.

The grant covers up to 75 per cent of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (inclusive of VAT), capped at a maximum of:

• £350 per socket
• 40 sockets across all sites per applicant – for instance, if you would like to install them in 40 sites, you will have 1 socket available per site

After applying using the online application form, successful applicants are issued with a unique identification voucher code by email, which can then be given to any OZEV-authorised commercial chargepoint installer.

19. Wrap grant schemes

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (wrap) manage grants, loans and investments to help increase the use of recycled materials, growing recycling capacity or overcoming specific market failures by acting as a catalyst to encourage other funders to invest. There are grant opportunities available throughout the year.

20. Innovative Health Initiative

This firm (formerly Innovative Medicines Initiative) provides funding for health research and innovation, with opportunities in advanced therapies, voice in cancer clinical trials and more. Open calls are listed on their page.

If your company has an innovative healthcare project in mind, you can learn more and discuss your eligibility in a free consultation with Inventya.

Check eligibility

21. Emerging Technologies Competition

Each year, the Royal Society of Chemistry welcomes applications from early stage start-ups, spin-outs and academic entrepreneurs who are developing the most novel, innovative and disruptive chemistry tech in each of these four categories:

• Enabling Technologies
• Energy
• Environment
• Health

It particularly welcomes applications from companies, start-ups and spin-outs led by black and other minority ethnic scientists. 

In addition to press coverage and exposure, winners receive a £100,000 cash prize.

22. UnLtd Scaling Up Award

Administered by UnLtd, who also give out the Starting Up Award above, the Scaling Up Award will help you grow your business with an £18,000 grant.

23. CRACK IT Challenges

A challenge-led competition that funds collaborations between industry, academics and SMEs to solve business and scientific challenges which will deliver scientific benefits, either by improving business processes or developing a commercial product. Depending on the challenge, contracts of up to £1m for up to three years are available.

24. Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grant

This grant is currently closed and will reopen in spring 2025.

Parkinson’s UK is launching its popular Physical Activity Grants programme to help more people living with Parkinson’s get active in 2024.

Now into its fourth year, the charity’s Physical Activity Grants programme reopened on Monday 3 June for physical activity providers, leisure groups, sports clubs, national governing bodies, Parkinson’s groups and many more across the UK to apply.

The 2024 grants will only be available for a limited time and will close as soon as the funding has been allocated. Applications can be made for amounts ranging from £500 up to £3,000. Submit your applications promptly and with as much detail as possible.

For more information about the physical activity grants programme and how you can apply, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/physical-activity-grants or contact physicalactivity@parkinsons.org.uk

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Business grants England

25. Mobile Boost Scheme

Connecting Devon and Somerset’s (CDS) Mobile Boost Scheme, has been designed to help small businesses and households who currently have adequate outdoor but poor indoor mobile coverage.

The initiative aims to improve the quality of mobile phone calls and connectivity. It’s targeting small businesses and households in rural communities who currently have inadequate coverage, or have access to only one provider and are currently struggling with connectivity.

Businesses and households can apply for a voucher of up to £1,300 towards the cost of a mobile signal booster from a registered supplier. The value of the voucher will be dependent on the type of technology most suitable for the premises.

There are two options of equipment available – these are a 4G booster and a “signal repeater” which repeats the outdoor signal indoors. Suppliers will be able to advise on the most appropriate option.

Businesses and residents applying through the scheme will be required to make a contribution to cover the cost of installation. Depending on the option chosen, this will range from a one-off fee of up to £400 (plus VAT) to a monthly fee for a SIM card (averaging around £30 a month).

Read the guide to the Mobile Boost Voucher Scheme, terms and conditions, or take a look at some frequently asked questions.

26. Elmbridge business boost grants

The business boost grants can help your business with:

• Up to £2,000 available in grant support to help businesses improve their shop fronts or signage
• Up to £2,000 available in grant support to help bring a shop that has been empty for at least 3 months back into commercial use
• Up to £1,000 to help town or village wide projects to drive new footfall, investment, streetscene improvements or sustainability

All applications need at least 50 per cent match funding and 2 quotes for each element. Apply by filling in one of the forms on the website.

27. Net Zero Worcestershire

Grant funding available to help SMEs in Worcestershire to implement energy saving initiatives including LED lighting, heating and insulation and renewables.

How much?

Between £1,000 and up to £10,000 for renewable technology (District Council area limits apply)

Up to £100,000 for energy efficiency projects (excludes renewable technology)

Bromsgrove District: £1,000 to £10,500

Malvern Hills District: £1,000 to £10,300

Redditch Borough: £1,000 to £14,000

Worcester City: £1,000 to £100,000 (only for energy efficiency projects, excluding renewable technology)

Wychavon District: £1,000 to £12,800

Wyre Forest: £1,000 to £25,000

All Districts have the potential to receive up to £100,000 for eligible energy efficiency projects across all sectors (excluding renewable technology).

Grants are awarded on a competitive and match-funded basis, meaning the business will need to provide at least 25 per cent – 50 per cent of the total cost of the project.

What can the grant be used for?

The grant can be used to fund a variety of business activities, including, but not limited to:

• lighting
• compressors
• insulation
• fast-shutting doors
• renewable technology
• heat recovery
• heaters and boilers
• energy efficiency equipment that leads to process improvements
• energy management

How to apply Email grants@worcestershire.gov.uk

28. Elmbridge green business boost

High street independents, as well as small and medium enterprises across Elmbridge, can now benefit from new green business boost funding to help them become more sustainable by reducing their carbon emissions.

In support of thriving high streets and sustainable businesses in Elmbridge, the green business boost is the latest addition to our business boost support grants.

Grants can be used to help fund investment in energy saving products such as LED lighting, new energy efficient equipment or renewables to help small businesses in the borough save money and reduce energy consumption.

You can apply for a grant of up to £5,000 with funding available on the following basis:

• the first £1,000 of any project has no match funding required
• anything above £1,000 up to £5,000 requires a 50 per cent match from the applicant

Complete an expression of interest form on the website.

29. New Anglia Small Grants Scheme 

The New Anglia LEP is awarding grants between £2,500 and £25,000 to entrepreneurs who want to grow their business. These would normally cover up to 45 per cent of your total project costs.

30. Elmbridge digital high street boost

You can apply for a grant of up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of £1,500. 

The funding is available to independent high street retailers located within the defined primary or secondary frontage of our town centres and high streets. Special consideration can also be given to ‘in town’ applications from independent retailers with shop frontage not in primary or secondary locations. This will be at the discretion of the board.

The following projects are ineligible:

• Websites without an e-commerce function
• Hardware
• Services, for example digital coaching or consultancy
• Maintenance of existing digital technology
• Domain name
• Website hosting as a stand-alone cost
• Paid advertising, for example Google AdWords and Facebook

Fill out an application form on the website.

31. Sterling Road The North West grant

Sterling Road’s North West Grant gives £1,000 to 25 teams per year.

The grant is focused on founders based in the North West of England, you can apply with any idea but most grants will go to software projects and traditionally overlooked founders.

The application shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes to complete and Sterling Road will aim to give applicants a response within 30 days.

32. Farming in Protected Landscapes

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open to all farmers and land managers within an AONB or National Park in England, or the Broads. This includes farmers and land managers from the public, private and charity sector.

The programme is also open to farmers and land managers on land outside of protected landscapes.

To be eligible the project must benefit the protected landscape, or the protected landscape body’s objectives or partnership initiatives.

Contact your local protected landscape body for advice about whether your land or project is eligible.

To apply you must:

• Manage all the land included in the application
• Have control of all the activities you would like to do

Or you must have written consent from all parties who manage and control the land.

Other organisations and individuals can apply when collaborating with a farmer or land manager, or in support of a farmer or group of farmers.

Common land is eligible for this funding. You can apply as a landowner with sole rights, or as a group of commoners acting together.

You can get an application form from the protected landscape body where your project will take place.

You can submit your application anytime up until the programme closes for applications in 2025. Your project must end by March 2025.

You could get up to 100 per cent of the costs of a project if you will not make a commercial gain from it. If you will benefit commercially from a project, then the programme will fund a proportion of the costs. The amount will depend on how much the project will benefit your business.

Applications for over £10,000 will be judged by a local assessment panel. Applications for less than £10,000 will be scored by a senior member of the team who has not been involved with or given advice to the application.

33. Nelson Town Deal grants

The grants are to help manufacturing businesses become more resilient and to help them grow.

There are three priorities for the funding:

1.      Investment in new plant or machinery

2.      Energy efficiency/Carbon reduction

3.       Premises improvements or adaptations

In the first two years of the project (2022/23 and 2023/24) the grant funding can be for up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. The business would meet the remainder of the cost. The maximum grant is £100,000. The intervention rate will reduce to 20 per cent in the final year of the project (2025/26). The Grants are not retrospective, i.e. any work or item that has already been ordered and/or paid for before your grant application cannot be considered for a grant.

For every £10,000 of grant, the business is expected to create one new full-time job.

In addition to jobs created we are looking for safeguarded Jobs. For every £10,000 of grant the business will need to show that two jobs, which would have been at risk without the funding, have been safeguarded.

34. OxLEP Business

OxLEP offers mentorship and support to businesses, including guidance as to what national grant funding schemes are available.

35. Malvern Hills Tourism Grant Scheme

The aim of the scheme is to help develop the local tourism industry within a number of specific areas to help increase visitor numbers and improve the visitor experience.

Eligible businesses can apply for a 50 per cent match-funded grant.

• Attractions – Up to £2,500

Attractions and event venues can apply for a grant for projects which will help to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities helping to ensure The Malverns is a visitor destination suitable for all. They can also apply for funding towards projects which help to improve the visitor experience and increase visitor numbers to the district.

• Sustainable Tourism – Up to £2,500

The grant scheme will allow for more grants to be provided towards projects enabling tourism and hospitality businesses to improve their green credentials across the Malvern Hills district.

• Festivals and Events – Up to £1,000

Town Centre festival organisers can apply for a grant to assist with festival development activities.

36. Malvern Hills Town Centre Support Scheme Grant

The aim of the scheme is to support investment by independent traders within the five town centres of the Malvern Hills district (Great Malvern, Malvern Link incl. Link Top, Barnards Green, Upton and Tenbury).

Priority will be given to projects that enhance the area, are likely to attract business and where the improvement will be long lasting (e.g. 5 years and more).

Eligible businesses can apply for a 50 per cent match-funded grant of up to £2,500 towards one, or a combination, of the following grants:

1. Shop front Improvements – Undertaking works to improve or refurbish the shop front or internal structural improvements.

2. Empty Shop Support – Support to bring an empty shop back into commercial use including support for equipment, anything external or internal premises related

3. Town Centre Boost – An additional £1000 grant is available to traders or community groups to deliver town centre wide projects and promotions to drive new footfall, investment, or sustainability (there is no match funding requirement associated with this grant).

37. Malvern Hills Growth Grant

The aim of the scheme is to support growing businesses based in Malvern Hills district and enable them to make a step change in their development. Growing businesses that have been trading for at least 3 years can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 which must be match-funded, pound for pound (at least), from the business’s own resources. Businesses that have been trading for less than three years can apply for up to £1,000. Only capital expenditure on an approved project/investment is eligible.

The scheme is aimed at businesses that are not able to receive support through other European funded schemes (these typically support businesses that predominantly trade with other businesses). Malvern Hills District Council reserves the right to refer the applicant to a more suitable scheme where appropriate.

Only businesses which show specific promise and clearly demonstrate how the award will make a measurable difference will be recommended for the grant.

Funding is limited, applications that demonstrate one or more of the following will be prioritised:

• Job creation
• Premises expansion
• Farm diversification
• The applicant business is a rural enterprise
• The applicant business operates in the low carbon economy
• The grant will be used towards expenditure that supports the business’ environmental sustainability

38. Malvern Hills Upskilling Grant

Malvern Hills District Council is helping local businesses create their workforce of the future through the Upskilling Grant Scheme. We will provide funding of up to £1,500 to help with the business cost of training new staff (i.e. apprenticeships, trainee or other).

In order to qualify the business must:

• Be based in the Malvern Hills district postcode area.
• Employ fewer than 250 people.
• Pay at least the Minimum Wage to the trainee for a post of at least 20 hrs a week including training leading to a recognised qualification.
• The apprentice/ trainee must have started their training after 1 October 2022 and have at least a 12-month signed employment contract.

You will also need to provide the following evidence:

1.      Proof of enrolment on a training course signed by the employer and training referrer/provider organisation

2.      Copy of the contract of employment

3.      Signed Grant Agreement between employer and Malvern Hills District Council

4.      Any additional evidence requested by Malvern Hills District Council

If you would like to discuss this grant, email ecodev@malvernhills.gov.uk or call 01684 862185

39. East Sussex Invest 8 (ESI8)

Temporarily closed to new applications

This grant is funded by the East Sussex County Council and Regional Growth Fund. Grants range from £10,000 to £25,000 but you’ll need minimum match funding of 60 per cent.

There’s also a £1,500 grant for a newly accredited apprentice position. It’s a one-off payment with no match or evidence of spend necessary.

40. Enterprising Ashfield Growth Programme

Our Growth strand can help you review and grow your business with a suite of assistance and programmes.  We deliver our help via supportive 1:1 business mentoring, expert workshops, peer learning, leadership training, sector-specific support programmes and a grant.

You can also access a grant typically up to £2,000 (match funded by the business – larger grants available on a case-by-case basis) to subsidise the buying-in of professional services involving coaching, mentoring, training and/or knowledge transfer to help improve your business.

41. Nottingham University Talent Grant

Eligible businesses can access a £2,500 Talent Grant to part-fund the salary of a student or graduate. To qualify for one of the grants, businesses would need to demonstrate that the role would be used to implement or improve technology or processes, enable the business to enter new markets, improve or implement new products or services, or focus on research and development projects.

This grant would support an employee’s salary for a minimum of eight-weeks, full time.

This non-financial support provides businesses with a range of technically focused consultancy support from esteemed Innovation Centres of Excellence highlighted below:

• Food Innovation Centre – providing science and technology consultancy, new product or process development support for food and drink focussed businesses.
• Chemistry Innovation Laboratory – providing analytical and product development support across chemistry and materials using life sciences businesses.
• Institute of Aerospace Technology – working across the aerospace supply chain.
• Design Matter – providing professional sustainable product and packaging design consultancy.

The support is available up to the value of £5,000, to help with a range of challenges related to products or services, processes or technology.

Support is available from April 1 2024, to March 31 2025, or until all allocated funding has been used.

For further details and eligibility criteria, contact vicky.harvey@ntu.ac.uk to schedule an initial consultation.

42. Enterprising Ashfield Graduate and Talent Support

Businesses at the start-up stage or which have been trading for less than 12 months can apply for a grant of up to £1,500 to put towards ‘one-off’ costs such as building works, fixtures and fittings, equipment, new website or software to help set up.  The grant must be matched funded pound for pound from the business’s own resources.

The new business must be based in Worcester.

Businesses applying for the Worcester City Council start-up grant will be expected to have received business start-up advice (ideally through the Enterprising Worcestershire programme) and must provide a business plan.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Business Start-up Grant is part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m.

For further information and to request an application pack, contact the Worcester City Council Economic Development team either by email economy@worcester.gov.uk or call 01905 722106.

In addition, businesses operating from retail premises might be eligible for the Retail Enhancement Grant. Businesses moving into an empty unit can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 towards the cost of refurbishment.  For those already in a retail unit, there is a grant of up to £5,000 for improvements to the internal appearance, frontage or accessibility. 

43. Newhaven Business Grants Programme

Expansion grants are aimed at assisting both existing businesses in the Borough who may be looking to strengthen their market position or expand into new markets as well as new businesses attracted into the area. The grant is primarily targeted at revenue schemes rather than capital projects and will be based on a specific need being identified through the development of business plan and evidence of job creation.

The maximum amount of grant assistance is up to £5,000 to any one concern in any one financial year.

The council’s priorities and objectives are:

• New jobs created
• Increased educational attainment
• Enhance cultural provision
• Diversify economic base of the area
• Enhance tourism sector to increase visitor expenditure
• Target action within economically and socially disadvantaged areas
• Reduction in welfare dependency
• Enhance environment
• Improve connectivity / create technologically smart towns
• Improve skills and educational attainment

Eligibility

• You may only apply for assistance under either the Business Start-Up or Business Expansion scheme
• Any grant awarded will be for 50 per cent of expenditure within the limits of the grant amount. E.g. If you are awarded a grant of £500, you would need to spend £1000 to claim back the £500 grant
• Grants are claimed back retrospectively by submitting receipts/invoices and copy bank statements detailing the eligible expenditure
• Applicants with outstanding liabilities to Scarborough Borough Council cannot be considered for a business grant
• Grants are awarded at the absolute discretion of Scarborough Borough Council

44. Warwickshire County Council Growth Fund – Small Capital Grants

Due to high demand, applications for the Small Capital Grant programme are now closed. Applications are expected to reopen later in the year. Please check back here for updates.

Warwickshire County Council is offering grants to small businesses who have growth plans. Grants of £5,000 to £35,000 are available to small and micro businesses for capital projects.

45. Premises Improvement Grants, Pendle

At present, there’s only one grant available through Pendle Borough Council: Premises Improvement Grants.

These grants provide assistance of up to 50 per cent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £3,000 (or £1,500 maximum in West Craven). It applies to eligible buildings which are occupied by commercial users and are located within Pendle and town centre boundaries. It also covers redundant commercial properties within and immediately adjacent to the town centre planning boundaries.

46. Food Business Grant – Barking and Dagenham

The BEC is supporting Barking and Dagenham Council offering fifteen grants of up to £2000 to support food businesses to improve their social, financial and environmental sustainability. The grants are funded through UKSPF and seek to support businesses to improve local demand for a healthier and sustainable food offer in the borough. 

To apply please complete the below application form:
https://forms.gle/VzfBc83bB5FwSPrz7

47. Independent Retailer Grant

Provided by Test Valley Borough Council, the Independent Retailer Grant supplies £1,200 to encourage independently owned retailers to take up vacant space in Romsey and Andover.

It’s open to new or existing businesses moving into ground floor premises which have been vacant for at least one month in the primary shopping areas of Andover and Romsey.

48. Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk

Grants under this scheme are intended to reduce the risk faced by some of the most historic sites within England, according to the Heritage at Risk Register. You can apply for a grant at any time during the year and Historic England will aim to get you a response within six months.

49. Small Business Grant Scheme, Crawley

Available to Crawley-based businesses in need of start-up funds or existing businesses looking to grow. You must be based in Crawley and have fewer than 50 employees. On top of that, you’ll need to match fund by at least 50 per cent.

The maximum grant available is £4,000 and it’s available until the pot has run out.

50. The PIVOT cross-sector innovation programme

 What PIVOT provides

• The R&D grant funding thanks to the WMCA’s Innovation Programme
• The aerospace technology, engineering and innovation expertise to guide you
• The customer/end-user advice about demand to steer you thanks to leading regional aerospace firms
• The support to pull your project closer to the aviation and aerospace markets

What organisations PIVOT can support

• Must be led by a supply chain company located in the WMCA 3-LEP geography (Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Coventry & Warwickshire); knowledge base bodies (universities, Catapults . . .) can be involved but not lead
• Not restricted to SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises): but if your company is larger you will need to make a case for why the subsidy is needed, and we won’t be funding very large companies.
• May already operate in more than one industry including aerospace and aviation, it’s the transfer across sectors of the technology or innovation that matters
• Can draw on expertise and partners from other places (not all spend need be in the WMCA area; we welcome collaborative projects

Project design (we guided applicants on this)

• Must be to develop a technology or innovation that is new to aerospace and aviation markets
• Must be “industrial research” (middle TRL (Technology Readiness Level), applying GBER R&D&I rules on matched funding); essentially, you can receive funding and use your staff time to match it.
• We required some indication there is a market opportunity (e.g. market intelligence, or support of an end user).

Key stages of the programme

• Call Announced
• Virtual briefings held
• Deadline to submit outline proposal
• Projects selected to proceed to full proposal stage
• Deadline for full proposal stage
• Project proposal presented to expert panel
• Grant funding awarded
• Projects delivered until end

For more information, contact: info@midlandsaerospace.org.uk

51. Reigate and Banstead Business Support Grant

Nab an ongoing grant of up to £1,000 from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council with a free year membership of Enterprise Nation thrown in. It’s open to businesses looking to start, develop or grow. You must be based in the borough and have up to four employees.

52. Get Growing 2, Hertfordshire 

Hertfordshire Growth Hub’s Get Growing 2 service supports local businesses that are ready to grow again. It is fully funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offers a package of tailored support to businesses, helping them to become more profitable, competitive and grow.

To be eligible for this support you must:

• Be an established SME (including third sector organisations, social enterprises, and trading charities) in Hertfordshire
• Have five or more full-time equivalent employees
• Be able to demonstrate potential for growth
• Or be able to demonstrate potential for growth following support to stabilise the business and help minimise the impact of Covid-19

Eligible businesses are supported by an experienced growth account manager. They will work closely together reviewing all aspects of the business, looking at the challenges and opportunities that exist to produce a realistic growth plan for the business. Areas where additional support will benefit the business are also identified, as well as providing access to all the benefits that our website has to offer, including on-demand videos and live webinars.

For more information, please email enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com

53. Repair, Reuse, Recycle Lewisham Business grants

Lewisham Council offer grants to help fund eco-friendly, reuse and or repair projects in the borough to:

• Sole traders
• Creatives
• Small to medium businesses

They are looking for businesses who want to help make the borough greener, cleaner, more resourceful and efficient. Applications that clearly explain how a grant will help your company to waste less, cut back on using fossil fuels and or take other positive environmental actions are more likely to be successful.

There will be ten grants of up to £1,000 each.

Who can apply? Individuals or teams on behalf of businesses who:

• Are based in the borough of Lewisham
• Own 100 per cent of the business or are majority shareholders
• Have an organisational bank account or be in the process of setting up a business bank account 

Funding is available to support a broad range of business costs, providing that you can demonstrate how the expenditure will support the growth of your business. For example, grants could be given for:

• Equipment that will help a business achieve lower energy usage
• Equipment that will help a business use less single-use plastic or create less waste
• Materials/stock for a new low or zero waste product line
• Product development
• Community building and partnerships with local groups
• Prototypes
• Website/booking system build
• Training in repair or retrofitting services
• Campaigns to help change customer behaviour 

To apply for a business grant complete the application form.

54. Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) grants scheme

The CITB has grants and funding schemes available throughout England.

55. WM SME Grant Programme

New funding is expected to be available after 1 April 2025. If you are interested, email: wmgp@birmingham.gov.uk.

The West Midlands Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) Grant Programme (WMGP) has launched, and funding round 2 is now open.

This grant is for:

• Start-up SMEs based in the West Midlands Region (grants of £2,500 to £7,500 are available)
• Existing SMEs based in the West Midlands Region (grants of £5,000 to £100,000 are available)

We expect most applications to apply for an average grant of between £10,000 to £20,000, and only in exceptional circumstances will grants of up to £100,000 be awarded. This is to make sure that the limited WMGP budget is given to as many businesses as possible.

Businesses from all sectors are eligible for consideration, except for:

• Charities
• Those of a political or religious persuasion
• Activities involving pornography or clairvoyance
• Any business activity that is illegal or deemed unsuitable for public support by Birmingham City Council

Training and skills development are also ineligible because provisions for these activities will be supported through different funding routes.

Business projects can be considered for:

• New business start-ups
• Expanding and growing existing businesses
• Inward investment
• Developing new markets opportunities
• Innovation, including new product development
• Capital investment
• An increase in the productive capacity of new and existing premises through new property builds, refurbishment and extensions
• Digital projects

To support your application, the Growth Hub advisor will need to complete a free business advisor diagnostic.

When we receive your application, your details will be shared with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) business advisor to arrange a free business diagnostic appointment.

All the documents needed to apply for this grant are available. It’s strongly recommended that you check the eligibility criteria to make sure that you qualify for consideration before approaching a business advisor and completing a grant application.

You can download the WMGP eligibility criteria and other WMGP documents.

If you want to receive the WMGP application, you can email wmgp@birmingham.gov.uk.

The guidance provided within the downloads will help you to complete the application form. It is important that you make sure that you follow the guidance closely to prevent delays with your application.

56. Tees Valley Apprenticeship Support Grant

The grant supports SMEs who create Apprenticeships in sectors facing high demand and growth from employers as identified in the Tees Valley Strategic Economic Plan.

The priority sectors being supported by the grant are:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Process, Chemicals and Energy
• Logistics
• Health and Biologics
• Digital and Creative
• Business and Professional Services
• Construction
• Health Care
• Culture and Leisure
• Education

Apprenticeship Support Grant is available to SMEs identified by Tees Valley Combined Authority as being in one of the above priority sectors:

• Apprentices Aged 16-18 – grant of £3,000 is available
• Apprentices Aged 19+ – grant of £2,000 is available

For any employers who do not fall into one of the above Priority Sectors, the following Grant is available:

• Apprentices Aged 19+ – grant of £500 is available

57. Business Growth Fund

The Business Growth Fund is a £3.5m programme of investment funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that supports business growth. You could be eligible for a grant of up to 30 per cent of expenditure, if you:

• Have a project which couldn’t proceed without grant support
• Are planning capital investment of at least £67,000
• Are expanding or establishing in the areas of Gateshead Metropolitan Brough Council, North of Tyne Combined Authority, Sunderland City Council

Grants of between £20,000 and £300,000 are available at variable intervention rates of up to 30 per cent, dependent upon the amount requested, the need for grant support and the level of impact in terms of job outcomes and productivity improvements.

Grant applications must involve eligible capital expenditure of at least £66,666 as a minimum.

Your project must satisfy the following objectives:

• Securing investment into the area that will stimulate business growth and create new employment opportunities
• Overcoming barriers to make job creation projects viable, providing financial assistance to enable business growth and / or improvement projects to go ahead
• Reducing financial risk for beneficiary businesses in making capital investments
• Improving productivity and introduce new technologies and processes, resulting in increased profitability, wage growth and employment growth

Apply using this link

58. Net Zero Grant Programme, Birmingham

New funding is expected to be available after April 2025. If you are interested, email: wmgp@birmingham.gov.uk.

NZGP is open to Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) from all sectors which are based within, or relocating into, the Birmingham City Council local authority area.

Prior to applying for NZGP, all applicants must have undertaken a free energy audit/diagnostic/on-site carbon reduction survey prior to submission of an application. Please note that we are currently awaiting confirmation of the energy diagnostic survey provider and will update this webpage with contact details as soon as they are available.

Businesses from all sectors are eligible for consideration, except for charities, those of a political or religious persuasion, activities involving pornography or clairvoyance and any business activity that is illegal or deemed as unsuitable for public support by Birmingham City Council.

Training and skills development are also ineligible as provision for these activities will be supported via alternative funding routes.

59. EnTRESS

EnTRESS supports Black Country and Stoke & Staffordshire small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the adoption of environmental technologies and resource efficiency processes. All activities are fully funded and the project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund to promote sustainable economic growth.

Working across a variety of sectors, and with key stakeholders, EnTRESS can:

• Carry out onsite energy audits
• Undertake feasibility studies on the adoption of renewable technologies
• Deliver one-to-one mentoring and business support
• Identify new to market opportunities for SMEs
• Identify further funding opportunities
• Promote innovative projects to large commercial and public sector organisations
• Engage with leading academic research on R&D projects
• Provide exhibition space at industry networking events
• Provide in-house baseline audits on resource efficiency
• Provide carbon footprint assessments
• Provide behaviour change expertise to embed sustainable practices within organisations
• Provide supported access to technology and software from Matterport to life-cycle assessments.

All activities are fully funded, so if you’re a Black Country or Stoke and Staffordshire SME interested in any of the above then please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the EnTRESS team to find out how they can support you.

Send your request to the team using their enquiry form.

60. Mansfield business start-up grant

The Business Start-Up Grant (up to £2,500) is available to individuals looking to start a business in the Mansfield district or have been trading for less than six months. The grant can be used towards start-up costs including the purchase of machinery and equipment, business stationery and marketing costs such as advertising and web design. The maximum £2,500 grant can cover up to 50 per cent of the total eligible cost of the project (excluding VAT).

What the grant can be used for

• Capital assets such as plant, equipment or machinery – the grant will not contribute towards costs associated with leased or rented equipment (vehicles, stock and consumables are excluded)
• Office equipment and furniture including purchase of computer systems
• Shop fittings and refurbishment
• Security equipment and installation
• Business stationery
• Advertising and other marketing costs including web design
• The grant will only contribute towards 12 months of on-going costs, e.g. web hosting, licences, etc

61. Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund

NPIF provides funding throughout north of England through microfinance, debt and equity funds.

They’re broken down like so: Smaller Loans (£25k-£100K) Debt Finance (£100k-£750k) and Equity Finance (£50k-£2m)

62. Mansfield Business Growth Grant

The Mansfield Business Growth Grant (up to £2,500) is available to established businesses based in the Mansfield district and which produce a viable growth plan that demonstrates potential job creation. Businesses can use this grant for support in developing a Growth Plan and for costs involved in its implementation.

The spirit of the grant is the need for support to overcome barriers to growth. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that there is a need for this support to enable their business to grow.

The maximum £2,500 grant can cover up to 50 per cent of the total eligible cost of the project (excluding VAT).

What the grant can be used for

• Land and buildings, including refurbishment
• Plant, machinery and equipment costs – the grant will not contribute towards costs associated with leased or rented equipment (vehicles, stock and consumables are excluded)
• Costs relating to research and development work e.g. product development, including production of proto types and research of new marketing opportunities
• Costs associated with staff training, to improve skill levels, in order to introduce the proposed developments into the business
• The grant will only contribute towards 12 months of on-going costs, e.g. web hosting, licences, etc

63. Buckingham Business First Grants and Vouchers

Buckinghamshire have a plethora of options for grants for manufacturing, growth, innovation and other areas. Check Buckinghamshire Business First to see what’s available.

64. Mansfield Shop Front Improvements

The Shop Front Improvements Grant (up to £2,500) is for independent retailers, already occupying premises in the Mansfield district, which want to make alterations or repairs to their shop front to enhance its appearance. A maximum £2,500 grant is available to cover up to 50 per cent of the total cost of the project, excluding VAT

What the grant can be used for

• Replacement shopfront, windows and doors
• Reinstatement of traditionally styled shop fronts, sash windows and doors
• Painting of existing shop fronts and upper floors (excluding render)
• Replacement gutter and downpipes
• Replacement signage
• Costs associated with planning permission and building regulations fees
• Architects fees

65. Mansfield Vacant Shops Grant

The Vacant Shops Grant (up to £2,500) is open to independent retailers taking occupation of a vacant retail property in the Mansfield district. It’s hoped that the grant will help reduce vagrancy rates of shops across the district by encouraging more retailers, making areas for attractive to shoppers and increasing footfall. The maximum £2,500 grant can cover up to 50 per cent of the total eligible cost of the project, excluding VAT.

What the grant can cover

• Improvements to premises
• Fixtures and fittings
• Equipment and furniture (vehicles, stock and consumables are excluded)
• Up to two months rental payments
• Security equipment and installation
• Business stationery
• Advertising and other marketing costs, including web design
• The grant will only contribute towards 12 months of ongoing costs, e.g., web hosting, licences

Eligible costs include improvements to premises, fixtures and fittings, rental payments, insurance premiums, advertising and marketing costs.

66. Made Smarter, West of England 

Fully funded bespoke assessment, delivered by the National Composites Centre, enabling SMEs to see the benefits industrial digital technologies can offer their business.

Eligible businesses will be able to access match funded grants for SMEs to invest in digital technology hardware or software and/or specialist advice to implement projects.

Eligible businesses will be able to access leadership and management training, and student internships, delivered by the University of the West of England, to ready your workforce for a digital future.

Eligibility

• You are a manufacturing organisation
• You are a small and medium-sized organisation and have fewer than 250 employees
• You are based in the West of England (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire)
• You are able to provide funding towards financial and skills support measures

Businesses that are likely to get the most value out of this programme will have a minimum of two employees.

67. Business Energy Efficiency Grant Programme

BEEGP is open to small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from all sectors that are based in, or relocating to, one of the following local authority areas (the West Midlands ITL1 area).

Businesses from all sectors are eligible for consideration (excluding, agriculture, forestry and fisheries), except for:

• Charities
• Those of a political or religious persuasion
• Activities involving pornography or clairvoyance
• Any business activity that is illegal or deemed unsuitable for public support by Birmingham City Council

1. Are you:
   • an SME that is an established company which has been actively trading for at least 12 months or more, based in one of these 7 local authority areas:
     • Birmingham
     • Coventry
     • Dudley
     • Sandwell
     • Solihull
     • Walsall
     • Wolverhampton
2. Can you provide evidence that you have registered your business?
   • if you are a limited company – you will need to provide Companies House registration.
   • if you are a partnership – you will need to provide a copy of your partnership agreement
3. Are you a profit-seeking business?
4. Has your business either:
   • already had an energy efficiency assessment by a qualified assessor with appropriate knowledge and qualifications, that is to say, ISO/ESOS accreditation, to evidence the environmental savings that the business will achieve. Grants can be sought for solutions to one, some, or all the recommendations for energy reduction measures provided within the assessment.
   • if your business is based in the Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull or Walsall Council areas, and has not had an energy efficiency assessment, you must have registered for a free energy audit before you complete a BEEGP application. The audit must be carried out before submitting a BEEGP application. Register for a free energy audit
   • if your business is based in the Coventry City Council area, you can apply directly to Coventry City Council for an Energy Audit. They will support you to complete your BEEGP grant application form. Email: Business@coventry.gov.uk
5. Will your BEEGP project have a minimum 2 year payback, where the energy saving benefits of your project exceed the cost of the grant over a 2-year period? The minimum payback period may be extended according to the grant size for projects over £50,000.
6. Can you provide most recent year’s full accounts and, where the applicant is part of a group, consolidated group accounts?
7. Can you deliver your project in a 3-month period following receipt of your offer for grants up to £30,000, or within 4 months for grants more than £30,000? Priority will be given to investment ready projects which can be completed within 3 months. For high value, more complex projects, project timescales are subject to negotiation.
8. Are your business rates payable to either Birmingham City Council, City of Wolverhampton, Coventry City Council, Dudley Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council or Walsall Council? Check if your business postcode fits into an eligible local authority.
9. Will your BEEGP grant enable you to purchase capital assets that will help you to become more efficient and cost effective? Grants must result in energy/resource efficiency improvements to business premises. View the list of eligible BEEGP technologies.
10. Do you have cash match?
    • cash funding is the difference between the grant you are seeking and the remaining cost of your project.
    • all applications must provide cash funding which can be sourced from the private sector, but not other public sector funding, Asset Finance or similar financial products involving a financial arrangement whereby an item is paid for in instalments, as this does not provide full evidence of defrayed expenditure.
    • loans, overdrafts, savings or company funds are considered to be eligible cash match, and these must be secured and in place prior to approval of a BEEGP grant
11. Can you get a minimum of 3 competitive quotes for each item* above £2,499 along with the relevant evidence by the BEEGP procurement guidance?
    • quotes for project expenditure should not be from persons or businesses connected to your business, directors or shareholders.
    • only one quote is required for items up to £2,499
    • *one item or the sum of many items from one supplier
12. You agree to take part in follow-up monitoring of the impact of the project and surveys/evaluation?
13. As a participant taking part in the pilot Business Energy Advice Service BEEGP, you accept the terms of the BEAS Privacy Notice.

68. Go Digital, Norfolk

Business owners and managers can also apply for a grant of up to £500 to help you implement a digital action plan. Applications are on a first come first served basis.

Your business must meet certain requirements to take part in the Go Digital funding programme:

• Your business must be based in Norfolk
• You must have fewer than 250 employees
• Your turnover must be less than £42.9M
• You must have received less than £198k in public sector funding in the last 3 years.
• You have been trading for the past 6 months
• You already use digital technology in some way e.g. a website, social media account etc

Fill out the form on the website to apply.

69. Eden Tourism Grants

Eden Tourism offers a small tourism marketing grant for tourism related projects in the Eden District. There is a maximum of £500 available per project. Applications can be made at any time throughout the year.

Application details are on the Eden Tourism site linked above in the sub-heading.

70. Open arts funding schemes, Norfolk

A range of open arts funding schemes are available in Norfolk. Check out the website for more details.

71. Business Transition to Net Zero Grant, New Anglia

Business Transition to Net Zero Grant is aimed at businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk with ambitions to reduce their carbon footprint and increase productivity.

Grants between £25,000 and £100,000 are available, with a maximum intervention rate of 20 per cent of the cost of the development. To be awarded the minimum of £25,000, you must show total project costs of at least £125,000.

The scheme will fund capital developments, rather than LED lighting or the supply or installation of solar panels. Eligible schemes will include those which improve productivity for the business and supply chain and make use of clean and/or renewable energy production and the recycling of goods and materials.

You will be taken though a consultancy to develop a decarbonisation plan, if you don’t have one already, and these will include aspirations for energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste reduction, and a reduced impact on the natural environment.

To be eligible for grant funding, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of less than EUR 50m or annual balance sheet less than EUR 43m
• Be a trading enterprise and have at least two years’ worth of accounts
• Be based in Norfolk or Suffolk
• Be ready to invest or expand in the local area
• Must not have been a company ‘in difficulty’ on December 31, 2019
• Must not be subject to pending striking off or insolvency action
• Your business does not fall into one of the following sectors: primary agriculture (including processing and marketing of agricultural products), horticulture, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, coal, steel, shipbuilding, care, education, retail, hospitality or accommodation.

The grant is for capital developments, the following are examples of what they cannot fund:

• Core running or staff costs (revenue costs)
• Solar panel supply and/or installations
• Premises costs
• LED lighting
• Vehicles (energy efficient or fossil fuel)
• Intangible Assets – IP, Patents, Trademarks, Trade Names
• Any costs incurred before a grant offer is made
• Items not directly needed to deliver the proposed work
• The replacement of items and consumables including laptops and software
• Website creation
• WMS/CRM platforms or equivalent
• Land purchase
• VAT, unless this cannot be recovered
• Any projects that can be funded from other LEP grant schemes
• Repeat applications, including from linked companies

To apply, contact New Anglia Growth Hub via https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/contact-us/

72. Funding for farmers and land managers

This is a page detailing several grants and funding opportunities for farmers and land managers.

Click on the link above to find out more about this grant and others for farmers and land managers.

73. National Highways Lorry Parking Facilities Improvements Scheme 

National Highways is promoting a funding scheme of up to £20m to improve lorry parking facilities used by heavy goods vehicle drivers who rely upon good quality, safe and secure rest areas.

Motorway service area operators and operators of service areas that provide facilities for professional drivers at rest areas can apply for funds to improve their facility providing it offers benefits to professional drivers. 

National Highways will fund up to 50 per cent of the capital cost of an improvement project. The funding ratio will be confirmed in each funding agreement. In your application you must be able to demonstrate that the improvement project will be completed by 30 March 2025.

The cost of resourcing and staffing future improvements is not included in the funding issued to a facility. Neither are normal running costs, general business overheads and direct or agency/contractor labour costs.

For example, funds can be used to fund construction and refurbishment works, security equipment and installation, engineering and architecture and design, and fixtures and fittings.

The improvement project must not seek retrospective funding or funding for work that would be undertaken in any event should the funds not be issued.

Lorry parking facility operators can apply for funding if they operate HGV driver facilities at:

·       Motorway service areas

·       Independent truck stops

·       Trunk road service areas

·       Local authority truck stops

Sites must be located on, or within a five-mile radius of the strategic road network in England.

The easiest way to apply is by completing the expression of interest form and submitting this to the Designated Funds inbox.

Successful applications will be funded using the National Highways Users and Communities Designated Fund, specifically the freight theme.

74. Worcestershire grants

This programme offers free renewable energy/low carbon innovation assessments along with grants to SMEs in Worcestershire (and grants only to SMEs in Shropshire). SMEs will be encouraged and enabled to adopt lower carbon technologies – or the grant can help businesses in the clean innovation or those developing low carbon solutions alongside their normal business operations.

Some sectors such as primary agriculture and finance are not eligible.

75. Lancashire Manufacturing Growth Fund

The Manufacturing Growth Fund supports small to medium-sized manufacturers across Lancashire. They want to drive productivity, grow operations, create jobs and introduce new products and services.

Our advisors are experts in the manufacturing and engineering sector. They’ll work with you to understand your growth ambitions, visit your site and get to grips with any challenges you face.

76. Resilience and Innovation Grant

Up to 50 per cent match-funded grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 for trading small businesses in Southeast Midlands. Businesses must be looking to strengthen their business performance and resilience in response to cost-of-living challenges; increase innovation levels: and enhance sustainability as part of the transition towards a net-zero economy.

The total Resilience and Innovation grant fund allocation is £1.9 million.

77. Digital apprentice funding – C4DI Beta Satellite programme, North Yorkshire

As part of C4DI’s Beta Satellite programme, ten businesses will receive a one-off grant of £2,500. The grant will help businesses in the constituency areas of Harrogate and Knaresborough, Scarborough and Whitby, or Selby and Ainsty to create a new opportunity for an extra employee, to become an apprentice in a digital-centric role. Please note that to be considered for this funding, your organisation must engage in the C4DI Beta Satellite programme, and applications will only be considered in your area once workshops commence.

For more information on the C4DI Beta Satellite programme, please visit their website.

Complete the form on the North Yorkshire Council website.

78. Ad:venture Growth Grant

Start Up West Yorkshire has a comprehensive business programme for businesses who have been actively trading for less than three years.

The grant award will cover up to 50 per cent of total project costs and requires businesses to provide a minimum of 50 per cent of match funding.

The Growth Grant is available between £1,500 and £10,000.

To qualify for an AD:VENTURE Growth Grant, businesses must:

• Be located in, and trade from, an address within West Yorkshire, this covers the local authority districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield.

• Be a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)

• Have fewer than 250 FTE employees (Full-time Equivalent)

• Have an annual turnover of less than €50 million (around £43 million)

• Have received less than €310,000 in State Aid over the last 3 financial years. State Aid is funding from any national or local public sector organisation or programme

• Have a business bank account

• Be able to demonstrate that the business is viable with high growth potential, through a business plan or overview, cash-flow forecast and end of year accounts or other appropriate document

• Be registered and accepted onto the AD:VENTURE Programme.

What can the grant be used for?

The Grant can be used to fund costs that support growth and job creation in your business. For example:

• Tools and production equipment

• Developing initial marketing collateral

• Website development and design

• IT equipment and office furniture

You can discuss with your Business Manager if the items you wish to purchase do not appear in the above list.

What the grant cannot be used for

The Grant cannot be used to fund the on-going running costs of your business or anything that is a statutory requirement. For example:

• Stock or working capital

• On-going marketing costs

• Rent, rates, staff salaries

• Qualifications

• Data protection regulation

• Health and safety implementation

• VAT

• Delivery or shipping costs

• Warranties

79. Boiler Upgrade Scheme

With this scheme, you can get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler throughout England.

You’re eligible if:

• Own the property you’re applying for (including if it’s a business, a second home or a property you rent out to tenants)
• Be replacing fossil fuel heating systems (such as oil, gas or electric)

You’re still eligible if you’ve already had funding to make your property more energy efficient, for example by insulating it.

80. Conservation grant scheme, Howardian Hills

This one is a Yorkshire-based grant for community infrastructure projects and countryside conservation work in the Howardian Hills Area of Natural Beauty (AONB).

Assistance normally sits in the 30-75 per cent range but with this scheme you may be funded 100 per cent of your project.

81. Hambleton area graduate funding

Applications are currently paused.

The graduate programme runs for three years. It provides funding for SMEs of up to £4,000 per graduate (the minimum wage subsidy is £2,000) depending on the duration of the internship. The funding helps you with paying graduate wages or to buy equipment to support the graduate’s role. 

To be eligible for funding you must: 

• Be a small-medium enterprise in any sector with less than 250 employees (or full time equivalent) and a turnover under £50 million  
• Have your organisation’s trading address in the Hambleton area and be paying business rates to our council. The business must have been trading for at least three months 
• Have an internship for a minimum of six months and the organisation must be willing to pay at least half of the graduate’s gross wage 

Be employing the graduate for at least 30 hours per week. The minimum salary is £19,000 per annum 

82. Safer Shops West

Eligible businesses can access 20 per cent match funded grants of up to £4,000 to use towards the purchase of security equipment. Items may include:

• Body worn cameras
• CCTV
• In-store anti-theft measures

To qualify for the funding, you must be:

1.  An independent retail shop significantly affected by shoplifting.
2. Located in Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire or Bristol.
3. Able to provide a 20 per cent match funding contribution to your item(s) you are seeking funding for.

Please note they are unable to fund pre-existing items. i.e. items that have already that have been purchased and implemented prior to funding being agreed.

The grant scheme is open from 13 December 2023 – 31 March 2025, or until funding runs out.

Apply through the website.

83. Creative Enterprise Business Builder

The programme will support registered SMEs working in ‘moving image’ for storytelling. We will consider companies working with on screen content that tells a story in order to entertain an audience. This includes those working in film, TV, animation, games and immersive media, tech platforms with a narrative focus; and where the content is consumed on screen.

 The maximum amount available for business planning support is £2,500. 

Please note that the award cannot be used to design a business plan (visually)or brand assets, pay staff, management, directors, or shareholders of the company for their contributions to the work completed as part of this grant. 

Apply on the website.

84. Wenta grants

Social enterprise Wenta provides access to grants for businesses in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Enfield. It can offer up to £3,000 via business support programmes. Find out more through its website.

85. Bus Service Operators Grant: commercial transport operators

The Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) is a discretionary grant paid to operators of eligible local bus services to help them recover some of their fuel costs.

The amount each bus operator receives is based on the amount of fuel they use. BSOG aims to benefit passengers by:

• Helping operators keep fares down
• Enabling operators to run services that might otherwise be unprofitable and be cancelled

Bus operators in receipt of the grant must keep accurate records of the eligible kilometres run and the fuel consumed in operation of local bus services so as to satisfy officers of the Department for Transport (DfT) that the figures on the claim are correctly stated. It should be noted that while DfT’s intentions are to avoid placing unnecessary administrative burdens on bus operators, officers of DfT or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will periodically visit bus operators to check that claims comply with the appropriate legislation and to ensure that accurate records are being kept in support of claims.

Operators who believe they are eligible should complete and return the application form Bus Service Operators Grant – application form for commercial transport operators (publishing.service.gov.uk) with any relevant supporting documentation to bsog@dft.gov.uk.

86. Elmbridge start-up boost

You can apply for a grant of up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of £1,000. Applicants are expected to fund at least 50 per cent of each item as part of the project costs.

The fund is only available to businesses that are looking to set up within Elmbridge, are not taking over an existing business or have set up in Elmbridge within the last six months.

Fill out an application form on the website.

87. Growing Hull & East Yorkshire Business Investment Grants

Growing Hull and East Yorkshire is a £1.5m business investment scheme aiming to provide capital grants to SME businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire to support and incentivise business growth, investment and job creation.

The programme builds on the success and momentum of the successful Growing the Humber business grant programme. The scheme should be considered alongside other finance options such as bank loans or asset finance.

Grants of between £5,000 and £250,000 are available to SME businesses that are able to demonstrate viability and will contribute to the wider growth of Hull and East Yorkshire. Grants below the minimum threshold may be considered as an exceptional case.

88. The Smart Concept Fund, Wolverhampton

Another Proof of Concept grant, this fund gives up to £16,500 at an intervention rate of up to 55 per cent to fund an approved development project. It’s expected to close early 2023. You must be based in the Black Country, The Marches or Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire.

It’s targeted towards businesses in the following areas:

• Transport technologies (including aerospace and automotive)
• Building technologies/construction
• Advanced manufacturing including advanced engineering
• Environmental technologies
• Applied materials
• Agritech/agriculture, food and drink
• Medical technology
• Energy generation
• Defence and securities

89. Crawley Shop Front and High Street Improvement Grant Scheme

A £128,000 fund has been created to support independent and small shops across the borough and to pay for town centre improvement works. Eligible businesses in Crawley town centre and the neighbourhood parades will be able to bid for grants of up to £5,000 toward significant visual improvements to their frontage, or physical improvements to frontline business operations. Up to four adjoining businesses can also make a joint bid for a maximum of £20,000.

The funding is available to eligible Crawley businesses and could include:

• Shop front enhancements
• Lighting and decoration improvements
• Minor building works
• Display equipment
• Payment system improvements

To be eligible to apply for a grant, businesses must:

• Be registered with HMRC or Companies House
• Pass due diligence checks undertaken by council officers
• Have a physical shop premises in Crawley borough
• Be a small independent business with a maximum of 50 employees
• Not be part of a regional, national or international chain or franchise
• Demonstrate security of tenure for the premises for a term of at least six months
• Not propose inappropriate physical shop front improvements if the premises is located in designated conservation areas

A due diligence and evaluation process will be undertaken on applications. Grants offered are subject to meeting eligibility criteria, fulfilling the aims of the scheme and a subsidy control declaration. 

How to apply

Eligible businesses must complete an application form which will then undergo a due diligence and evaluation process.  

Please ensure that you complete all relevant sections of the application form and that all supporting documentation and evidence is provided. Any incomplete or insufficiently detailed applications will not be accepted or processed for evaluation. 

The application process requires information about the following areas:

Business details

This section requires supporting information on latest accounts, tax returns and leases as well as:

• Business registrations
• Location
• Operations
• Company representatives
• Leaseholder information

Project proposal

A detailed outline of the project proposal including:

• Research
• Product details
• Timescales for delivery
• Expected outcomes and impact, for example business growth or creation of jobs
• Environmental benefits
• Visual improvements to the surrounding business environment

Finances

This section requires supporting information on accounts and cost quotations as well as:

• Grant value
• Itemised breakdown of costs
• Profitability and cash flow position of the business
• Details of other funding sources or previous grants awarded
• Details of other public funding received

Planning considerations

This section covers any planning considerations required, including:

• Does the proposal require planning permission?
• Is the premises located within a conservation area?
• Has advice been sought from the Local Planning Authority?

90. Invest to Grow, Derbyshire

The University of Derby supplies loans between £15,000 and £250,000 to support private businesses across the East Midlands to innovate, grow and create jobs. The following objectives will be prioritised:

• It will create new jobs or safeguard existing positions in your company
• It will increase the scope or scale of your company activity
• It will improve the company’s performance
• It has not commenced and will not be achievable in the timescales proposed without Invest to Grow support

You must be able to create jobs that can be sustained for at least three years – businesses that create higher-skilled jobs are preferred. The following sectors are also preferred:

• Manufacturing (e.g. transport equipment and food and drink)
• Life sciences
• Construction
• Logistics
• Engineering
• Technology
• Creative industries
• Low carbon

91. B&CE, construction industry

Does your organisation support people with education and training in construction? Good news. You may be eligible for a corporate grant from the B&CE Charitable Trust.

Grants are available for projects that either promote careers in the construction industry or lead to accredited qualifications.

We encourage applications from not-for-profit organisations, excluding public sector. However, if you’re unsure, please get in touch.

If you’d like to find out more about our grants for organisations or make an application, please get in touch – email us at charitabletrust@bandce.co.uk.

We also provide grants to help individuals get back into construction or to retrain in another skill if there’s an occupational health requirement. Find out how to apply for grants for individuals for education or training.

92. Salford Skills for Business Apprenticeship Fund

With this apprenticeship fund, you can get assistance to cover the cost of training for an apprentice role, apprenticeship training for your existing workforce and funding to support employment costs for a new apprentice.

93. ECITB Engineering Training Grants

Engineering training grants are funded by the industrial training levy and used to meet the needs of employers and the wider industry.

Grants that are paid employers to subsidise training costs for their workforce. The ECITB also pays grants to training providers who provide the training, tests and qualifications that industry requires.

The ECITB works with employers to identify training needs and to drive up skill levels across the industry. Eligible employers can access a wide range of engineering training grants to support the training they require.

Some grant money is invested in strategic projects that benefit the wider industry, for instance a project to recruit more apprentices to our graduate retention programme for the oil and gas industry, which has helped to secure graduates skills.

Grant support is available for a range of training activities. The ECITB prioritises funding for training that improves the productivity and safety of the engineering construction workforce and also training that develops skills that are transferrable across industry.

These areas of training include:

• New entrant training – apprenticeships, graduate development and workers transferring across industry sectors.
• Craft/technician skills (e.g. Mechanical Joint Integrity)
• Safety training (excluding the CCNSG safety passport)
• Leadership, management and supervisory development.
• Competence assurance (e.g. vocational qualifications and technical tests)
• Contractual requirement (e.g. works access and plant operations)
• Project management, project controls and commercial awareness
• Design training (e.g. CAD and BIM)

Some training, such as safety passports required to gain access to sites and to ensure a worker can travel overseas, is excluded from grant support. This includes:

All in-scope engineering construction companies are eligible for support from engineering training grants, whether they pay the training levy or not. The levy contribution or size of a company has no bearing on the decision to award a grant. Small and medium-sized companies may be exempt from levy payments but are eligible to receive training grants.

• The ECITB can also award grants to employers, training providers, individuals and other institutions that are not in-scope but are part of the engineering construction industry.
• The ECITB must agree to fund training before the activity takes place.
• If an employer does not seek a commitment for funding beforehand there is a risk the grant will not be paid.
• Apply for grant funding either via an ECITB Approved Training Provider or directly through the ECITB’s online member services portal (MSP). If you are not already a registered MSP user contact msphelp@ecitb.org.uk
• Employers should make their claim for grant funding as soon as possible after the training has taken place.

For further information please see the ECITB’s grant policy here.

94. Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

The REPF Business Grant Scheme is a capital grants programme for small rural businesses funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) by DEFRA (the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs).

Find out more about eligibility and the application process on the website.

Business grants Wales

The main providers of grants in Wales are the Welsh government, the UK government, the EU, local authorities and charities.

The finance locator on the Business Wales website is a great starting point for looking at the grants and other types of funding available in Wales, allowing you to filter and sort your results by funding type, source, geographic area, application status and so on to see the most relevant options for your business.

95. Accelerated Business Growth Grant Scheme, Newport

The City of Newport Accelerated Growth Grants Programme comprises grants valued between £25,000-£75,000, available for businesses, worth up to 50 per cent of total expenditure, towards capital investment activity which either allows a well-established, new to the region, business to set up premises in Newport; or allows an existing Newport-based business to accelerate its growth ambitions.

If you think you will be making an eligible investment in the next six weeks, that you can demonstrate will lead to business growth and further job creation, please provide an outline of your project to business.services@newport.gov.uk

96. Website Development Grant, Swansea

This is a grant with the objective of adopting a new technology through online/website development. The grant can fund costs relating to the creation of a business website for the first time or enhancement to an existing site.

The maximum grant available is £1,500. The grant will require applicants to provide 50% of costs in match funding. All applicants will be required to provide a business plan/summary and a 12-month cash flow forecast.

For further details and to request an application form, please email growthgrant@swansea.gov.uk.

97. Caerphilly Business Start-Up grant

This business development grant is to help companies to start up a business for the first time. Business start-ups in all business sectors may be considered. The applicant must be setting up the business in the Caerphilly County Borough.

Eligible costs could include:

• Capital equipment
• ICT equipment
• Development of websites
• Marketing
• Building works to business premises
• Training

The business must not have started prior to application and approval. It’s a discretionary grant and can provide 50 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of £500.

98. Carbon Reduction Grant, Swansea

This is a grant with the objective of enabling businesses in Swansea to work towards net zero carbon. The grant can fund costs including renewable energy generation, energy conservation measures and changes to manufacturing processes which result in carbon reduction; applicants must be able to calculate their forecast carbon savings.

The maximum grant available is £10,000. The grant will require applicants to provide 50 per cent of costs in match funding. All applicants will be required to provide a business plan/summary and 12-month cash flow forecast.

For further details and to request an application form, please email growthgrant@swansea.gov.uk.

99. Caerphilly Enterprise Fund

The Caerphilly enterprise fund can support new and established businesses and community enterprises throughout the County Borough.

The fund can cover revenue costs and the maximum grant is £2,000 at an intervention rate of 50 per cent.

Eligible project costs can include:

• websites and e-commerce sites
• feasibility studies
• business planning
• one off marketing costs
• capital equipment
• IT hardware and software
• property and infrastructure improvements to commercial, industrial and retail premises

If you are a start up business you will need to submit a business plan together with the application form.

If you are an existing company you will also need to submit trading accounts.

100. Supplier Development Grant, Swansea

This is a grant with the objective of providing a new service upon undertaking training to gain a sector recognised accreditation. This will aid businesses in Swansea wishing to bid for public sector and/or larger scale contracts.

The maximum grant available is £1,000. The grant will require applicants to provide 50 per cent of costs in match funding. All applicants will be required to provide a business summary and 12-month cash flow forecast.

For further details and to request an application form, please email developmentgrant@swansea.gov.uk

101. ReAct for Businesses

ReAct is a redundancy support which helps businesses connect with people who have lost their jobs. The programme can help you pay their wages and get them into role-specific training.

You’ll receive £4,000 in quarterly instalments for the first 12 months to help cover their wages. The scheme will cover those:

The person you wish to recruit must be aged 20 or over and disabled (inclusive of people with physical impairment, neurodivergence and mental health), and one of the following:

• Under formal Notice of Redundancy or
• Within six months of the date of redundancy or
• An ex-offender or an offender who is serving their sentence in the community

102. Placemaking Grants – Swansea

The focus of the programme is sustainable growth of towns and cities, and their transformation into places of living, working, learning and leisure.

The scheme is part of the Welsh government funded ‘Transforming Towns Programme’. There are two parts – grants for residential units and grants for ‘Commercial property improvements’. The latter will typically focus on enhancing building frontages together with the upgrade of vacant commercial floor space to bring it back into beneficial business use. For more details click on the link in the sub-heading above or contact the Business Support team at Swansea council here.

103. Enterprising Communities – ARFOR Programme Support Fund

Grants are available to commercial, social, cooperative enterprises and community enterprises that aim to preserve and increase local prosperity in areas considered strongholds of the Welsh language, namely Anglesey, Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire (the ARFOR region).

Grants of £5,000 to £75,000 are available, to fund up to 70 per cent of total project costs. Applicants are required to provide at least 30 per cent of their total project costs from other sources.

Supported projects and activities will contribute to the following programme objectives:

• Create opportunities for young people and families (<35 years old) to stay in or return to their indigenous communities – supporting them to succeed locally by engaging in enterprise or developing a career and ensuring a livelihood that fulfils their aspirations.
• Create enterprising communities within Welsh-speaking areas – by supporting commercial and community enterprises that aim to preserve and increase local wealth by taking advantage of the identity and unique qualities of their areas.
• Maximise the benefit of collaborative activity – by establishing a mindset of learning by doing and continuous improvement, learning from an activity within individual areas and then extending it, but tailoring it to local circumstances.
• Strengthen the identity of communities with a high density of Welsh speakers – by supporting the use and visibility of the Welsh language, encouraging a sense of place and local loyalty, together with increasing awareness of what is common across the region.

Applications may be made at any time.

Application details and further information can be found on the websites of the four county councils comprising the ARFOR region, and from the ARFOR programme website.

104. UK Steel Grant, Swansea

A grant scheme in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise Ltd offering up to £1,000 for new start-ups or businesses which are under two years old in the Swansea Council area. However, the grant will only cover 50 per cent of the eligible project costs and the minimum grant payable is £250. 

Grant funding covers items such as equipment, qualifications, accountancy, software, web development and tools.

The funding pot is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. For further details, please contact startupgrant@swansea.gov.uk.

105. Accreditations Grant Scheme, Gwynedd County

Cyngor Gwynedd is keen to assist small and medium sized businesses located in Gwynedd to achieve accreditations which set recognised specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency.  

Examples are ISO accreditations such as ISO9001 which specifies requirements for a quality management system and ISO14001 which specifies requirements for an environmental management system.

A grant scheme is available which contributes towards the costs of a consultant to work with businesses in order to achieve the necessary standard for certification. The cost of the actual certification is not included in the scheme. 

The objective is to make businesses more efficient and effective in supplying quality goods and services leading to increased competitiveness and placing businesses in a better position to respond to tendering opportunities with Cyngor Gwynedd, other local authorities, government organisations and the private sector. 

For further information, contact the Cyngor Gwynedd Business Support Service (you’ll need to have an online account to apply).

106. Caerphilly Business Start-up Grant

This is a flexible grant scheme delivered through a partnership with UK Steel Enterprise and Caerphilly County Borough Council. It is designed to help residents of Caerphilly County Borough set up a full-time business for the first time, who are not able to access any other sources of funding. The Caerphilly Business Start-Up Grant provides financial support to help eligible new businesses develop and grow.

Business start-ups in all business sectors may be considered. The applicant must be setting up the business in the Caerphilly County Borough.

Eligible costs could include:

• Capital equipment
• ICT equipment
• Development of websites
• Marketing
• Building works to business premises
• Training

The business must not have started prior to application and approval.

The applicant must provide a business plan with a minimum of one-year cash flow forecast and projected profit and loss. Two comparable quotes are also required for each capital item required. The business must provide full time employment for the applicant (min. 30 hours).

At least one of the owners or directors must be employed full time in the business.

Contact Business Enterprise Renewal Team for further information.

The Caerphilly Business Start-up Grant is a discretionary grant and can provide up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of £500.

Applications are continuously assessed by the Business Enterprise Renewal Team.

107. Carmarthenshire Business Flood Infrastructure Fund

Eligible projects will be based in areas of Carmarthenshire that have been subject to repeat significant flood events.

Priority will be given to projects where there is a historical risk of flooding, and where there is significant economic impact.

All applicants must be economically and financially viable.
Grants for flood alleviation/protection works will require landowner permission and relevant licences.

The grant will be based on a maximum of 50 per cent of the total project of the costs.
Other public funding may be sought for the project however applicants will be expected to contribute at least 25 per cent of the total project from their own funds.
The maximum grant is £50,000.

Applicants should note that the County Council will be assessing the project against various criteria:

• Number of jobs safeguarded.
• Number of businesses benefiting from support.
• Impact of the scheme on future flood incidents.
• Value for money

The procedure will consist of a single application process. To request an Application form please send an email to: economicdevelopment@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

108. Start-up Business Grants, Newport City

Grants of up to £2,500 are available outside the city centre and up to £5,000 for city centre businesses – up to a maximum 50 per cent of net costs. Elements of these grants are discretionary based on various economic and wellbeing objectives.

The grant is available on up to five capital equipment items::

• Plant and equipment
• ICT equipment and software
• Website development and related training

This grant cannot be used towards salaries, signage, furniture, property refurbishment, the purchase of vehicles, stock/consumables, marketing collateral, training and/or licenses.

Applicants need to evidence that they have existing funds to cover the total cost of the investment, as the grants are paid retrospectively. You cannot commit to premises, or any expenditure you are requesting funding for, prior to receiving a grant offer in writing. Funding cannot be awarded retrospectively.

Please note: all funds must be spent by the end of March 2025. There is a limited amount of funding available, and the grant scheme will close once all funding has been allocated, which may be before the end of the financial year.

Only businesses with an eligible investment project will be invited to apply.

Please email business.services@newport.gov.uk in the first instance.

109. Business Growth Grant, Swansea

This is a grant with the objective of supporting business growth through introduction of a new product or service in the Swansea area. The grant can fund costs including but not limited to equipment, IT systems and machinery. 

The maximum grant available is £50,000 based at an upper limit of £5,000 per job created and/or safeguarded. Jobs created and/or safeguarded, the new product or service and the proposed spend must all be directly linked. All applicants will be required to provide a business plan/summary and a 12-month cash flow forecast.

For further details and to request an application form, please email growthgrant@swansea.gov.uk.

110. Accelerated Growth Programme

The programme offers support to high growth pre-revenue firms and SMEs. You must be able to grow turnover by at least 20 per cent a year, generate at least ten new jobs in three years. Start-ups are also accepted but they must have been trading for 12 months and must be looking to achieve the levels of growth mentioned above.

111. Neath Port Talbot Council Green Renewable Fund

Grants of up to 50 per cent of eligible costs or, a maximum of £50,000 to support capital investment in green technology.

What business sectors are eligible?
Funding can support businesses operating within:

• Manufacturing
• Engineering/Fabrication
• Construction
• ICT
• Renewable Energy sectors

What costs does the grant support?

Power Systems
• Small scale, single wind turbines.
• Solar photovoltaic panels (roof mounted/ ground mounted).
• Solar photovoltaic battery*.
• Grid linked battery storage system (where the tariff is with a renewable energy supplier)*.
• Hydro-electric

Heating Systems
• Air Source Heat Pump (Air to water and air to air).
• Ground Source Heat Pump (vertical, horizontal, diagonal & radial).
• Solar thermal panels (roof mounted/ ground mounted).
• Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Systems.                              

Businesses operating in the following sectors are not eligible to apply:
• Professional services such as accountants, solicitors, estate agents, insurance brokers, etc.
• Banking
• Education
• Primary Healthcare e.g. GP Surgeries, physiotherapists, etc.
• Supermarkets
• Small operations with low power usage.
• Storage yards and facilities
• Businesses that are part of a franchise
• National companies or those part of a larger chain
• Sports clubs

Business premises must be registered on Neath Port Talbot Council’s Non Domestic Rates register and the applicant must either own the freehold, or secure your landlord’s written consent for the proposed works. A lease must also be in place and remain valid after the final grant payment date. Please note: Independent businesses (not part of a larger group) operating within the Hospitality, Leisure, Tourism, Care and Retail sectors will also be considered if expenditure meets the criteria.

112. Cardiff Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Part of the cost of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership is funded by a grant from Innovate UK or other government co-funders that you apply for in a competitive bid for submissions (there is a success rate for applications of around 90 per cent). The remainder of the project cost is met through a cash payment by your organisation.

Project costs are variable, but can typically be around £80,000 – £100,000 per project year. For Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises the grant rate is 67 per cent of the project cost; for large companies 50 per cent; and for third sector organisations the grant rate is 75 per cent.

The cost of a KTP is comparable to employing a well-qualified graduate, but includes so much more:

• Access to the exceptional resources of the university
• A dedicated team to deliver a strategic project
• Expert academic input bringing a breadth and depth of knowledge to support the graduate and the project
• The input of a highly experienced Knowledge Transfer Adviser who is there at every stage to support and help the project succeed
• The partnership introduces new capabilities and embeds knowledge
• The risk of developing the innovation project is shared with the government co-funders
• The wider support and opportunities offered by links to Innovate UK KTN.

To apply for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership companies should:

• Be UK registered and of sufficient size to support the project.
• Have the financial capacity to make the required contribution to the 
cost of running a Knowledge Transfer Partnership
• Be aware that Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can have a long-term legacy that can be measured over five years, as well as shorter term impact.
• Be able to show that their project demonstrates Impact, Innovation, Challenge and Cohesiveness

Find out more about the eligibility criteria for KTP here.

In the first instance, you should talk to a Knowledge Transfer Adviser who can answer all your questions about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, checking the feasibility of your idea and its suitability for funding. Advisers can then help find an academic partner and draw up a grant application with you.

Locate and contact your local Knowledge Transfer Adviser on this map of KTA locations or from the list here.

113. Swansea pre-start grant

This is a grant with the objective of supporting start-up businesses in the Swansea area. The grant is available to pre-start businesses only and can fund costs including but not limited to equipment, training, accreditation and marketing. 

The maximum grant available is £10,000. The fund offers up to 95 per cent of the project costs for the first £1,000 of expenditure and 50 per cent for expenditure between £1,000 – £10,000.  All applicants will be required to provide a business plan and a 12-month cash flow forecast.

For further details and to request an application form, please email startupgrant@swansea.gov.uk.

114. Wales Tourism Investment Fund (WTIF)

The Welsh Government, in partnership with the Development Bank of Wales, has launched a new £50m Wales Tourism Investment Fund (WTIF), which brings together both commercial and grant funding into one combined package of financial support.

The new fund will provide patient capital to tourism businesses of between £100,000 and £5 million for qualifying projects
Repayment term is between 10-15 years, and can include seasonality payment breaks.

Cash can be used either to upgrade existing, or create new, high-quality assets in the tourism sector.

How to apply

The fund includes a two stage application process. The first stage includes an expression of interest form and, if successful at this stage, the business will then be invited to make a full application.

Please email WTIF@gov.wales or call 03000 622418 for more information.

115. Transforming Towns Place Making Grant – Mid Wales

Ceredigion County Council has secured funding from the Welsh Governments’ Transforming Towns Programme to help support capital investment to regenerate a number of our towns across Mid Wales.

The Transforming Towns Place Making Grant offers support for a wide range of projects, from green infrastructure developments to internal and external commercial and residential improvements for business owners.

Potential projects will need to satisfy eligibility criteria which will include demonstrating clear links to a current Town Place Plan or Town Centre Strategy. Also, potential projects will need to satisfy the Transforming Towns Place Making Grant Framework criteria.

Applicants can discuss potential projects with their local project officer who can advise whether the project could be eligible and help with the expression of interest process.
The grant will run for three years commencing 01/04/22, with projects needing to complete by 01/03/25.

The scheme is open to private businesses, including developers, third sector businesses, and the public sector. It is not available to private individuals.

116. Community Innovation Denbighshire

Innovators and entrepreneurs with sustainable project ideas are being urged to apply for grants that will drive post-Covid economic recovery in Denbighshire.

Led by Cadwyn Clwyd and Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), the £600,000 Community Innovation Denbighshire project will focus on encouraging micro firms, community groups and social enterprises in rural and urban areas to put forward proposals that will deliver regional and environmental benefits.

Supported by Denbighshire County Council and part-funded by the UK Government through the £220m UK Community Renewal Fund, support is available for 25 organisations or individuals who can apply for a £5,000 grant they will match-fund to trial new products, systems, and services.

For more information, email admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or call 01490 340500.

Business grants Scotland

In Scotland there are a few larger organisations who offer a number of different funding opportunities.

Better Business Finance: A portal that provides impartial information and support to businesses and entrepreneurs looking to develop and grow. Use this search to find out exactly what grant funding is available to your business with a complete list of known grants in Scotland.

Scottish Enterprise: A non-departmental public body which encourages economic development, enterprise and innovation in Scotland. For all grants and funding information please click here.

Business Gateway: Offers advice and guidance to start-up companies and established companies across Scotland. See below for specifics on grants and funding.

117. Scottish Growth Scheme

The Scottish Growth Scheme is a package of financial support of up to £500m for Scottish businesses. It’s backed by the Scottish Government and aims to help businesses grow.

This funding will be provided through a series of initiatives which businesses can access for investment. The level of funding depends on which initiative you choose.

118. Scottish Venture Fund

The Scottish Venture Fund invests in companies from start-ups, early-stage to expanding businesses seeking funding to develop products and/or markets.

This fund can invest alongside sophisticated private sector investors on equal terms, up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the total funding package on a commercial basis. This flexible equity gap fund invests alongside private sector investors, offering equity funding from £100,000 up to £2m.

119. National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations

The Open Fund has separate funding strands for individuals and organisations within the creative industries.

• Funding available for between £1,000 and £100,000
• The fund aims to enable organisations to do creative activity such as a specific project or production, a programme of creative work or a period of research and development.
• The fund is open all year round, with no deadlines and can support projects that last up to 18 months

120. Young EDGE

Young EDGE is a competition aimed at entrepreneurs in Scotland aged between 18-30 with a cash grant prize of up to £15,000.

The Scottish Edge Young competition is aimed at companies run by those aged between 18 and 30.

121. Clean Energy Transition Partnership programme (CETP)

The CETP programme is a transformative Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) program, designed to accelerate clean energy transition through annual funding calls.

It’s an international collaboration involving 30 countries and more than 50 funding agencies, supported through the Horizon Europe R&I programme.

There’s up to €5m (£4,186m) available for supporting projects, assigned on a competitive basis.

You’re eligible if your project is:

• Based in a company, university or research institute
• Transnational – your work must be collaborative between at least three independent partners from three different countries, of which at least two must be EU member states or Horizon Europe Associated Countries

122. Green Heat Innovation Support Programme

Temporarily closed

The Green Heat Innovation Support Programme is looking for innovative ways to deliver a decarbonised heat supply chain.

We’re looking for new products or processes that can improve the thermal performance of heated buildings at a price which is affordable to consumers. Solutions can be new or retrofitted, as long as they aim to improve heat sustainability in domestic and commercial buildings.

Funded by Scottish Government, and managed by Scottish Enterprise as a national Scotland CAN DO innovation challenge call, it’s open to any eligible company in Scotland.

Grant support for 100 per cent of the eligible project costs is available. This will allow companies to undertake detailed analysis, design, and assessment of the technical and commercial feasibility of their proposed solution over a period of three to four months.

Grants between £30,000 and £50,000 are available for companies in Scotland. The size of grant is based on the actual cost to the company. Each application is assessed according to the requirements provided in the challenge details.

To apply, download and complete an application form on the website linked above. Send the completed form to enquiries@scotent.co.uk by the deadline.

123. Regional Selective Assistance funding

RSA is a discretionary grant aimed at encouraging capital investment and job creation in Assisted Areas of Scotland, classified as Tiers 2 and 3. The grant is available for businesses who want to develop a project in these areas.

Depending on the location of your project and the size of your business, different levels of RSA are available. 

We can typically support up to 35 per cent of the eligible costs for a small/medium sized enterprise (SME) and 15 per cent of the eligible costs for a large enterprise.

Projects must last between six and 36 months, and the minimum grant considered is £150,000.

To apply, fill in a form on the website linked above and the team will review and send feedback on your project proposal.

124. International Events Funding Programme

Through this programme of investment, the EventScotland team fund major, world-class events which are raising the profile of Scotland’s Perfect Stage around the world.

They support events though this programme in a number of ways: working in partnership with local authorities and governing bodies on bids to secure major international properties for Scotland; communicating directly with event organisers for annual events where they have an established relationship, and; actively looking for new and existing events to bring to Scotland for the first time.

If you would like to discuss any opportunities further, please contact through the link above.

Useful link: – Looking for funding? Find the right finance for your business here

125. Young Business Capital Grant

The Young Business Capital Grant Fund aims to stimulate an increase in productivity, innovation and employment in the Highlands and Islands through capital investment in start-up/young businesses and social enterprises who have been trading for less than five years.

We are looking to support projects that help businesses and social enterprises grow, for example through investment enabling new market entry, enabling an increase in sales or quality employment opportunities.

The funding is a non-repayable grant of up to £75,000 which will cover between 20 per cent and 50 per cent of the total cost of a project. The minimum grant award is £10,000. Projects with a total cost of £20,000 or less are therefore unlikely to be eligible. 

We will prioritise projects based in remote, rural and island areas where applicants may be eligible for up to 50 per cent funding towards project costs. 

HIE’s contribution to projects will be based on the financial need of the business or social enterprise. Applicants will be required to provide financial information on request to allow an assessment to be made.

Complete an expression of interest form on the website.

126. Scottish Edge

Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent.

The Scottish EDGE competition offers funding of up to £100,000 on a split grant/loan basis.

The application process consists of each business completing the Scottish EDGE online application form and producing a 3-minute video presentation.

127. Forestry Grant Scheme

This scheme is focused on providing financial support for businesses involved in the creation of either new woodland spaces or the sustainable management of existing woodlands. It is managed by the Scottish Rural Payments and Services agency and Scottish Forestry.

128. Creative Scotland funding

Creative Scotland offer a range of funding for the arts in different specialisms and regions. More general funding is also available. Check the website for current opportunities.

129. Inverclyde Council Business Assistance Grant

This discretionary fund from Inverclyde Council provides financial assistance to help businesses in the area achieve specific business growth objectives. The fund can cover up to 50 per cent of eligible capital expenditure costs, with a maximum contribution of £5,000.

Applicants must submit:

• A business plan
• A one-year cashflow projection
• Evidence of trading status
• The last full year’s accredited accounts and up-to-date management accounts
• Three quotes for project costs
• Proof of business insurance
• An uncensored copy of a bank statement, dated within the past 3 months, that clearly shows the name of the account holder, the account number and sort code
• A description of the works to be undertaken and how these contribute to the development of the business

If the business is operating from commercial premises, you must also submit evidence of ownership of a lease. If the grant is for building works, you must also clarify if planning permission and a building warrant are required.

You will need to meet with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde before you receive an application form.

You are eligible if:

• Your business is trading from an address in Inverclyde
• Your business has been trading for at least 12 months
• Your business operates in a sector where there is unlikely to be a significant impact on other local businesses
• You have attended a one-to-one meeting with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde

130. Fife Financial Support to Businesses

This Fife Council support can help with funding to encourage small companies in Fife to invest and grow their business and can help in the following areas – plant and machinery, property improvements, product development, process improvement, training and market development.

Your company may be eligible for assistance if you employ up to 50 people in manufacturing, business to business services or tourism. Your development plan must show that the investment will bring an economic benefit to Fife by way of increased employment and/or turnover.

Contact an adviser on 01592 858333 to discuss your situation.

131. East Renfrewshire Small Business Assistance Small Grant Award

Grant payable will be 50 per cent of eligible costs up to a maximum of £1,000. TheSmall Business Assistance Small Grant Award is open to established businesses trading for over 12 months.

Businesses must demonstrate that the grant will facilitate increased turnover in the 12 months following any grant award or sustain or grow their workforce.

To be eligible, you must have an annual turnover of at least £100,000.

132. Orkney Islands New Business Start Up Grant

Orkney Islands Council fund the New Business Start Up Grant and can give you £500-£1,500. The main condition is that applicants must be developing a new start-up business and build a full-time sustainable enterprise.

The council is looking to target tourism, food and drink, renewable energy, lifeline local service providers and community-based social enterprise companies. Franchise businesses are also eligible.

133. West Dumbarton Business Start Up Grant

This grant is for people in West Dunbartonshire to get up to £500 support with their business start-up costs. You must put forward a business plan and provide proof of trading such as evidence of a business bank account and identification like a passport or birth certificate.

134. Cycling Infrastructure Fund

The fund has been fully allocated but expressions of interest are still being taken.

The Cycling Infrastructure Fund provides grants to help tourism businesses, social enterprises and community groups that own visitor-facing assets to invest in cycling infrastructure.

This will help improve facilities for cyclists using the Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast route or riding at the 7Stanes trail centres.

The minimum grant amount is £3,000 and the maximum is £25,000. Grants can cover up to 100 per cent of your total eligible project costs.

The funding can be used for the purchase and installation of cycling infrastructure at premises owned by the applicant.

Examples of eligible infrastructure include:

• secure bike storage
• bike racks
• external electrical sockets to be used as charging facilities by cycle tourers
• secure bike locks for customer use
• a bike wash
• drying equipment for drying clothes, rucksacks, panniers, and footwear
• clothes washing facilities for visitors
• bike maintenance facilities, such as repair stations

The fund will accept applications from Thursday 5 October 2023 until Friday 31 January 2025, or until all funds are distributed – whichever is earlier.

135. Start-up grants for new businesses in Shetland

The Shetland Business Start-Up Grant Scheme provides funding of £500 – £4,000 to newly established businesses in Shetland. The grant is open to:

• Individuals (pre-start); sole trader; partnerships, limited companies or social enterprises
• Businesses established up to 12 months prior to the application date will be eligible to apply for assistance 
• Most sectors can apply (see exclusions below)
• Applicants must be located within the Shetland area

Grants may be awarded for:

• capital costs
• marketing costs
• training costs

This grant is jointly funded by Shetland Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

136. East Renfrewshire SBA Get to Zero Grant

The SBA Get to Zero Grant provides funding for businesses in East Renfrewshire to invest in sustainable products and services, to help them become more efficient and reduce carbon emissions and energy loss.

The SBA Get to Zero Grant provides funding of up to £5,000 with no match funding required. An additional grant of up to £5,000 is available if you can provide 50 per cent match funding in the same amount as the grant.

Measures could include:

• low energy heating and lighting systems 
• improved insulation for roof and building 
• solar, ground or air source heat or solar thermal technology 
• waste management or recycling 
• equipment that demonstrates a significant energy saving through its installation

137. Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme, Aberdeen

The Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme offers grant awards of up to 50 per cent of project costs towards eligible physical works required for internal reconfiguration of vacant shops on Union Street to enable reoccupation by new businesses and tenants.  

Before applying please read the application guidance in full. If you have any questions, please contact the project team by emailing unionstreet@aberdeencity.gov.uk.  

The link to download an application form is available on the website. Once complete, please email the form and supporting documents to unionstreet@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2025 or until such time as funding has been fully allocated.   

138. Pounds for Purpose

Up to £500 in grant funding is available for individuals aged 16 to 26 who are looking to explore a business idea that addresses social issues in Scotland.

139. West Lothian Council Trade Development Grant

The Trade Development Grant has been developed to help businesses in West Lothian grow beyond their local market. Funding is available to help businesses to attend trade exhibitions in a wide range of industry sectors. Businesses that meet the criteria can receive funding to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum of £2,000.

Due to budgetary restraints, they can no longer accept applications from professional service businesses. 

To register interest and find out more, please email invest@westlothian.gov.uk

140. Renfrewshire Digital Development Grant

The Digital Development Grant can provide match funding to small and medium-sized businesses in Renfrewshire to cover up to 50 per cent of their costs to develop and implement new digital systems. Grants of £1,000 up to £10,000 are available.

This discretionary grant can support digital projects which are new to the business. To qualify, you must operate from a commercial premise in Renfrewshire.

Business grants Northern Ireland

141. Proof of Concept Grant Fund

This Proof of Concept Grant Fund from Techstart is a pre-commercial grant awarding fund. It supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept.

Techstart gives out concept grants of up to £10,000, which are awarded every three months.

142. Skills Advancement Grant

Applicants can get up to £15,000 for staff training to go towards travel, external training and accommodation. Just be aware that it’s only open to Invest Northern Ireland customers.

This support is available to Invest Northern Ireland clients, which are manufacturing and/or tradeable services businesses with the potential to both:

• Achieve at least 25 per cent of sales external to Northern Ireland (or at least £250,000 external sales, whichever is lower)
• Employ at least ten staff, within five years

143. DAERA forestry grants

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is a government department in the Northern Ireland Executive. Its Forestry Grant Scheme for 2014-2020 has four main objectives for businesses involved in: expanding forests, protecting existing forests, woodland management and the ‘agri environment’.

144. Acumen Funding

The Acumen programme aims to enhance the capacity and capability of SMEs to take the first formal steps onto the export ladder by helping to fund an experienced and skilled sales resource to help businesses to identify new opportunities and win new sales in the cross-border market.

There are two funding options available under the Acumen programme.

Full-time sales support

Acumen offers a valuable contribution towards the cost of a full-time sales resource, for a 12-month period, up to a maximum of €21,562/£17,250.

A full-time sales resource must be an individual directly employed by the business and not a contractual representative. They can reside within the same or opposite jurisdiction to your business, whatever option works best for your business.

Part-time sales support

Acumen offers a valuable contribution towards the cost of a part-time sales resource, for a 6-12-month period, up to a maximum of €11,500/£9,200.

A part-time sales resource can be an individual directly employed by the business or alternatively a contractual representative e.g. experienced sales agent, consultant or a lead generation company. They can reside within the same or opposite jurisdiction to your business, whatever option works best for your business.

Apply through the website.

145. Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grant Scheme

Belfast City Council have opened a pilot capital grant scheme to incentivise both property owners and potential occupiers to bring vacant Belfast city centre spaces back into use and support the city centre’s revitalisation.

Property owners, businesses, social enterprises and cultural and voluntary organisations wishing to renovate or repurpose a vacant space can apply.

Applicants will be expected to contribute a minimum of 10 per cent match funding to the grant if successful and must have the ability to deliver the scheme within nine months of receiving the Letter of Offer.

Grants from £2,500 to £25,000 are available to support the occupation of vacant city centre premises.

It is anticipated that the following capital costs will be covered:

• Smaller financial support to pop-up shops and meanwhile test space
• Larger grants to encourage uptake of vacant units for a minimum of two years
• External capital works to façade to improve look and feel of the high street
• Internal capital works to make a vacant property fit for purpose and support long-term occupation
• Diversification of property’s unoccupied space to help existing businesses survive

Email your application with all supporting documentation (listed on the website) to vacanttovibrant@belfastcity.gov.uk.

146. Concept Plus Grant

Concept Plus is a follow-on grant from the Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund offering up to £35,000 to entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland. Grants are awarded every six months.

147. The SWEF Enterprise Fund

Community Foundation NI is working in partnership with SWEF Enterprise Fund which helps young people from Northern Ireland develop their business idea and gain support with business investment that they would otherwise not be able to afford.

Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help young people in Northern Ireland who are running their own business which has been trading for no more than 2 years or planning to start their own business imminently, to help a business expand or become more sustainable.

*Pre-revenue business (or businesses that are in the early stages of set up – first few months) can only apply for up to £500 and not for the full business grant*

After 6 months, successful grantees can reapply for additional funds up to £1,500 if the business has progressed.  

To be eligible to apply, you need to:

• Be between the ages of 18-30
• Live in Northern Ireland
• Be running your own business which has been trading for no more than 2 years or planning to start your own business imminently
• Be from a low-income household or facing other financial challenges preventing you from developing your business

You must be able to demonstrate that you have already taken steps to get your business off the ground, even if this is at a very early stage. Examples may include, but are not limited to, evidence of making your first sales, free/pro bono work delivered in order to develop examples of your work, market research to identify market potential and business plans.

The grant can be used for equipment, materials, product development, stock for a new product line, one-off costs such as a website build or other services.

You cannot apply for your salary or living costs, debt repayment, rent and utilities, stock for an existing product line or ongoing software subscriptions.

More details about the application process are on the website.

148. Business Explorer Programme

The Business Explorer Programme can help you explore the best way forward within your business to effect change through innovative solutions.

There are two levels of funding within the Business Explorer programme. You can apply initially for Explore, which will give you access to specialist support through an academic or industry specialist to begin to explore the challenges within your business or the idea you would like to develop. You can progress from Explore to Plan to continue working with an academic or industry specialist to develop a plan to integrate the solution or new idea into your business.

To be eligible for either level of support your business must:

• Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with 5 – 249 employees (part-time/full time)
• Be an SME which is a manufacturing or tradable services company, located on the island of Ireland (North or South)
• Be financially viable by demonstrating a minimum of £250,000 annual turnover to £40 million (guided figure). Priority given to businesses with less than 100 staff and less than £10 million turnover
• Have a minimum two-year trading history
• Be an SME indigenous to the island of Ireland
• Be an SME which is able to demonstrate the capacity and commitment to support an InterTradeIreland Innovation programme project at senior management level

There are also additional eligibility criteria specific to each level of support.

Apply through InterTradeIreland’s website.

149. Technical Development Incentive

Up to £25,000 financial support towards developing new products, improving processes and testing/certification to satisfy requirements of export markets.

The TDI is only available to existing Invest NI customers who meet the definition of an SME.

The criteria to become a customer with Invest NI is as follows: 

• Reach a turnover of £250K per annum within 5 years; and 
• Achieve at least 25 per cent of those sales outside of Northern Ireland
• Employ at least ten staff within five years

You will also need to demonstrate growth potential, which is defined as:

• Potential employment growth >= 20 per cent or >=20 jobs within 3 years; or 
• Potential external sales growth >=20 per cent or >=£500k within 3 years; or 
• Potential increase in GVA / employee >= 20 per cent within 3 years. 

Other TDI criteria:

• Businesses in transport and agricultural sectors are excluded.
• Only third party costs are eligible.
• Training, equipment purchase and labour are not eligible.

TDI provides financial support to companies to help with the cost of technical projects that require using consultants or companies to implement innovative solutions which can add value to the business through increased competitiveness, particularly when targeting key export markets.

Activities include but not limited to:

• Intellectual property (copyright, patents trademarks and design)
• Product and process development and improvement
• Management systems (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, British Retail Consortium Global Food Safety Standard)
• Product and process approval and/or certification (for example CE Marking, Fire Certification)

Invest NI clients should speak to their Invest NI client executive or alternatively contact the business support team.

150. Energy Efficiency Capital Grant Northern Ireland

Grants of up to £150,000 are available to help businesses buy and install energy efficient equipment. The rate of support covers the total eligible project costs and is based on company size:

• Large – maximum of 30 per cent
• Medium – maximum of 40 per cent
• Small & Micro – maximum of 50 per cent

Examples of projects that will be considered for the grant include:

• Heating and cooling equipment
• Motors and drives
• Compressed air
• Lighting
• Onsite renewable generation

To be eligible, businesses must be:

• A registered company based in Northern Ireland
• Trading for at least 2 years 
• Registered for business rates for the premises where the project will be implemented 
• Able to demonstrate that it has sufficient funds to cover a reimbursement grant
• Either the owner of these premises or have a long-term rental agreement 

Businesses must also provide the following documentation to support the application: 

• 12 months of electricity/energy bills
• The last 2 years of financial accounts

Businesses may apply for up to 3 projects (located at one site) in one single application.  

Only one entity within a group structure of companies can apply for the grant at any one time.  

To be eligible, projects must:

• Have a total eligible spend of at least £4,000
• Demonstrate energy and carbon emission savings, these figures vary depending on the type of project
• Achieve a payback of between 1 and 8 years. A higher payback may be allowed but these projects will require a higher level of energy and carbon savings. This is the capital cost divided by the yearly energy savings. 

Please note, any 3rd party statutory requirements such as building control, planning permission, grid connections etc. must be considered prior to applying.

Business Finance in Northern Ireland

In addition to the grants mentioned above, we should also mention that there are a number of government managed SME funding available operated under the aegis of Invest NI, Northern Ireland’s inward investment agency. The agency oversees £186 million worth of debt and equity funding, beginning with seed stage through to Series A and, ultimately, equity funding. The main funds are:

Small Business Loan Fund

Loans range up to £100,000 for existing businesses and up to £15,000 for start-ups in Northern Ireland.

Growth Finance Fund

A £30m loan fund designed to support export-focused NI SMEs demonstrating growth or strong growth potential.

Equity funding

Co-Fund NI

The Co-Fund NI is a £50m equity fund for early-stage start-ups that will co-invest alongside business angels or private investors.

Clarendon Fund Managers (CFM) manages the £17.7m Co-Fund II on behalf of Invest NI.

Development Funds I & II

For companies who require larger sums of cash, there are the £48m Development Funds I & II. These are managed jointly by VC firms Crescent Capital and Kernel Capital.

Development Funds are usually for established companies and they typically won’t invest in early-stage ventures. If you have previously raised £150-£300,000, then the Development Funds can provide follow-on funding.

For more detail on these funds, head over to our guide to small business funding Northern Ireland.