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Introduction
According to the Confederation of British Industry’s latest growth indicator, a majority of businesses are expecting a decline in economic activity at the beginning of 2025 for the first quarter. This decrease in business confidence has followed a negative reaction to the Labour Government’s first Budget in power and also due to private sector activity declining in the 3 months to November 2024. All three major sectors, services, manufacturing, and retail and wholesale have reported falling business volumes, sales or output.
Whilst overall growth expectations are lower for the beginning of next year, it is still possible for businesses to get ahead and receive support to take on ambitious growth plans. Businesses can access growth grants and additional support from providers in their local area or from a national provider.
What Are Some Of the Latest UK Business Growth Grants Available?
i) Rural Business Growth Fund
Babergh District Council is providing a capital fund targeting rural businesses looking to diversify and grow their business through other offerings and supplement existing income away from traditional agricultural activities. Funding up to £30,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st December 2024
ii) Citylife Business Support Grant
Business and IP Centre North East is providing a support grant to fully fund businesses in the North of Tyne Combined Authority area to access twelve hours of practical advice and help to support them in re-positioning their business activities. Areas of support include, but are not limited to, digital and online capabilities, import/export, business finance and cash flow and introducing green or sustainable business practices.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Black Business Fund
Enterprise Nation is providing funding for up to 25 Black-owned restaurants across the UK and will receive grants and mentoring to help boost their businesses. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 12th December 2024
iv) UKSE Support Programme for Wales – Regeneration Loan/Grant
UK Steel Enterprise is providing start-ups and established businesses that are planning on creating jobs in South or North East Wales grants to help them quickly grow. Businesses can apply for up to £7,500 to help them quickly grow, 50% of which will be dispersed as a grant and the rest as a loan.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Get Ready 2 Supply
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is running a programme that aims to help SMEs in East Birmingham and North Solihull to access new contracting opportunities with larger organisations across the region. Funding worth up to £8,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Visitor Economy Small Grants Scheme
City of Stoke-on-Trent Council is providing revenue grant funding to leisure and tourism SMEs in Stoke-on-Trent with a view to reviving the area’s leisure, hospitality and tourism service industry to improve performance, capacity and quality of offer. Funding worth up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2025
vii) County Durham Business Grants
Durham Magazine is providing a grant scheme that aims to support projects that boost productivity, reduce carbon emissions, or accelerate growth. The funding can be used to access expert services, including web development, e-commerce solutions, marketing strategies, and more.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Dudley SME Grants Programme
Dudley Business First is providing a scheme that aims to support the relocation, expansion, and growth of existing businesses in the Dudley region. Funding also supports the development of new market opportunities, innovation, improvement of systems and processes, capital investments and new property builds and refurbishment/extensions. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Business Growth Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested businesses can speak to business growth advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.
Want To Find The Latest UK Business Growth Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK business growth funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/
