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Introduction
According to the 2026 KPMG Private Enterprise Barometer, in terms of growth metrics 4 out of 5 UK businesses surveyed are expecting their revenue to increase over the next 12 months and around 25% of businesses are expecting a significant rise in revenues.
Regarding funding for growth options, 59% of businesses plan to use internal funds for growth, 46% plan to use private equity funding sources and 31% plan to use capital markets and IPO to raise funds.
Looking at sources for growth, 63% of businesses surveyed plan to enter new markets either through internationalisation or through new customer segments in the domestic market. Around 34% of businesses are still targeting the United States as one of their options for international expansion despite ongoing issues with tariffs.
Businesses who are looking to increase their growth prospects can apply for funding support, such as Government backed grants from providers in their local area, these include local authorities and enterprise support agencies. There is also support from national funding providers that cover growth for businesses in a particular sector.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Business Growth Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund
Invest in Bradford is providing funding to businesses to support investment projects that create new businesses, improve productivity and expand or diversify existing businesses leading to sustainable growth and job creation. Eligible areas include Baildon, Bingley, Ilkley, Keighley, Shipley and Silsden. Funding up to £315,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Suffolk Economy Grant
Suffolk County Council is providing funding to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to support digital transformation and technology adoption, innovation, and decarbonisation and sustainability. Grants of £2,500 to £10,000 are available for micro firms, grants of £5,000 to £50,000 are available for small businesses and grants of £10,000 to £100,000 are available for medium firms.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Business Growth Grant – Enterprises Based in Commercial Premises
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is running a scheme that aims to support sustainable local business to set up, grow and diversify, contributing to creating a vibrant and strong local economy. The funding can be used for capital expenditure including equipment, plant or machinery, internal renovation works, energy efficiency measures and new website development. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Fife Investment Fund
Fife Council is running a fund that can help support and encourage small and medium sized companies in the local area to invest and grow their business. Funding can be used for product development, process improvements and market development. Funding up to £10,000 is available on 70% of project costs.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Brean and Berrow Business Support Grant
Somerset Council is providing funding available to businesses who are impacted by Brean Pontins Holiday Park being out of use for holidaymakers in order to accommodate Hinkley Point C workers, to leverage other funding opportunities and to encourage adaptation to the new market opportunities. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Small Business Growth Grant
Wyre Council is running a scheme that will support business growth projects including, but not limited to, investment in plant, equipment or machinery, improvement or adaptation of business premises, training and marketing costs. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) LEP Business Digitisation Grant Programme
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is running a scheme that aims to support small and micro businesses to adopt digital tools and technology to boost productivity and competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Digital Tech Resilience Grant for SMEs in Newcastle
Digital Catapult is running the Digital Pathfinders programme for participants based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to apply for a grant towards the cost of implementing a technology that increases resilience for businesses. Eligible projects include implementing a technology that allows for multi channel sales, reduces the need for direct face to face interactions or better manages the movement of people. Funding up to £3,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Business Growth Funding 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 individuals and businesses can speak to 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.