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Introduction
According to the 2026 SME Insights Report by Simply Business, 65% of business owners stated that frequent political policy shifts in the UK have directly impacted their long term business strategies. Around 48% of respondents cited that an unpredictable economy and financial uncertainties are their primary hurdles to growth in 2026, up from 32% in 2025.
Other barriers to growth for SMEs include 41% who stated there is a lack of or uncertain consumer demand in their sector and 35% are highly concerned about high running costs, such as energy bills. It is the case that 43% of small business owners are expecting the UK economy to worsen over the next 12 months. However, confidence has improved slightly as this figure is down from 50% in 2025.
A total of 82% of small businesses have seen their operating costs increase over the past 12 months, due to raw material costs, higher overheads and rising utility bills. As a result, 57% of those surveyed have had to adjust prices to deal with costs.
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) Great Ideas
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is running a fully funded programme that aims to support businesses to innovate and grow, whether they are looking to launch a new product, improve their processes, or explore new technologies. The programme provides practical guidance and expert support, as well as access to grant funding. Funding up to £60,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Greentech Business Growth Fund
Crawley Borough Council is providing funding to support businesses that operate in the green-tech or low-carbon sectors to support projects and investments that will enable business growth and generate jobs. Eligible costs can include, but are not limited to, investments in business premises, facilities, or equipment, product development, specialist research, training, or consultancy and market development. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Pembrokeshire Growth Grant
Pembrokeshire County Council is running a fund that aims to help businesses and inward investors to grow, prosper and be sustainable, resulting in the creation and safeguarding of jobs, thereby improving the local economy. Eligible costs include the purchase of new or second hand equipment, specialist commercial vehicles, equipment to enhance outdoor trading space, IT and Telecom hardware, fixtures and fittings, furniture and general office equipment and tangible marketing items, technical training and specialist software. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Business Growth Grant
Swansea Council is running a scheme that aims to support businesses to grow through the introduction of a new product or service. Eligible expenditure can include, but is not limited to, equipment, IT systems and machinery. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Walsall Business Support
Walsall Business Support is providing funding for businesses for growth projects, tackling skills shortages and increasing job opportunities. Funding up to £25,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Elevate Worcestershire Grant
Worcestershire County Council is running a scheme that aims to enable businesses to undertake strategic initiatives that can lead to increased competitiveness. Eligible expenditure can include, but is not limited to, machinery and equipment, marketing and website development and relocation. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Brentwood Connected Small Grant Scheme
Brentwood Borough Council is running a scheme that aims to support projects that will deliver creative and innovative initiatives or events that will have a positive impact within the Business Improvement District area. Funding will cover local growth projects with a promotional, improvement, welcoming or connecting element. Funding up to £2,500 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Caithness Business Fund – Growth Grants
Caithness Chamber of Commerce is providing grants to support the development of existing businesses through training, growth plans or employing an apprentice. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 14th October 2026
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.