Introduction
According to a 2026 Barclays Research Report, which ran a survey of 700 UK business leaders and farmers, 85% believed that investing money to deal with climate change and extreme weather patterns is critical to growth. The biggest impact on businesses that have attributed to increased costs and slowing down of growth over the past 5 years have been flooding, drought and extreme heat conditions.
The sectors most affected by increased volatility in weather conditions in the UK, caused by climate change are agricultural businesses at 95%, energy and utility companies at 90%, property and housing organisations at 87% and 83% for retail and wholesale. These sectors have described adapting to climate change as an immediate priority in terms of ensuring long term growth.
Businesses are now taking very seriously risk profiles for different regions across the UK in terms of the likelihood of being affected by flooding, drought or extreme heat conditions before investing in new locations in an area or deciding to relocate a business activity out of an area. 36% of businesses surveyed stated that these risk assessments influenced the location of new sites and facilities and 9% stated climate risk affected decisions in terms of making the closure or downsizing of assets.
A total of 53% of businesses surveyed have already increased investment in climate adaptation and resilience so that they can protect assets and ensure future growth.
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) 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: 31st March 2027
ii) Transforming Newhaven Investment Grant
Newhaven Enterprise Zone and Lewes District Council is running a scheme that offers flexible grant investment for businesses located in the Newhaven Enterprise Zone area to invest in transformational growth projects. A portion of the funding is also available to fund feasibility and technical work to structure and develop transformational projects. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Made Smarter Adoption Programme 2026/2027 – Yorkshire and the Humber
Made Smarter is running a scheme that aims to drive growth in manufacturing and engineering SMEs and help them boost productivity by helping them switch to advanced and automated technologies as well as improving employees’ overall digital skills. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) South Lanarkshire Business Growth Grant
South Lanarkshire Council provides funding that aims to support established, full‑time businesses across South Lanarkshire strengthen their long‑term sustainability and drive growth. Up to £5,000 is available for revenue costs such as specialist consultancy, staff training and exhibition and trade show participation. Up to £20,000 is available for capital expenditure and infrastructure improvements.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2027
v) Business Growth Grants – Enterprises Based in Commercial Premises
Rhondda Cynan 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
vi) Fife Investment Fund
Fife Council and the Scottish Government is running a fund to help support and encourage small companies to invest and grow their business. Eligible costs include product development, process improvements and market development. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) 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
viii) Digital Tech Resilience Grant for SMEs in Newcastle
The Digital Catapult and Newcastle City Council is running a Digital Pathfinders programme for participants to apply for a grant towards the cost of implementing a technology that increases business growth and covid resilience. Eligible costs include projects 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 Growth For Business 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.