Finance Types

Business Grants

Business Grants

Thousands of funding programmes in the UK can help with the costs of setting up or growing your business.

Potential funding sources include local authorities, central government, research councils, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Innovate UK. Foundations, trusts and charitable organisations are also potential sources.

Grants usually have a particular objective, such as supporting Research and Development, promoting growth in particular regions and creating jobs. They can also be aimed at specific sectors or helping address specific economic, environmental and social challenges.

Applications for grants can involve considerable time and expense, including time to meet grant funders’ reporting requirements. Don’t apply for grants which don’t fit with your business’ strategy and direction.

When applying, read and understand the criteria and guidance. Ensure you answer the funder’s questions in the format required, showing how your application meets the criteria, that you are able to spend their funds effectively, your budget is realistic and your project fits in with the funder’s objectives and values.

The Department for Business and Trade collates information about a variety of business grants here: https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support