The best small business grants in the UK

Running a small business comes with many challenges, and securing funding is often one of the biggest hurdles. While loans and investment are common routes, grants provide a valuable alternative—offering financial support without the burden of repayment.

Small business grants are available from government agencies, local councils, charities, and private organisations. They can help with everything from launching a new venture and developing innovative products to improving sustainability and creating jobs. However, competition for grants is high, and understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is key to securing funding.

This guide explores a range of small business grants available in the UK, along with tips on how to apply successfully. Whether you’re a start-up, an expanding business, or a company looking to invest in new technology, there may be a grant that fits your needs.

Innovation, Technology, and R&D Grants

1. Innovate UK – Competitive grants for turning innovative ideas into commercial products.
2. Innovate UK Business Growth – Tailored support for businesses exploiting innovation.
3. The PIVOT Cross-Sector Innovation Programme – R&D grants for aerospace and aviation technologies.
4. Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Non-CO2 Programme – Funding for reducing non-CO2 emissions in aerospace.
5. Funding and Advice for Space Services – ESA Business Applications funding for space technology projects.
6. Emerging Technologies Competition – £100,000 for early-stage start-ups in chemistry-related innovations.
7. CRACK IT Challenges – Up to £1m for collaborative scientific and business challenge solutions.
8. R&D Tax Credits – Tax relief for businesses working on innovative science and technology projects.

Green & Sustainability Grants

9. Ashden Awards – Up to £25,000 for businesses with outstanding climate solutions.
10. Wrap Grant Schemes – Grants for increasing recycling capacity and use of recycled materials.
11. Net Zero Worcestershire – £1,000 to £100,000 for SMEs implementing energy-saving initiatives.
12. Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) – Up to £30,500 for creating multi-purpose woodlands.
13. Countryside Stewardship – Around 260 grants to help businesses improve their operations in rural areas.
14. Farming in Protected Landscapes – Grants for farmers and land managers in protected landscapes.

Transport & Energy Grants

15. Plug-in Grant for Low-Emission Vehicles – Discounts on low-emission vehicle purchases.
16. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) – Vouchers covering 75% of EV chargepoint installation costs.
17. Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Grant – Up to £15,000 for HGVs and £4,000 for LGVs in the Clean Air Zone.

Broadband & Digital Grants

18. Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme – Up to £4,500 for gigabit-capable broadband installation.
19. Mobile Boost Scheme – Up to £1,300 for improving indoor mobile coverage in rural areas.
20. Elmbridge Digital High Street Boost – Up to £1,500 for retailers improving their digital presence.

Apprenticeships, Skills, and Training Grants

21. Government Apprenticeships – Support and funding for apprenticeship training.
22. Nottingham University Talent Grant – £2,500 to part-fund student or graduate salaries for innovation projects.
23. Malvern Hills Upskilling Grant – Up to £1,500 for training new staff in Malvern Hills.
24. Enterprising Ashfield Graduate and Talent Support – Up to £1,500 for Worcester start-ups to cover one-off costs.

Heritage & Restoration Grants

25. Heritage Enterprise UK – £250,000 to £5,000,000 for restoring neglected historic buildings.
26. Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk – Grants for repairing historic sites at risk.

Social Enterprise & Community Grants

27. UnLtd Starting Up Award – Up to £8,000 for entrepreneurs tackling social issues.
28. UnLtd Scaling Up Award – £18,000 to help social enterprises grow.
29. Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grant – £500 to £3,000 for physical activity initiatives for people with Parkinson’s.

Investment & Business Start-up Grants

30. Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) – Tax reliefs for start-up investors, raising up to £250,000.
31. The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme – Up to £500 for 16-30-year-olds starting or growing a business.

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Regional & Local Business Grants

National & Regional Growth Grants

32. OxLEP Business – Mentorship and guidance on national grant funding schemes.
33. East Sussex Invest 8 (ESI8) – £10,000 to £25,000 for businesses in East Sussex (60% match funding required).
34. New Anglia Small Grants Scheme – £2,500 to £25,000 for entrepreneurs covering up to 45% of project costs.
35. Nelson Town Deal Grants – Up to £100,000 for manufacturing businesses.
36. Warwickshire County Council Growth Fund – Small Capital Grants – £5,000 to £35,000 for small business growth (currently closed).

Local Authority & Town-Specific Grants

37. Enterprising Ashfield Growth Programme – Up to £2,000 for professional services like coaching or training.
38. Newhaven Business Grants Programme – Up to £5,000 for expansion and job creation.
39. Small Business Grant Scheme, Crawley – Up to £4,000 with a 50% match funding requirement.
40. Premises Improvement Grants, Pendle – Up to £3,000 for improving commercial premises.
41. Sterling Road The North West Grant – £1,000 for 25 teams annually, focusing on software and underrepresented founders.
42. Food Business Grant – Barking and Dagenham – Up to £2,000 for food businesses to improve sustainability.
43. Independent Retailer Grant – £1,200 for independent retailers in Romsey and Andover to take up vacant premises.

Elmbridge Grants

44. Elmbridge Business Boost Grants – Up to £2,000 for shop front improvements or town-wide projects.
45. Elmbridge Green Business Boost – Up to £5,000 for energy-saving investments (match funding required for amounts over £1,000).

Malvern Hills Grants

46. Malvern Hills Tourism Grant Scheme – Up to £2,500 for tourism businesses improving accessibility, sustainability, or events.
47. Malvern Hills Town Centre Support Scheme Grant – Up to £2,500 for shop front improvements or town-wide projects.
48. Malvern Hills Growth Grant – Up to £3,000 for growing businesses, focusing on job creation and sustainability.

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How to get a business grant

Securing a business grant can provide vital funding to help start, grow, or innovate your business. While grants are highly competitive, following these steps can increase your chances of success.

1. Identify the right grant

Before applying, research grants that align with your business type, industry, location, and funding needs. Some grants are sector-specific (e.g., technology, sustainability, or retail), while others focus on business size or social impact. Use government websites, local business networks, and grant directories to find opportunities.

2. Check eligibility criteria

Each grant has specific eligibility requirements, such as business location, size, revenue, and project scope. Carefully review these details to ensure your business qualifies before investing time in an application.

3. Prepare a strong application

A compelling grant application should clearly explain:

• Your business and goals – Provide a concise overview of your business, its mission, and its objectives.
• How the grant will be used – Detail how the funding will be spent and the expected impact on your business or community.
• Supporting evidence – Include financial projections, a business plan, past achievements, or case studies to strengthen your case.

4. Follow application guidelines

Grant providers often require specific formats, word counts, or supporting documents. Missing details can lead to disqualification, so double-check the guidelines and submit a complete application.

5. Demonstrate impact and sustainability

Many grants prioritise businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, or support environmental goals. Highlight how your project aligns with these priorities and demonstrate how your business will sustain itself after the funding is used.

6. Seek professional advice

If you’re unsure how to craft a strong application, consider seeking advice from business support organisations, accountants, or grant consultants. Some government agencies and local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) offer free guidance.

7. Apply early and track deadlines

Grant funding is often limited, and applications may close once funding is exhausted. Applying early ensures you don’t miss out. Keep a calendar of upcoming grant deadlines and plan ahead.

8. Be ready for follow-ups

Some grants require interviews, presentations, or additional documents before final approval. Stay prepared to provide further information if requested.

By carefully selecting the right grant, preparing a well-researched application, and following best practices, you can increase your chances of securing funding to support your business growth.