Small and Medium Business Grants
Grants from local councils and the UK government are available to help small and medium businesses grow. These funds can be used for a range of purposes, such as upgrading to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, expanding operations, and offering skills training for employees.
Typically grants are non-repayable and require proof of eligibility and a clear plan for use. However, they often have specific criteria, so ensure they fit your goals and that you meet the eligibility requirements based on your business size, location, and turnover.
For instance, microbusinesses have fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover under £2 million, small businesses have fewer than 50 employees and under £10 million, and medium businesses have fewer than 250 employees and under £50 million.
Energy Efficiency Grants
There are plenty of loans, grants, and subsidised energy-saving options available to help small and medium businesses reduce their environmental impact. These can assist with energy efficiency upgrades, cover the costs of energy-efficient equipment, and support waste management and sustainable development projects.
When applying for an energy efficiency grant, you might need to complete an energy audit to detail your current usage and how it will help.
You might also want to ask your local council about energy efficiency funding or sustainable business growth grants. Find your local council – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Here are some key grants to help your business reduce energy and it’s impact on the environment:
Aimed at Coventry and Warwickshire based SMEs looking to introduce energy reduction and low carbon projects. Successful applicants can receive up to 30% of the cost of funding initiatives such as introducing energy efficient equipment and upgrading machinery.
Eligible location(s): Coventry and Warwickshire
Maximum employees: 249
Find out more here.
Guidance and funding for businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency.
Eligible location(s): Tees Valley
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
A non-repayable grant of up to £10,000, which will cover up to 50% of the total cost of a project. Projects can include anything that helps businesses reduce their energy bills and make progress towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.
Eligible location(s): Glasgow
Maximum employees: 249
Find out more here.
A council grant scheme for small businesses based in Horsham District with the aim of supporting new climate-friendly business projects with funding of up to £5000 available for successful applicants.
Eligible location(s): Horsham District
Maximum employees: 19
Find out more here.
The SME Loan Scheme supports businesses with the installation of energy efficient systems, including heat pumps, biomass boilers and air conditioning upgrades. Through this scheme, business owners can receive a loan of up to £100k and a cashback grant of up to £30k.
Eligible location(s): Scotland
Maximum employees: 249
Find out more here.
Business Support & Expansion Grants
There are plenty of programmes that offer non-repayable grants to support small and medium businesses looking to grow, explore new markets, or develop new products. These can provide a helpful boost to move your business forward.
Below are several grants that may help your business reach its growth and expansion goals:
Free, quick and easy access to a directory of approved finance suppliers for UK businesses.
Eligible location(s): UK
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
Provides free business development support and guidance.
Eligible location(s): Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, or Wakefield
Maximum employees: 249
Find out more here.
Business advice, workshops and loans for those looking to start a business and for businesses that have been trading less than 2 years.
Eligible location(s): London, Norfolk and Suffolk
Maximum employees: 249
Find out more here.
Support service for businesses in the districts of Adur and Worthing with free events, online learning, networking and mentoring programmes.
Eligible location(s): Worthing and Adur
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
Supports innovative UK businesses to realise the potential of new technologies, develop ideas and make them a commercial success.
Eligible location(s): UK
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
Additional Employee Training Grants
There are local schemes available across the country to help small businesses by offering extra training for their employees. These initiatives are aimed at helping businesses enhance workforce skills, improve employee performance, and increase overall productivity. While some programs are free, there may be associated costs such as training fees, wages, or travel expenses.
A few grants are available that could help your small business expand its training capabilities and strengthen your team’s skills:
Free training is available in essential English, maths, and digital skills, along with Level 3 courses to meet industry needs. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are available for adults where English is not their first language.
Eligible location(s): England
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
Multiply is a fully funded government scheme offering maths courses for adults 19 and over to improve numeracy skills for work and daily life. Courses range from drop-in sessions to intensive programmes, and can be tailored to your business needs with local authorities or providers.
Eligible location(s): England
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) at levels 4 and 5, such as Foundation Degrees and Higher National Certificates, are designed for career starters and upskilling adults. Available in digital, health, science, and construction sectors, they ensure learners gain skills that meet your business’s needs and are prepared for specialist roles.
Eligible location(s): England
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
Apprenticeships for training to upskill staff, attract new talent, and meet business needs. Options include Foundation Apprenticeships for pupils, Modern Apprenticeships for work-based qualifications, and Graduate Apprenticeships for higher education.
Eligible location(s): Scotland
Maximum employees: N/A
Find out more here.
Other Small and Medium Business Grants
Make sure to regularly check the Gov.uk website for the latest updates on available grants, as new opportunities are frequently introduced. Staying informed will help ensure you don’t miss out on any funding options that could benefit your business.
