Your journey to getting a Grant

This infographic outlines what it takes to get a Grant.

Grants get business owners excited because they're seen as money for nothing.

While you don't need to pay the money back, there's a lot of hard work involved not just in the application but also on an ongoing basis.

Step 1 - Finding a Grant you're eligible for

There are hundreds of Grants in the UK which all serve a different purpose.

  • Regional Grants - Some Grants are specific to regions and are usually provided by local government.
  • Sector-based Grants - Sector specific Grants are common, especially in the Energy and Innovation spaces.
  • Business Stage Grants - Depending on the stage of your business, there are different Grants available, particularly for early-stage and start ups.
  • Export Grants - There are government Grants available to guarantee loans for businesses looking to export.

Step 2 - What Grant providers want to know

Each Grant and Grant provider has its own set of eligibility criteria and are clear in what they want to see in applications.

  • Make sure your business is eligible

  • Follow application instructions to the letter
  • Get your application in on time

Step 3 - What you need to know about Grants

Grants have specific ways of providing you with funding and support if your application is successful.

  • You may need to match the value of the Grant before you can access it.

  • You could be reimbursed costs in the form of the Grant rather than getting funding upfront.
  • Grants sometimes come in the form of vouchers and discounts from suppliers.
  • Your Grant may have conditions for how the funding is spent.
  • Your Grant may come with its own reporting requirements.

Did you know? Just 3% of UK SMEs are currently using a Grant

Reference to any organisation, business and event on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation from the British Business Bank or the UK Government. Whilst we make reasonable efforts to keep the information on this page up to date, we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. The information is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation, nor does it constitute legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always consider whether the information is applicable to your particular circumstances and, where appropriate, seek professional or specialist advice or support.

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Our Making business finance work for you: Expanded edition is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for you and your business.

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