Grants

2. What Grants Are Available?

Most national and local grants focus on particular business activities or purposes. These themes are:

2.1 Investment - there are regional grants that support growth through capital investment and job creation.

• The location of your business may increase your chances of successfully applying for a grant. You may be eligible for special grants and support if you are starting a business in an economically disadvantaged area, especially if it is one with high unemployment.These areas include those in general industrial decline, those where major traditional industries such as steel and coal have collapsed, and some rural areas and inner-city areas.
• Local support (for example, subsidised rent and rates) is often available to encourage small businesses to start up in particular areas.

2.2 Innovation - there is a wide range of grant schemes that encourage research and development (R&D) activities.

• A comprehensive range of funding is available through Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) programmes. These can offer support, from investigating an idea through to proof of concept and development.Visit www.bis.gov.uk/innovation.
• R&D grants that focus on specific industries are periodically launched (eg the Carbon Trust, DEFRA and WRAP have all launched such grants).

2.3 Energy and the environment - these schemes recognise the additional cost for businesses that adopt or engage in investments that improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

• R&D programmes are available to companies working on developing energy and environmental products.
• Grant schemes may be available for new buildings or for refurbishing existing buildings that aim to improve energy use.

2.4 Training.

• Assistance to develop the skills and capability of staff is provided through apprenticeships. The National Apprenticeship Service (08000 150 600 or www.apprenticeships.org.uk) gives advice to employers on how to start an apprenticeship scheme in their business.
• You may also qualify for a grant of £1,000 towards recruitment costs and a further £1,500 towards training if you take on a long-term unemployed person.

2.5 Exports - support is often available to businesses looking to export goods they manufacture.

• UK Trade & Investment offers funding to help exporters, as well as a range of charged-for, but subsidised, services. Contact UK Trade & Investment (020 7215 8000).