Business funding
Small business grants in the UK: where to look and how to check eligibility
Find UK business grants by location, sector and project; learn to separate grants from loans and screen the terms before applying.
A search for “business funding” can mix grants with loans, equity and advice. Begin by deciding what you are funding: a defined project, equipment, research, training or growth activity. That makes it easier to find support that matches the work and to avoid mistaking repayable finance for a grant.
First, separate grants from other finance
Business.gov.uk distinguishes grants, loans and equity: grants fund a specified purpose, while loans are repaid and equity involves investment. Its guidance also notes that grants can restrict spending and require reporting. Read the award terms, including any contribution you must make, before deciding that a scheme is affordable.
This distinction matters in OpenGrant too: its business results may include loans and other forms of support. Select the Grant funding-type filter if you only want grants, then confirm the type on the funder's page.
Where to search
The GOV.UK finance and support directory has filters for support type, business stage, industry, employee count and region. The Find a grant service also includes grants for SMEs and other businesses. Search both national and local sources: a regional programme may be a better fit than a broad national call.
Try specific searches such as your region plus “manufacturing equipment”, “energy efficiency” or “research and development”. Search with the activity the money would pay for, rather than only the word “startup”.
Screen the scheme before writing
Read the funder's applicant definition, trading-stage rules, eligible region, sector and costs. Then check whether the project can start when the funder allows it, what evidence of expenditure is needed and whether a match contribution is required. These details vary by programme; a result tagged “business” is only a lead. Use the published programme guidance as the final test.
Check the numbers before you apply
- Confirm on the provider's site that the support is a grant and the round is currently accepting applications.
- Check the project's location, your business size and stage, and which costs the programme will cover.
- If a scheme covers only part of a project, calculate the amount you must fund yourself and when each payment is due.
- Prepare a short project description, cost breakdown and evidence that the project can be delivered.