Access
to finance

Dudley SME Grants Programme 

The SME Grants Programme focuses on stimulating business and enterprise activity, encouraging investment, and creating local jobs. Funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the scheme is open to start up businesses and SMEs that have been trading for 12 months or longer.

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Businesses that have been trading for over 12 months can apply for capital grants from £1,000 to £100,000* for up to 50% of the total eligible costs. There are six categories for grant funding, such as;

1.    Relocation, expansion, and growth of existing businesses 
2.    Developing new market opportunities 
3.    Innovation – Including the development of new products, including prototyping, testing, and commercialisation. 
4.    Improving systems and processes 
5.    Capital investment, e.g., new plant, machinery, and equipment 
6.    Increased productive capacity of new and existing premises through new property builds/refurbishment/extensions.

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Start-ups and businesses in operation for less than 12 months can apply for a grant allocation of between £1,000 - £7,500 for up to 50% of the total eligible costs for the same above categories of grant funding.
 

​Before applying for a grant, businesses will need to complete a business diagnostic with Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley. Business growth advisors will support businesses to prepare growth action plans and develop their investment projects.

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Register on the Business Growth West Midlands website or get in touch with Dudley Business First via info@dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk or 01384 812001.

 

*Subject to eligibility. Eligible applicants applying must be able to financially complete their projects within 90 days of signing of the funding agreement, including spend, defrayal, and claiming the grant. All projects must be completed by the Completion Date given in the funding agreement, which will not exceed 28th February 2025.  (For high-value, more complex projects over £100,000, please make your enquiry as soon as possible)

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Dudley Decarbonisation and Net Zero Grants Programme

The Decarbonisation and Net Zero Grants Programme will support businesses to make carbon savings through increased energy and resource efficiency. Funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this support is open to SMEs that have been trading for 12 months or longer.

 

Capital grants from £1,000 to £100,000 are available* for up to 50% of the total eligible costs for energy reduction measures provided within the assessment.

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Before applying for a grant, businesses will need to complete a business diagnostic with Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley. Business growth advisors will support businesses to prepare growth action plans, develop their investment projects and access funding opportunities.

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Businesses that are interested in applying for the Dudley Decarbonisation and Net Zero Grants Programme will be supported by their business growth advisor to access a free energy audit or on-site carbon reduction survey prior to applying.

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Register on the Business Growth West Midlands website or get in touch with Dudley Business First via info@dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk or 01384 812001.

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*Subject to availability. Eligible applicants applying must be able to financially complete their projects within 90 days of signing of the funding agreement, including spend, defrayal, and claiming the grant. All projects must be completed by the Completion Date given in the funding agreement, which will not exceed 28th February 2025.  (For high-value, more complex projects over £100,000, please make your enquiry as soon as possible)

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