The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is overseen by Surrey County Council with the sole focus of driving economic growth across the region.

Applications for round one are now open and due to close at the end of May 2025. Further rounds may follow this year.

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is open to a range of groups including:

• Businesses – including startups and SMEs
• Partners – including councils, charities, social enterprises and employer groups
• Universities and research institutions
• Training providers – including schools and colleges
• Property and land owners

Those applying are encouraged to demonstrate how the proposal delivers against the three priorities in Surrey’s Economic Growth Strategy 2025 to 2035.

The application process is in two stages, starting with an expression of interest.

Bids will be assessed against a set funding criteria with decisions taken by an independent panel, including business representatives.

Businesses and charities in the rural areas of Waverley, and businesses, charities and community groups in the rural areas of Guildford and Tandridge can apply for a Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant. The minimum grant is £2,500 and the maximum grant is £50,000. Grants are up to 50% of the project costs. The programme is financed by Defra as part of the levelling up agenda via the district and borough councils.

Businesses need funding and finance at different stages of their maturity and growth. Here are some suggested resources to help you find the potential funding opportunity that’s right for you.

The fund offers grants to owners and occupiers of commercial buildings within the borough to improve and enhance their shop fronts. The scheme aims to encourage the creation of attractive frontages, to enhance the character of the region, which could have significant economic benefits.

The Fund has a total value of £100k and will be available to fund activities aimed at increasing footfall and/or dwell time in our towns and neighbourhood shopping centres e.g. events and activities or improvements to the public realm to attract more residents and visitors and improve the visitor experience..

Businesses may be eligible for a range of reliefs and reductions, such as small business rate relief, business rate flooding reliefs, mandatory charitable relief amongst several others.

The Elmbridge green business boost supports local businesses with becoming more sustainable. Grants are available to help businesses become more sustainable by reducing carbon emissions. Applications can be made for up to £5,000 with the first £1,000 of any project has no match funding required and anything above £1,000 up to £5,000 requires a 50% match from the applicant.