A busy update this month including support for all sectors and for those at all stages of business from pre-start to established phases.

I’m pleased to be able to share that the University of Surrey’s Business School has just become accredited to deliver the government subsidised Help to Grow programme for founders and managers looking to grow their business, its great to have this being delivered within the county (see below for more details).

I can’t though not pass up the opportunity to give a plug for an upcoming webinar we’re delivering on 30 June. Myself and George Harper; our Growth and Innovation Fund Programme Manager are drawing on insights learnt from the funding programmes we delivered in 2025 to share our top tips on writing successful grant applications.

We’ve seen first-hand that many businesses struggle to combine clear data, compelling storytelling, and measurable impact – all essential ingredients for a successful grant application. This practical 1 hr webinar will help you build the confidence and knowledge to approach writing grant applications effectively. Register now to secure your place.

Things are always moving with grants and funded programmes so keep an eye out for my monthly updates. Good luck, and let me know how you get on!

Renée

AXA Startup Angel Competition

The AXA Startup Angel Competition is inviting entries from entrepreneurs across the UK seeking support to develop new or early stage businesses. The contest provides financial awards and mentoring to help applicants progress their ideas or existing ventures.

In 2026, six awards are available. Two winners will each receive £25,000 to support their business or concept. In addition, they will be offered mentoring from AXA Startup Angels. Four runners up will receive non-financial support. This includes a 30-minute mentoring session with a representative of The Standard in a relevant business area. They will also be featured in The Standard’s print and online channels.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the UK. Eligible businesses may be unregistered, actively trading or trading for fewer than 24 months. Businesses must employ fewer than 10 people and present an original concept. The awards are intended to support business development activities, including refining ideas and accessing professional advice.

​Closing date: 21 June 2026 (23:59) 
Find out more: AXA Startup Angel Competition Full Terms & Conditions | The Standard

The Nation’s Favourite Businesses 2026

Small Business Britain is once again highlighting the Nation’s Favourite Businesses, leading up to Small Business Saturday 2026 on 5 December.

For the last fourteen years, the Nation’s Favourite Businesses have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday’s social media channels and in the local and national press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in Downing Street, House of Lords and the Treasury Drum with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

To apply you will need to tell your business story, outline your challenges, successes and future plans and why they’re special. Businesses will also be asked about how they are sustainable, inclusive and accessible and what part they play in their local communities. 

Those selected to take part in the campaign will be spotlighted throughout the Small Business Saturday UK campaign. To showcase the successful businesses Small Business Saturday UK will work with each of them to find appropriate opportunities, this could include:

• Social media posts, filmed case studies and press and PR opportunities at national and local level
• Visits and interviews as part of the nationwide Tour 2026
• An exclusive makeover on Small Business Saturday UK day for select businesses
• Access to expert mentoring 

​Closing date: 30 June 2026
Find out more: Small Business Saturday UK | Another year making a Big Difference!

Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP)

Arts Council England is inviting applications to its Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant for independent creative practitioners.

DYCP aims to create more pathways for individuals from a range of creative practices and backgrounds and to provide time and space for research and development. Applicants can apply for between £2,000 and £12,000 to take a dedicated period of time to focus on their own creative development. Supported activity can last up to one year.

The award supports work across combined arts, dance, digital arts, libraries, literature, music, museums and collections, theatre and visual arts.

Individuals may apply, as well as small groups of practitioners who usually collaborate, such as artists who create work together or writers and their translators. Eligible costs can include building networks, experimenting with new collaborators, international travel to explore other practice or work with mentors, professional development such as training, research and development time and practical steps to support more sustainable work.

​Closing date: 2 July 2026 (12:00)
Find out more: Homepage

All About Business Entrepreneurs Fund

Reed Recruitment has opened applications for the All About Business Entrepreneurs Fund, aimed at helping young people (aged 18-26) develop and grow small businesses. The fund is designed for entrepreneurs and will provide a mix of grant support, expert mentoring and promotional exposure. The wider aim is to back early-stage founders with established ideas and help them expand their ventures while developing business skills.

Across the UK, Reed plans to support 66 young entrepreneurs over the coming years, reflecting 66 years of company operations. In the first year, the fund will support at least three entrepreneurs, each receiving £20,000.

The money is intended for direct investment in a business to support scaling activity, address operational challenges and support growth. In addition to the grant, recipients will be offered structured support including mentoring from experienced business leaders and a national platform to showcase their business.

​Closing date: 7 July 2026

Find out more: Stop dreaming. Start building. Get a £20,000 boost to grow your startup for young entrepreneurs | Reed

Sales Growth Programme

The Sales Growth Programme, delivered in partnership with Form, is designed for founders who want to build a structured, repeatable approach to selling. You’ll gain the clarity, confidence and sales rhythm needed to turn your target clients into paying customers.

This programme could help you if you have a product or service in market and are focusing on building consistent, scalable revenue.

• Early market traction is exciting. But as you grow, sales get harder. Does this sound familiar?
• Wins are taking longer
• Founder-led selling has become a bottleneck
• Procurement is slowing things down
• Your pipeline feels unpredictable

​Closing date: 12 July 2026

Find out more: Barclays Sales Growth Programme | Barclays Eagle Labs

Women TechEU

Women TechEU, a two-year project supported by the European Union, has opened the Eligibility Strand for its latest Call. The project will distribute a total of €12 million in non-diluting finance over its lifetime. The scheme is intended to support women leading deep tech start-ups by providing financial support and business development assistance to help companies develop and grow.

Women TechEU is focused on deep tech, with activity spanning sectors including life sciences, computing, food and agriculture technology, aerospace, energy and clean technology, industrial innovations, telecommunications, new materials and chemistry.

The grant can be used to support business development and growth, including work on a business plan and growth strategy, business model validation, updating a financial plan, certifications and an IP strategy.

Support includes grants of €75,000. Successful applicants also receive a personalised business development programme, which includes mentoring, coaching and training.

The current Women TechEU 2 EIC Call uses a two-stage application process. Applicants must first complete the Eligibility Strand, which checks whether they meet participation requirements. Eligible applicants are then invited to submit a Full Proposal.

There will be weekly cut-offs every Tuesday at 17:00 (Brussels time) until 13 July 2027.

​Find out more: Women TechEU

KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards

Applications have opened for the 2026 KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards (BEA), a UK-based award supporting entrepreneurs of Black heritage through cash prizes, professional development and increased visibility. Support includes expert-led skills workshops covering leadership, strategic growth, negotiation and fundraising. Winners will also receive publicity through KPMG’s PR channels.

Four winners will each receive a £25,000 cash prize. The money can be invested into the business or donated to a charity or community project of their choice. Successful applicants will also join a 12-month programme and be matched with a dedicated senior KPMG professional providing mentoring and coaching.

The awards are open to UK-based entrepreneurs from a Black heritage background who are aged 18 or over and resident in the UK. Applicants must own a registered UK company with a viable product or service and the business must have been actively operating for at least three months. Businesses must not be majority owned by a large corporate entity.

​Closing date: 17 July 2026 

Find out more: Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards | KPMG UK

1. Leadership, people and operational foundations
2. Scaling commercial performance
3. Customer value, retention and expansion
4. Funding Strategy and capital planning.

You’d benefit most if you:

• Run a UK-based tech business
• Have raised or are generating £2M+ 
• Employ at least 10 people
• Have big ambitions and are ready for rapid growth.

Closing date: 27 July 2026

Find out more: Scaleup Programme | Barclays Eagle Labs

London Stock Exchange Group – Female Founder Showcase

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) are bringing back their Female Founder Showcase this September – and they want to see more brilliant women-led UK businesses on that stage. If you are tech or tech-enabled business embarking on a Seed or Series A round, this is your opportunity to pitch to a brilliant VC panel and an audience of investors looking for companies like yours on 10 September at the London Stock Exchange.

​Closing date: 31 July 2026 
Apply here: Female Founders Forum 2026 – Company pitch application

Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition

The second round of the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition has opened to support further investment in the UK heat pump manufacturing supply chain. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic production, support the transition to low carbon heating and contribute to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Up to £90 million has been allocated across the competition, with individual projects able to receive grants of up to £30 million. The funding is intended for capital expenditure linked to large scale manufacturing developments. Support is available for the construction of new factories or the expansion, refurbishment, retooling or reworking of existing sites. Projects must focus on the production of heat pumps or key components, including heat exchangers, compressors, evaporators, control systems and thermal storage.

The competition is open to UK registered manufacturing businesses, as well as industrial and engineering firms investing in production capacity. All supported projects must take place within the UK.

Applicants must be private sector organisations, either applying individually or as part of a consortium led by a private sector business. Projects must demonstrate innovation not yet commercially available in the UK and, where relevant, achieve a seasonal performance factor of at least 3.5 in real-world domestic settings.

​Closing date: 5 August 2026 (15:00) 
Find out more: Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition: round 2 – GOV.UK

Unloc Young Entrepreneurs Challenge

Verizon and Unloc are accepting entries for the Unloc Young Entrepreneurs Challenge, an annual competition intended to identify young talent (aged 16 to 15) across mainland Europe.

The challenge is aimed at entrepreneurs with a technology-led idea for a new business, or those who have already started trading and are seeking support to progress development. The overall winner will receive a £10,000 grant and a mentorship package.

Support for the winning applicant includes being paired with an enterprise mentor who will develop a one-to-one plan focused on the participant’s key priorities. The prize also includes a series of masterclasses delivered by industry experts. In addition to the financial award and business support, the winner will attend the One Young World Global Summit in Tokyo. The summit brings together young leaders from more than 190 countries and over 250 organisations.

Eligible applicants can apply with a pre-start concept that is not yet trading, or with a business that has been trading for no more than three years. Existing businesses must have recorded annual turnover of less than £100,000 in their most recent financial year.

Closing date: 9 October 2026

Find out more: The Young Entrepreneurs Challenge

Business Boost Grants – Elmbridge

The business boost grants can help your business with:

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help businesses improve their shop fronts or signage

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help bring a shop that has been empty for at least 3 months back into commercial use
• up to £1,000 to help town or village wide projects to drive new footfall, investment, street-scene improvements or sustainability.

All applications need at least 50% match funding and 2 quotes for each element.
Town and village centre independents can also apply for support to help sell online with the digital high street boost and small and medium sized business can get help to invest in energy efficiency projects with the green business boost.

Closing date: 31 March 2027

Business Advice for Mole Valley Businesses

Businesses across Mole Valley can now benefit from expert guidance provided by IncuHive, fully funded by Mole Valley District Council.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or growing an established company, IncuHive’s team of experienced advisers are on hand to offer practical, tailored support.

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Business Advice – Mole Valley for Business

Business Support Grants – Reigate & Banstead

Business Support Grants of up to £1,000 for residents and businesses with fewer than 5 employees based in Reigate and Banstead.

Grants can be used to help fund things like marketing, new equipment or training. Please note the grant is NOT available for the development of prototypes or for IT equipment such as laptops, unless you are a brand new start up and do not possess any IT hardware.

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Business Support Grants | Business Support Grants | Reigate and Banstead

Business Advice – Waverley

Waverley Borough Council fund IncuHive (who are specialists in small business development) to offer free tailored support to all local businesses in the borough of Waverley, including advice onbusiness planning, funding and mentoring. All the Incuhive advisors have started and grown successful businesses, so they can provide expert advice on growing your business, covering areas such as procurement, premises, marketing, finance, bid writing, exports and investment. 

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Grow your business

Business Advice – Guildford

Guildford Borough Council fund IncuHive (who are specialists in small business development) to offer free tailored support to all local businesses in the borough of Waverley, including advice onbusiness planning, funding and mentoring. All the Incuhive advisors have started and grown successful businesses, so they can provide expert advice on growing your business, covering areas such as procurement, premises, marketing, finance, bid writing, exports and investment. 

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Guildford Borough Council

Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme

Eligible adult social care employers in England can claim staff training costs from the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). The LDSS is available for non-regulated care staff, including deputy and Care Quality Commission-registered managers and agency staff, within the adult social care workforce. Staff taking the training must be in qualifying roles.

Eligible ASC employers can claim funding for certain training courses and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff. This funding is for eligible courses and qualifications that have been both paid for in financial year 2025 to 2026, as well as those paid for in financial year 2024 to 2025.

Closing date: When the fund is exhausted.
Find out more: Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme – GOV.UK

The Workplace Charging Scheme 

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle chargepoint sockets at their sites. 

The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT). This is capped at a maximum of: 

• £350 per socket 
• 40 sockets across all sites per applicant. For example, if you install at 40 sites, you will have 1 socket per site 

All chargepoints must be installed by an OZEV authorised installer. 

Closing Date: extended to 31 March 2027 

Find out more: Before you start

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot is a £50 million capital grant programme supporting large-scale research and development projects within the UK life sciences sector. The fund aims to strengthen health resilience, drive innovation and deliver economic benefits through significant investments in research capacity, facilities and technologies.

Projects should demonstrate how they will enhance the UK’s ability to respond to health emergencies and long-term healthcare challenges, for example by expanding or creating R&D capacity, improving manufacturing processes, accelerating clinical research or deploying new technologies.

Closing Date: 31 March 2028 (23:59)

Find out more: Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot – GOV.UK

Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Grants 

The FiPL programme provides grants to farmers and land managers in the Surrey Hills for one-off projects to make improvements to the natural environment, climate change mitigation, cultural heritage and public access on their land.   

Closing date: Extended to March 2029 

Find out more: Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes FiPL 

Co-operative Enterprise Loans 

Co-operative and Community Finance offers loans of between £10,000 and £85,000 for new or existing co-operatives across the UK. Loans are to assist with the expansion, setup, or development of a co-operative enterprise.   

Loans will only be made to economically viable enterprises that are democratically owned and controlled organisations registered in the UK.  

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Co-op Loan Fund – Unique lending: to co-ops, from co-ops

Greener Homes Alliance Development Loans 

Homes England and Octopus Real Estate have launched the second phase of the Greener Homes Alliance. The scheme provides discounted development finance to small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders. The initiative supports the construction of energy-efficient homes across England. 

A total of £150 million is available.  Loans range from £2 million to £20 million. Interest rate reductions of up to 2% are available for developers who meet environmental and social criteria.  Eligible applicants include SME housebuilders and developers operating in England. 

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Greener Homes Alliance | Octopus Capital 

Further business support in Surrey

If you can’t see something in this month’s round-up that suits your business’s specific needs, check out our Support Directory, or contact our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on funding, business news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Lots of programmes and grants to add to the blog this month for a variety of sectors and businesses.
If you have just started out in business I just wanted to bring your attention to the changes in eligibility for the Start Up Loan Scheme that that has been refreshed from 6th April. The eligibility criteria has now been extended to include businesses that have been trading for up to 60 months.

A Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan available to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK. In addition to finance, successful applicants receive 12 months of free mentoring and exclusive business offers to help them succeed. The loan is unsecured, so there’s no need to put forward any assets or guarantors to support an application.

Things are always moving with funded support programmes so keep an eye out for my monthly updates. Good luck, and let me know how you get on!

Renée

Made Smarter South East

Made Smarter South East is a government-funded programme created to drive growth amongst the South East’s manufacturing SMEs and makers. The Made Smarter team will provide advice and support to manufacturers and makers to:

• Help them switch to advanced and automated technologies
• Identify the right technologies and tools
• And use them to make everyday improvements to your business.

Support elements include:

• Match-funding of up to £20,000 (50% is available)
• Expert advice, guidance and support
• Bespoke digital roadmap for your business
• Leadership training
• Workforce training
• Fully-funded student internship (up to 300 hours).

The programme is open to SME manufacturers and makers based in the South East. In order to be eligible businesses must have fewer than 250 employees and not be part of a wider group, or be funded by Private Equity, with a turnover below £44 million, and not have received state aid of more than £315,000 over the last three years.

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Made Smarter South East: funding & support for manufacturers

Female Founders Rise Accelerator

An accelerator sponsored by Barclays, to support 60 women-led businesses per quarter, who are proactively trying to raise capital.

The FFR Fundraising Accelerator is an 8-week intensive programme of weekly sessions for founders who are raising or planning to raise investment in the next 3 months. It equips startups with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to fundraise successfully through virtual sessions, practical frameworks, and hands-on exercises, alongside access to investors through pitch opportunities and discussions. Upon graduation, founders are invited to join the RAISE CIRCLE for ongoing support.

Eligibility requirements: the programme is for founders who are currently raising, or planning to raise within the next three months. Participating businesses must be investable, with a pitch deck in place and, where eligible, SEIS/EIS advance assurance secured.

Closing date: Ongoing
Find out more: Fundraising Accelerator | Female Founders Rise

Black in Business Award

The programme is designed to help scale and grow Black-owned businesses through television advertising. Successful applicants will receive a package centred on Channel 4 airtime and related marketing support.

Up to four Black-owned businesses will be supported, each receiving £200,000 worth of advertising spend on Channel 4. The offer also includes the creation of a bespoke TV commercial produced by Quiet Storm, alongside six months of marketing and business mentorship.

Applicants must be Black-owned businesses based in the UK that are ready to scale using TV advertising and business support. The business must have an established product or service that has been live in market for at least six months at the time of application. The business must be new to TV advertising and able to provide proof of business registration, such as a company number. Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Businesses are also required to demonstrate the operational capacity to scale in response to increased demand generated by television advertising.

Closing date: 24 May 2026
Find out more: Black in Business Award | 4 Sales

UK Games Fund

The UK Games Fund (UKGF) has opened its Starter Fund, offering grants of up to £20,000 to support UK games developers at the start of their professional journey. Grants are aimed at supporting own-IP game development and helping applicants build stronger commercial readiness, market understanding and audience development.

The Starter Fund includes tailored support delivered through the Fresh Start and Head Start pathways, with a stated route into the UKGF Prototype Fund for teams that progress.

Eligible applicants include new games studios, UK university graduate companies and solo developers working with UK-based contractors. Applicants must be at a very early stage of building a studio, have hands-on development capability and be seeking to strengthen the commercial aspects of their business. To apply, organisations must be wholly UK-based companies registered at Companies House with UK-resident directors. The application requires a clear game idea, an emerging plan for commercial success and a defined market opportunity.

The grant is intended to meet labour costs relating to the supported project. Applicants are expected to have begun early concept or pre-production work and to be ready to start supported development in summer 2026.

Closing date: 1 June
Find out more: Starter Fund – UK Games Fund

F100 Growth Fund

Sky and civil rights organisation BEO are supporting Black entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. F100 provides investment and access to supply chains, backed up by expert business advice, coaching and mentoring. The aim is to break down the barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas that are disrupting their industry and who want to take their business to the next level.

F100 provides an opportunity for participants to pitch for funding of up to £15,000.

The most innovative businesses applying will also be offered a free Sky Business broadband and phone package for 12 months. Additionally, they will take part in a tailored 10-week programme to help them scale their operations through a series of workshops, mentorship, supply chain support and investment readiness support. 

UK-based Black entrepreneurs with scalable businesses and an existing MVP (minimum viable product) are eligible to apply. Applicants must be over 18 years old. At least one founder of the business must be of Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British and/or Mixed-race descent.

Closing date: 2 June 2026 – the scheme may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received.
Find out more: F100 Growth Fund – BEO

Female Founder Accelerator

Are you a female founder leading a tech business that’s ready to grow? The Female Founder Accelerator is designed by Barclays Eagle Labs and AccelerateHER to support 100 female founders like you, who are beyond idea stage and poised for growth. The aim is to bring more women into entrepreneurship and level the playing field.

Over nine weeks of masterclasses, you’ll learn about marketing strategies, sales and negotiation, financial management and building a team. Plus, you’ll get access to one-to-one mentoring, accountability groups, in-person community networking and the ability to connect with a community of like-minded female founders.

Closing date: 12 June 2026
Find out more: Female Founder Accelerator | Barclays Eagle Labs

Farming Innovation Investor Partnership Competition

Innovate UK and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have reopened the Farming Innovation Investor Partnership Competition to support the commercialisation of innovations in agriculture.

The competition is linked to Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and is intended to help solutions, technologies, systems or approaches reach market readiness. Supported projects are expected to improve productivity, profitability, sustainability and resilience, and contribute towards net zero emissions by 2050.

Defra has allocated up to £5 million for grant support for experimental development projects only. Each application must propose total eligible project costs between £750,000 and £3 million.

Proposals must address challenges or opportunities in at least one of these subsectors: livestock, plants, novel food production systems or the bioeconomy and agroforestry. The call is open to single applicants only. Lead applicants must be UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprises carrying out project work in the UK. Applicants must also be seeking private financing of at least twice the value of the grant requested.

Closing date: 17 June 2026 (11:00)
Find out more: Competition overview – Defra Farming Innovation Investor Partnership – Innovation Funding Service

AXA Startup Angel Competition

The AXA Startup Angel Competition is inviting entries from entrepreneurs across the UK seeking support to develop new or early stage businesses. The contest provides financial awards and mentoring to help applicants progress their ideas or existing ventures.

In 2026, six awards are available. Two winners will each receive £25,000 to support their business or concept. In addition, they will be offered mentoring from AXA Startup Angels. Four runners up will receive non-financial support. This includes a 30-minute mentoring session with a representative of The Standard in a relevant business area. They will also be featured in The Standard’s print and online channels.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the UK. Eligible businesses may be unregistered, actively trading or trading for fewer than 24 months. Businesses must employ fewer than 10 people and present an original concept. The awards are intended to support business development activities, including refining ideas and accessing professional advice.

​Closing date: 21 June 2026 (23:59) 
Find out more: AXA Startup Angel Competition Full Terms & Conditions | The Standard

Heat Pump Ready Innovation Funding Competition

The Heat Pump Ready Innovation Funding Competition is offering grant support for applied research and development projects focused on advancing heat pump technologies. The initiative aims to address barriers to uptake, including the capital cost of hardware, in-property changes, space requirements and installation time from accepted quote.

Up to £20 million is available, with individual awards ranging from £200,000 to £2 million. Funding is intended for the design, build and testing of electrically driven heat pump systems and components that use ambient heat from air, ground or water to provide heating and hot water in domestic buildings.

Applicants must be private sector organisations, either applying individually or as part of a consortium led by a private sector business. Projects must demonstrate innovation not yet commercially available in the UK and, where relevant, achieve a seasonal performance factor of at least 3.5 in real-world domestic settings.

​Closing date: 25 June 2026 (13:00) 
Find out more: Heat Pump Ready Programme Round 2: innovation funding competition – GOV.UK

Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition

The second round of the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition has opened to support further investment in the UK heat pump manufacturing supply chain. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic production, support the transition to low carbon heating and contribute to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Up to £90 million has been allocated across the competition, with individual projects able to receive grants of up to £30 million. The funding is intended for capital expenditure linked to large scale manufacturing developments. Support is available for the construction of new factories or the expansion, refurbishment, retooling or reworking of existing sites. Projects must focus on the production of heat pumps or key components, including heat exchangers, compressors, evaporators, control systems and thermal storage.

The competition is open to UK registered manufacturing businesses, as well as industrial and engineering firms investing in production capacity. All supported projects must take place within the UK.

Applicants must be private sector organisations, either applying individually or as part of a consortium led by a private sector business. Projects must demonstrate innovation not yet commercially available in the UK and, where relevant, achieve a seasonal performance factor of at least 3.5 in real-world domestic settings.

​Closing date: 5 August 2026 (15:00) 
Find out more: Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition: round 2 – GOV.UK

Barclays Eagle Labs Scaleup Programme

Starting in September the Scaleup programme is designed for high-growth UK tech companies ready to tackle the challenges of scaling.  Built around the real-life challenges that fast-growth companies face. Over four months, you will explore four key pillars of scaling:

1. Leadership, people and operational foundations
2. Scaling commercial performance
3. Customer value, retention and expansion
4. Funding Strategy and capital planning.

You’d benefit most if you:

• Run a UK-based tech business
• Have raised or are generating £2M+ 
• Employ at least 10 people
• Have big ambitions and are ready for rapid growth.

Closing date: August 2026

Find out more: Scaleup Programme | Barclays Eagle Labs

Business Boost Grants – Elmbridge

The business boost grants can help your business with:

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help businesses improve their shop fronts or signage

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help bring a shop that has been empty for at least 3 months back into commercial use
• up to £1,000 to help town or village wide projects to drive new footfall, investment, street-scene improvements or sustainability.

All applications need at least 50% match funding and 2 quotes for each element.
Town and village centre independents can also apply for support to help sell online with the digital high street boost and small and medium sized business can get help to invest in energy efficiency projects with the green business boost.

Closing date: 31 March 2027

Business Advice for Mole Valley Businesses

Businesses across Mole Valley can now benefit from expert guidance provided by IncuHive, fully funded by Mole Valley District Council.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or growing an established company, IncuHive’s team of experienced advisers are on hand to offer practical, tailored support.

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Business Advice – Mole Valley for Business

Business Support Grants – Reigate & Banstead

Business Support Grants of up to £1,000 for residents and businesses with fewer than 5 employees based in Reigate and Banstead.

Grants can be used to help fund things like marketing, new equipment or training. Please note the grant is NOT available for the development of prototypes or for IT equipment such as laptops, unless you are a brand new start up and do not possess any IT hardware.

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Business Support Grants | Business Support Grants | Reigate and Banstead

Business Advice – Waverley

Waverley Borough Council fund IncuHive (who are specialists in small business development) to offer free tailored support to all local businesses in the borough of Waverley, including advice onbusiness planning, funding and mentoring. All the Incuhive advisors have started and grown successful businesses, so they can provide expert advice on growing your business, covering areas such as procurement, premises, marketing, finance, bid writing, exports and investment. 

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Grow your business

Business Advice – Guildford

Guildford Borough Council fund IncuHive (who are specialists in small business development) to offer free tailored support to all local businesses in the borough of Waverley, including advice onbusiness planning, funding and mentoring. All the Incuhive advisors have started and grown successful businesses, so they can provide expert advice on growing your business, covering areas such as procurement, premises, marketing, finance, bid writing, exports and investment. 

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Guildford Borough Council

Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme

Eligible adult social care employers in England can claim staff training costs from the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). The LDSS is available for non-regulated care staff, including deputy and Care Quality Commission-registered managers and agency staff, within the adult social care workforce. Staff taking the training must be in qualifying roles.

Eligible ASC employers can claim funding for certain training courses and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff. This funding is for eligible courses and qualifications that have been both paid for in financial year 2025 to 2026, as well as those paid for in financial year 2024 to 2025.

Closing date: When the fund is exhausted.
Find out more: Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme – GOV.UK

Help to Grow: Management Course

The Help to Grow Management Course runs over 12 weeks and includes online and face-to-face sessions, 1-to-1 mentoring and peer networking. Whether you need to identify more efficient ways of working, target new markets, or create a plan to take your business and team to the next level, the Help to Grow Management Course will provide the knowledge and support you need.

To join the Help to Grow Management Course you should:

• Work for a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise based in the United Kingdom
• Employ between 5 and 249 employees
• Be a member of the senior leadership team and have direct reports.

The full course is worth £7,500 but it is 90% government funded so small businesses pay just £750 per person. Our local Business Schools are Kingston University, Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Southampton, University of Brighton and Brunel University of London.

Closing date: Courses start at different times but applications can be made at any time.
Find out more: About the Help to Grow: Management Course | Small Business Charter

The Workplace Charging Scheme 

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle chargepoint sockets at their sites. 

The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT). This is capped at a maximum of: 

• £350 per socket 
• 40 sockets across all sites per applicant. For example, if you install at 40 sites, you will have 1 socket per site 

All chargepoints must be installed by an OZEV authorised installer. 

Closing Date: extended to 31 March 2027 

Find out more: Before you start

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot is a £50 million capital grant programme supporting large-scale research and development projects within the UK life sciences sector. The fund aims to strengthen health resilience, drive innovation and deliver economic benefits through significant investments in research capacity, facilities and technologies.

Projects should demonstrate how they will enhance the UK’s ability to respond to health emergencies and long-term healthcare challenges, for example by expanding or creating R&D capacity, improving manufacturing processes, accelerating clinical research or deploying new technologies.

Closing Date: 31 March 2028 (23:59)

Find out more: Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot – GOV.UK

Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Grants 

The FiPL programme provides grants to farmers and land managers in the Surrey Hills for one-off projects to make improvements to the natural environment, climate change mitigation, cultural heritage and public access on their land.   

Closing date: Extended to March 2029 

Find out more: Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes FiPL 

Co-operative Enterprise Loans 

Co-operative and Community Finance offers loans of between £10,000 and £85,000 for new or existing co-operatives across the UK. Loans are to assist with the expansion, setup, or development of a co-operative enterprise.   

Loans will only be made to economically viable enterprises that are democratically owned and controlled organisations registered in the UK.  

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Co-op Loan Fund – Unique lending: to co-ops, from co-ops

Greener Homes Alliance Development Loans 

Homes England and Octopus Real Estate have launched the second phase of the Greener Homes Alliance. The scheme provides discounted development finance to small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders. The initiative supports the construction of energy-efficient homes across England. 

A total of £150 million is available.  Loans range from £2 million to £20 million. Interest rate reductions of up to 2% are available for developers who meet environmental and social criteria.  Eligible applicants include SME housebuilders and developers operating in England. 

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Greener Homes Alliance | Octopus Capital 

Further business support in Surrey

If you can’t see something in this month’s round-up that suits your business’s specific needs, check out our Support Directory, or contact our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on funding, business news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Small Business Britain develop great resources and deliver several programmes of support for small businesses that are well worth looking at. This month they launched their annual Great British Pitch which this year is internationally themed with the opportunity to pitch to Indian based buyers (see details below if you’re a food and drink, consumer or retail business).

Kathy Kyle, a Surrey based artist and textile designer had the opportunity to pitch last year and wanted to encourage others to apply: “I am so grateful to Small Business Britain, BT and DBT for their support at the Great British Pitch! It was well brilliantly organised and a fantastic opportunity for me to connect and bring my brand to a broader audience. Since engaging with DBT and others, I have connected with an even broader audience and am now collaborating with the British Embassy Paris and am showing at Premiere Classe Who’s Next.”

Things are always moving with funded support programmes so keep an eye out for my monthly updates. Good luck, and let me know how you get on!

Renée

Surrey High Street Growth and Innovation Programme

This High Street Programme will support hundreds of small and medium businesses in Surrey’s town and villages throughout Spring 2026. It covers all corners of Surrey with dedicated sessions in 22 locations across all 11 district and boroughs in Surrey. It offers free, practical and locally tailored support across Surrey high streets including:

• Tailored support
• In-person business engagement
• Free practical workshops
• Business toolkits and resources

Last Workshop: 8 April 2026
Find out more: Surrey High Street Growth and Innovation Programme

Surrey Venture Studio

Surrey Venture Studio is an exciting scheme to help Surrey innovators, academics, students and entrepreneurs ignite their ideas to build a business. So if you have an idea ripe for commercialisation and are ready to start your business journey, seize this exciting opportunity! 

Do you have a business idea you believe could be transformational and marketable, but you’re unsure how to take the first step or secure funding? Perhaps you already have designs, prototypes or research that hasn’t yet reached its full revenue generating potential. This is an exciting new pre-accelerator programme to help innovators, academics and entrepreneurs across Surrey explore whether turning an idea into a business is the right path.  This exciting programme includes: 

• A two-day, in-person ideation workshop
• Expert mentoring
• Opportunity to progress to a six-month accelerator
• Up to £25,000 catalyst grant funding, for successful six-month accelerator participant 

Spaces on the workshop are limited and will be offered to applicants whose ideas are at the right stage of development and show strong potential for innovation and commercialisation. 

At the end of the two-day workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their ideas ‘Dragon’s Den’-style. The successful applicants will secure a coveted place on the six-month accelerator programme and take a step closer to securing £25k in grant funding to launch their business!

Closing date: 8 May 2026
Find out more: Sign up to the webinar on April 21 to learn more about the scheme or apply here: Surrey Venture Studio Application Form – Airtable

Made Smarter South East

Made Smarter South East is a government-funded programme created to drive growth amongst the South East’s manufacturing SMEs and makers. The Made Smarter team will provide advice and support to manufacturers and makers to:

• help them switch to advanced and automated technologies
• identify the right technologies and tools
• and use them to make everyday improvements to your business.

Support elements include:

• Match-funding of up to £20,000 (50% is available)
• Expert advice, guidance and support
• Bespoke digital roadmap for your business
• Leadership training
• Workforce training
• Fully-funded student internship (up to 300 hours).

The programme is open to SME manufacturers and makers based in the South East. In order to be eligible businesses must have fewer than 250 employees and not be part of a wider group, or be funded by Private Equity, with a turnover below £44 million, and not have received state aid of more than £315,000 over the last three years.

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Made Smarter South East: funding & support for manufacturers

The Great British Pitch – India

Are you interested in pitching your great, British business to international buyers in India, and are you available for an in-person event in central London on Tuesday, 16th June? This year The Great British Pitch is focused on businesses in the Food & Drink, Consumer and Retail sectors. 

You’ll be offered the support you need to be ready to pitch, and will be joined on the day by export experts, there to offer their advice and to help get you match ready for your time to shine. As well as having the chance to pitch your business across the world, via livestream to buyers specific to your industry niche, you’ll have chance to network with other small business owners, all keen to find exciting, new, global markets for their products and services.

Find out more: The Great British Pitch – India

The Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme

This 6 week programme for sole traders and micro businesses, concludes with a plan to support the next year of business growth. It will be delivered entirely online.

  What does the course include?

• Inclusion in an exclusive, supportive community to ask and answer questions, access experts and teachers, share experiences and network with other small businesses.

• Live weekly sessions recorded and available on a private Small Business Britain website available exclusively to course participants.

• Weekly worksheets to embed learning outcomes accessible on the private website hub, developed by each week’s expert trainers.

• Development of an Action Plan: a twelve-month plan to grow and flourish with support of expert mentors.

• 1 hour of 1-2-1 and group mentoring over the six weeks from expert mentors around the UK.

Start date: 26 March 2026
Find out more: Small Business Britain | Champion. Inspire. Accelerate.

2026 Diamond Education Grant

The Diamond Education Grant offers financial support to women seeking to enter or return to the workforce or transition into growing industries by gaining new skills.

The grant prioritises women facing significant financial need or barriers to employment, with an average award of around £1,000. Funding can be used for course fees or essential materials, such as books or equipment, but not for living expenses. Applications are open to women who are permanent residents in eligible Federation countries, which includes the UK. Preference will be given to applicants aged 30 and over.

Grants are available for courses taking place during the academic year from September 2026 to July 2027. The funding is intended for one year only, with vocational courses receiving priority.

Closing date: 15 April 2026
Find out more: Diamond Education Grant | SIGBI

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK Programme

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme is designed to provide high-quality, practical education and business support to leaders of high-growth small businesses and social enterprises across the country.

Participants in the fully funded programme identify and execute the steps necessary to enable them to scale their ventures, create employment and expand to new markets. Each participant develops a business growth plan throughout the course to implement back in their businesses. Eligibility criteria:

• Business operating for at least three years
• Have between 5 and 50 employees
• Business should have turnover of at least 250,000 GBP in the previous financial year
• Applicant should not have any recent management education
• Applicant should be the primary owner or main decision-maker of the business

Closing date: April 2026
Find out more: UK | Goldman Sachs

Amazon Sustainability Accelerator

Early-stage businesses developing sustainable consumer goods can apply to join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, an equity-free programme designed to support innovation addressing environmental challenges.

The accelerator aims to help entrepreneurs develop skills and expand their businesses while improving the climate impact of their products. Each year the programme focuses on different sustainability areas including circular economy, recycling technology and sustainable consumer products.

One of the 2026 challenges is the Consumer Product Programme, which targets startups producing physical business-to-consumer goods. Eligible products must have recently launched or be close to entering the market and demonstrate measurable sustainability improvements. Examples include items made from recycled or upcycled materials, reusable everyday products, eco-friendly gadgets and technology, more sustainable clothing, shoes and accessories, and alternatives to plastic.

Selected participants will take part in a nine-week accelerator that includes workshops, mentoring and access to Amazon’s network. Businesses will receive a £10,000 cash grant, $10,000 in AWS Activate credits and a £1,500 travel grant. Additional support includes a climate impact assessment, guidance on selling through Amazon and an opportunity to present their business to investors during a London Demo Day.

Applicants must be brand owners and operate in the early stages of development. Businesses must also be registered in the United Kingdom, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.

Closing date: 17 April 2026

Find out more: Amazon Sustainability Accelerator: Maximise your Impact

Invention for Innovation (i4i)

The Invention for Innovation (i4i) THRIVE (Translate Healthcare Research through InnoVation and Entrepreneurship) funding and training programme funds early stage innovations which tackle health inequalities.  This is a full researcher-led funding opportunity. 

THRIVE supports clinicians and researchers to accelerate the translation of healthcare innovations tackling health inequalities from bench to bed, speed up patient benefit and concurrently expand the entrepreneurial mindset of researchers and clinicians.

THRIVE offers up to £150,000 over 9 months to support the development of a technology-based product or service, and a structured programme of entrepreneurial training, mentoring, peer support and networking. Through the programme the innovators will explore the market for their innovation and identify potential routes for commercialising (spin-out vs licensing) or sustaining their innovation (Intrapreneurship) and leave the programme with a plan to achieve their goals, a network of support and with the skills for the next steps of commercialisation.

Closing date: 17 April 2026 (13:00)
Find out more: i4i THRIVE – March 2026 | NIHR

Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chains: Potential High Growth SMEs Competition

The Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chains: Potential High Growth SMEs Competition supports micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in addressing barriers to commercialisation and scaling within the UK.

Eligible projects must aim to improve the resource efficiency or resilience of supply chains in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan frontier industries, including automotive, aerospace, advanced materials, batteries, agri-tech and space.

Applicants should have developed a basic version of their product or service, such as a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher, that targets improvements in supply chain efficiency or resilience.

Projects must demonstrate a clear focus on one or more of the specified supply chains.

Closing date: 22 April 2026

Find out more: Competition overview – Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chains: Potential High Growth SMEs – Innovation Funding Service

Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026

Applications are open for the 2026 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), which provides grants for businesses investing in equipment and technology. The support is intended to help improve productivity, animal health and welfare and slurry management across agricultural and forestry operations.

A total of £50 million has been allocated across three themes. Up to £20 million is available for productivity equipment and a further £20 million has been set aside for projects that improve animal health and welfare. Another £10 million has been allocated for slurry management. Applicants can request between £1,000 and £25,000 under each theme.

Businesses may apply to more than one theme, with a combined maximum grant value of £75,000 if applications are made across all three categories. The funding is intended for the purchase of eligible equipment and technology that supports operational improvements within farming and forestry enterprises. Eligible applicants include farming and forestry businesses in England involved in the production or processing of agricultural, horticultural or forestry products. Contractors and growers working in these sectors may also apply where proposed purchases support the stated objectives.

This round is expected to be the final standalone FETF round in its current format, with future arrangements due to combine elements of several grant initiatives from 2027.

Closing date: 28 April 2026 (12:00)

Find out more: Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026 – GOV.UK

Secure Software for Resilient Growth Competition

The Secure Software for Resilient Growth Competition aims to support the development of secure and resilient software supply chains in the UK through increased adoption of the Software Security Code of Practice (SSCoP). The initiative reflects the role of cyber security as a frontier technology in the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the need to strengthen cyber resilience across digitally transforming sectors.

The competition therefore seeks to improve baseline cyber resilience across UK software supply chains.

Projects supported through the programme are expected to increase awareness, adoption and implementation of the SSCoP. They should also contribute to the commercial growth of cyber resilient technology supply chains in the UK and address at least two of the four themes set out in the SSCoP.

The competition forms part of a wider set of UK government cyber security codes of practice and complements initiatives such as the Cyber Essentials scheme, which promote recognised approaches to managing cyber security risks.

Closing date: 29 April 2026 (11:00)

Find out more: Competition overview – Secure Software for Resilient Growth – Innovation Funding Service

The Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs

Sponsored by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and administered by Leonard Cheshire Disability, this initiative celebrates business ability by recognising disabled entrepreneurs who have set up their own company.

The programme is open to disabled entrepreneurs in the UK who own at least 50% of a UK registered for-profit business with an annual turnover of £200,000. This year, prize money totalling £300,000 will be distributed as follows:

• £150,000 to one overall winner.
• £100,000 to the second place winner.
• £50,000 to the third place winner.

Closing date: 30 April 2026 (17:00)

Find out more: The Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs | Leonard Cheshire

Green Heat Network Fund

The UK Government has opened Round 11 of the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), a £288 million capital grant programme supporting the transition to low-carbon heat networks. The scheme funds technologies such as heat pumps, geothermal energy, and waste heat recovery to help reduce carbon emissions from heating systems.

Heat networks supply heat from a central source to multiple buildings, lowering reliance on individual gas boilers. The GHNF provides funding to public, private and third-sector organisations in England involved in developing heating and cooling networks.

Grants can cover up to, but not including, 50% of eligible commercialisation and construction costs, with a maximum of £1 million available for commercialisation support. Individual funding requests may be spread over multiple years.

Closing date: 1 May 2026 (23:59)
Find out more: Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF): Round 11 application guidance – GOV.UK

Materials Innovation Partnerships Grant

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is inviting applications for its Materials Innovation Partnerships Grant, which supports collaborative research between academic institutions and businesses. The grant is intended to advance materials research with potential for industrial use.

EPSRC has allocated up to £7.5 million for a minimum of four projects. Each project can receive £250,000, representing 80% of the full economic cost. The total full economic cost must be at least £312,500.

The initiative focuses on co-created and co-delivered research between industry and academia aimed at translating materials discoveries into practical applications. Projects must be led jointly by a primary academic partner eligible for EPSRC support, such as a UK university or research institute, and a primary business partner. The partners must have an established collaborative relationship of at least one year before applying.

Proposals must address one or more themes from the National Materials Innovation Strategy. These include materials for energy solutions, future healthcare, structural innovations, advanced surface technologies, next generation electronics telecommunications and sensors, and consumer products packaging and specialist polymers.

Closing date: 14 May 2026 (16:00)
Find out more: EPSRC Materials Innovation Partnerships – Innovate UK Business Connect

The National Entrepreneur of the Year

The National Entrepreneur of the Year Competition is accepting applications from young people across the UK seeking financial support to develop or expand business ventures. The annual awards are organised by the Peter Jones Foundation and supported by FRP Advisory.

The competition provides cash awards to individuals aged 16 to 21 who are either running a revenue-generating small business or have a developed concept, including a prototype or minimum viable product. Entrants are required to demonstrate the viability of their idea or enterprise as part of the application process.

Successful applicants progress through stages that may include pitching their business proposals, with finalists given the opportunity to present to Peter Jones CBE. Financial awards include £10,000 for the overall winner, £5,000 for the runner up and £1,000 for finalists.

The funding can be used to support business growth, product development or operational costs associated with early-stage enterprises. The competition aims to support young entrepreneurs at different stages of development, from concept to established small businesses.

Closing date: 15 May 2026 (17:00)
Find out more: National Entrepreneur of the Year — Peter Jones Foundation

Open Horizons

Women-led startups working in deeptech and digital innovation can apply for support through Open Horizons, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative. The scheme forms part of a wider effort to advance female entrepreneurship and reduce the innovation gap across Europe.

Up to €55,000 in equity-free funding is available per applicant. In addition to financial support, successful startups will benefit from mentoring, strategic matchmaking and opportunities to co-design and test paid pilot projects with leading European corporates.

Eligible applicants must be early-stage or inception-phase startups led by at least one woman in a key executive role, such as CEO, CTO or Founder, with a minimum 25% ownership stake. The business must be based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe-associated country, including the UK.

Projects must operate within deeptech or digital fields. Areas of focus include Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Computing, Cybersecurity, Next Generation Internet, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Metaverse, Energy, Green Tech, AgriTech and FinTech.

This is the third and final Open Call under the €1.2 million programme.

Closing date: 19 May 2026 (17:00)
Find out more: Home – Open Horizons

Business Boost Grants – Elmbridge

The business boost grants can help your business with:

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help businesses improve their shop fronts or signage

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help bring a shop that has been empty for at least 3 months back into commercial use
• up to £1,000 to help town or village wide projects to drive new footfall, investment, street-scene improvements or sustainability.

All applications need at least 50% match funding and 2 quotes for each element.
Town and village centre independents can also apply for support to help sell online with the digital high street boost and small and medium sized business can get help to invest in energy efficiency projects with the green business boost.

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time.

Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme

Eligible adult social care employers in England can claim staff training costs from the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). The LDSS is available for non-regulated care staff, including deputy and Care Quality Commission-registered managers and agency staff, within the adult social care workforce. Staff taking the training must be in qualifying roles.

Eligible ASC employers can claim funding for certain training courses and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff. This funding is for eligible courses and qualifications that have been both paid for in financial year 2025 to 2026, as well as those paid for in financial year 2024 to 2025.

Closing date: When the fund is exhausted.
Find out more: Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme – GOV.UK

Business Support Grants – Reigate & Banstead

Business Support Grants of up to £1,000 for residents and businesses with fewer than 5 employees based in Reigate and Banstead.

Grants can be used to help fund things like marketing, new equipment or training. Please note the grant is NOT available for the development of prototypes or for IT equipment such as laptops, unless you are a brand new start up and do not possess any IT hardware.

Closing date: applications can be made at any time.
Find out more: Business Support Grants | Business Support Grants | Reigate and Banstead

Help to Grow: Management Course

The Help to Grow Management Course runs over 12 weeks and includes online and face-to-face sessions, 1-to-1 mentoring and peer networking. Whether you need to identify more efficient ways of working, target new markets, or create a plan to take your business and team to the next level, the Help to Grow Management Course will provide the knowledge and support you need.

To join the Help to Grow Management Course you should:

• Work for a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise based in the United Kingdom
• Employ between 5 and 249 employees
• Be a member of the senior leadership team and have direct reports.

The full course is worth £7,500 but it is 90% government funded so small businesses pay just £750 per person. Our local Business Schools are Kingston University, Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Southampton, University of Brighton and Brunel University of London.

Closing date: Courses start at different times but applications can be made at any time.
Find out more: About the Help to Grow: Management Course | Small Business Charter

The Workplace Charging Scheme 

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle chargepoint sockets at their sites. 

The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT). This is capped at a maximum of: 

• £350 per socket 
• 40 sockets across all sites per applicant. For example, if you install at 40 sites, you will have 1 socket per site 

All chargepoints must be installed by an OZEV authorised installer. 

Closing Date: extended to 31 March 2027 

Find out more: Before you start

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot is a £50 million capital grant programme supporting large-scale research and development projects within the UK life sciences sector. The fund aims to strengthen health resilience, drive innovation and deliver economic benefits through significant investments in research capacity, facilities and technologies.

Projects should demonstrate how they will enhance the UK’s ability to respond to health emergencies and long-term healthcare challenges, for example by expanding or creating R&D capacity, improving manufacturing processes, accelerating clinical research or deploying new technologies.

Closing Date: 31 March 2028 (23:59)

Find out more: Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot – GOV.UK

Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Grants 

The FiPL programme provides grants to farmers and land managers in the Surrey Hills for one-off projects to make improvements to the natural environment, climate change mitigation, cultural heritage and public access on their land.   

Closing date: Extended to March 2029 

Find out more: Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes FiPL 

Co-operative Enterprise Loans 

Co-operative and Community Finance offers loans of between £10,000 and £85,000 for new or existing co-operatives across the UK. Loans are to assist with the expansion, setup, or development of a co-operative enterprise.   

Loans will only be made to economically viable enterprises that are democratically owned and controlled organisations registered in the UK.  

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Co-op Loan Fund – Unique lending: to co-ops, from co-ops

Greener Homes Alliance Development Loans 

Homes England and Octopus Real Estate have launched the second phase of the Greener Homes Alliance. The scheme provides discounted development finance to small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders. The initiative supports the construction of energy-efficient homes across England. 

A total of £150 million is available.  Loans range from £2 million to £20 million. Interest rate reductions of up to 2% are available for developers who meet environmental and social criteria.  Eligible applicants include SME housebuilders and developers operating in England. 

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Greener Homes Alliance | Octopus Capital 

Further business support in Surrey

If you can’t see something in this month’s round-up that suits your business’s specific needs, check out our Support Directory, or contact our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on funding, business news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

I’m often asked what funding is available. I share this blog but I often ask my own question back : “do you mean funding or finance?”

There is grant funding around, but realistically not very much, and it’s often focused on projects and specific outcomes rather than covering day to day operational costs. If you’re a business caught in the chicken and egg scenario of investing (aka spending) to grow then it can be a tricky place. I often signpost people to the British Business Bank who offer guidance on what finance options there are as well as managing the Start-Up Loan Scheme for any business in the 1st 3 years of trading. So if you are looking for finance to grow your business they are well worth looking at for advice.

Things are always moving with funded support programmes so keep an eye out for my monthly updates. Good luck, and let me know how you get on!

Renée

Surrey High Street Growth and Innovation Programme

This High Street Programme will support hundreds of small and medium businesses in Surrey’s town and villages throughout Spring 2026. It covers all corners of Surrey with dedicated sessions in 22 locations across all 11 district and boroughs in Surrey.

It offers free, practical and locally tailored support across Surrey high streets including:

• Tailored support
• In-person business engagement
• Free practical workshops
• Business toolkits and resources

Last Workshop: 8 April 2026
Find out more: Surrey High Street Growth and Innovation Programme

Made Smarter South East

Made Smarter South East is a government-funded programme created to drive growth amongst the South East’s manufacturing SMEs and makers. The Made Smarter team will provide advice and support to manufacturers and makers to:

• help them switch to advanced and automated technologies
• identify the right technologies and tools
• and use them to make everyday improvements to your business.

Support elements include:

• Match-funding of up to £20,000 (50% is available)
• Expert advice, guidance and support
• Bespoke digital roadmap for your business
• Leadership training
• Workforce training
• Fully-funded student internship (up to 300 hours).

The programme is open to SME manufacturers and makers based in the South East. In order to be eligible businesses must have fewer than 250 employees and not be part of a wider group, or be funded by Private Equity, with a turnover below £44 million, and not have received state aid of more than £315,000 over the last three years.

Closing date: 31 March 2027
Find out more: Made Smarter South East: funding & support for manufacturers

The Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme

This 6 week programme for sole traders and micro businesses, concludes with a plan to support the next year of business growth. It will be delivered entirely online.

  What does the course include?

• Inclusion in an exclusive, supportive community to ask and answer questions, access experts and teachers, share experiences and network with other small businesses.

• Live weekly sessions recorded and available on a private Small Business Britain website available exclusively to course participants.

• Weekly worksheets to embed learning outcomes accessible on the private website hub, developed by each week’s expert trainers.

• Development of an Action Plan: a twelve-month plan to grow and flourish with support of expert mentors.

• 1 hour of 1-2-1 and group mentoring over the six weeks from expert mentors around the UK.

Start date: 26 March 2026
Find out more: Small Business Britain | Champion. Inspire. Accelerate.

CVC DIF-Allia Accelerator Challenge

The CVC DIF-Allia Accelerator Challenge is open to UK-based impact-driven startups and social enterprises seeking to scale their activities. The six-month programme provides structured support aimed at strengthening commercial development and long-term growth.

Participants receive expert mentorship, coaching and tailored guidance to refine their business models. This includes testing assumptions with users, developing a clear impact narrative and preparing for expansion. The programme concludes with a Pitch Day, where selected ventures present their progress. As part of the initiative, participants can compete for a share of up to £50,000. This financial support is intended to help organisations advance to the next stage of development following completion of the programme.

The challenge is open to startups and social enterprises operating in the UK with a proven concept and evidence of early traction. Applicants are expected to be generating revenue or preparing to raise seed investment. Support provided through the programme can be used to strengthen commercial strategy, validate products or services and build readiness for growth and investment.

Closing date: 31 March 2026

Find out more: CVC DIF–Allia Accelerator Challenge

IOSH Certificate in Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing

How good are you at spotting signs of stress in your team?

Build a healthier, happier and more resilient workforce with free accredited training for your business, fully funded by the Department for Work & Pensions.

Study online, in a virtual classroom, or at 12 regional centres to gain your IOSH Certificate in Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing. There are 5,000 free course places available until 31 March 2026 for qualifying SMES.

Closing date: 31 March 2026

Find out more: ttps://lets-crack-on.com

SNPN 5G Assured Integration (CR&D) Competition

Innovate UK has opened the SNPN 5G Assured Integration Competition to support collaborative research and development addressing system level integration challenges in advanced connectivity.

The competition aims to enable UK based components to be combined into complete, secure and operable end-to-end systems suitable for early market evaluation. Work supported includes non-recurring engineering, interoperability testing and verification needed to integrate multi-vendor Core, RAN and supporting hardware or software components.

Projects must integrate UK anchored advanced connectivity components across Core, RAN, hardware or software layers. Engagement with potential end users or adopters is expected to ensure solutions reflect operational needs.

Up to £18.5 million has been allocated for industrial research. Individual projects can request between £2 million and £4 million in grant support, with no single organisation able to claim more than £3 million.

Applications must be collaborative. The lead applicant must be a UK registered organisation and may be a business, academic institution, research and technology organisation, charity, not for profit organisation or public sector body. Partners must also be UK registered and drawn from similar organisation types.

Closing date: 1 April 2026 (11:00)

Find out more: ttps://lets-crack-on.com

Farming Innovation Programme

Defra, in collaboration with Innovate UK, is providing support through the Farming Innovation Programme for farmers, growers and foresters in England preparing Full ADOPT Grant submissions. The scheme is intended to improve application quality and encourage wider participation in innovation-related funding.

The support is aimed at individuals interested in on-farm trials or experiments that test new or emerging solutions in agriculture, horticulture or agri-forestry. Funding will be used to engage an external Project Facilitator to assist in developing Full ADOPT Grant applications.

Projects must address a clear challenge or opportunity on-farm or immediately post-farmgate. They should aim to enhance productivity, sustainability or resilience, including support for net zero farming practices. Proposals must also show how findings will be relevant to others in the sector and tested under real-world conditions.

Up to £100,000 has been allocated for the scheme. Grants of £2,500 will be made available to successful applicants. Eligible applicants must be active farming, growing or forestry businesses based in England and able to demonstrate that they are established, including sole traders. Only single applicants may apply.

Closing date: 8 April 2026 @ 11:00
Find out more: Competition overview – ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 7 – Innovation Funding Service

The Stephen Lloyd Awards 2026

The Stephen Lloyd Awards support early-stage projects aiming to achieve social or environmental change in the UK.

Successful applicants will receive at least £25,000 in funding, alongside pro bono support from social enterprise mentors. Shortlisted candidates will be awarded up to £2,500 to develop their ideas and may also access expert guidance.

The funding aims to help ideas progress from concept to implementation. UK-registered organisations and charities, are eligible to apply. Proposals should address a problem systemically and can take various forms, including new enterprises, expansions of existing initiatives, lobbying efforts or policy change campaigns.

Closing date: 8 April 2026
Find out more: Stephen Lloyd Awards | Supporting Sustainable Social Change Ideas

2026 Diamond Education Grant

The Diamond Education Grant offers financial support to women seeking to enter or return to the workforce or transition into growing industries by gaining new skills.

The grant prioritises women facing significant financial need or barriers to employment, with an average award of around £1,000. Funding can be used for course fees or essential materials, such as books or equipment, but not for living expenses. Applications are open to women who are permanent residents in eligible Federation countries, which includes the UK. Preference will be given to applicants aged 30 and over.

Grants are available for courses taking place during the academic year from September 2026 to July 2027. The funding is intended for one year only, with vocational courses receiving priority.

Closing date: 15 April 2026
Find out more: Diamond Education Grant | SIGBI

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK Programme

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme is designed to provide high-quality, practical education and business support to leaders of high-growth small businesses and social enterprises across the country.

Participants in the fully funded programme identify and execute the steps necessary to enable them to scale their ventures, create employment and expand to new markets. Each participant develops a business growth plan throughout the course to implement back in their businesses. Eligibility criteria:

• Business operating for at least three years
• Have between 5 and 50 employees
• Business should have turnover of at least 250,000 GBP in the previous financial year
• Applicant should not have any recent management education
• Applicant should be the primary owner or main decision-maker of the business

Closing date: April 2026
Find out more: UK | Goldman Sachs

Amazon Sustainability Accelerator

Early-stage businesses developing sustainable consumer goods can apply to join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, an equity-free programme designed to support innovation addressing environmental challenges.

The accelerator aims to help entrepreneurs develop skills and expand their businesses while improving the climate impact of their products. Each year the programme focuses on different sustainability areas including circular economy, recycling technology and sustainable consumer products.

One of the 2026 challenges is the Consumer Product Programme, which targets startups producing physical business-to-consumer goods. Eligible products must have recently launched or be close to entering the market and demonstrate measurable sustainability improvements. Examples include items made from recycled or upcycled materials, reusable everyday products, eco-friendly gadgets and technology, more sustainable clothing, shoes and accessories, and alternatives to plastic.

Selected participants will take part in a nine-week accelerator that includes workshops, mentoring and access to Amazon’s network. Businesses will receive a £10,000 cash grant, $10,000 in AWS Activate credits and a £1,500 travel grant. Additional support includes a climate impact assessment, guidance on selling through Amazon and an opportunity to present their business to investors during a London Demo Day.

Applicants must be brand owners and operate in the early stages of development. Businesses must also be registered in the United Kingdom, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.

Closing date: 17 April 2026

Find out more: Amazon Sustainability Accelerator: Maximise your Impact

Invention for Innovation (i4i)

The Invention for Innovation (i4i) THRIVE (Translate Healthcare Research through InnoVation and Entrepreneurship) funding and training programme funds early stage innovations which tackle health inequalities.  This is a full researcher-led funding opportunity. 

THRIVE supports clinicians and researchers to accelerate the translation of healthcare innovations tackling health inequalities from bench to bed, speed up patient benefit and concurrently expand the entrepreneurial mindset of researchers and clinicians.

THRIVE offers up to £150,000 over 9 months to support the development of a technology-based product or service, and a structured programme of entrepreneurial training, mentoring, peer support and networking. Through the programme the innovators will explore the market for their innovation and identify potential routes for commercialising (spin-out vs licensing) or sustaining their innovation (Intrapreneurship) and leave the programme with a plan to achieve their goals, a network of support and with the skills for the next steps of commercialisation.

Closing date: 17 April 2026 (13:00)
Find out more: i4i THRIVE – March 2026 | NIHR

Green Heat Network Fund

The UK Government has opened Round 11 of the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), a £288 million capital grant programme supporting the transition to low-carbon heat networks. The scheme funds technologies such as heat pumps, geothermal energy, and waste heat recovery to help reduce carbon emissions from heating systems.

Heat networks supply heat from a central source to multiple buildings, lowering reliance on individual gas boilers. The GHNF provides funding to public, private and third-sector organisations in England involved in developing heating and cooling networks.

Grants can cover up to, but not including, 50% of eligible commercialisation and construction costs, with a maximum of £1 million available for commercialisation support. Individual funding requests may be spread over multiple years.

Closing date: 1 May 2026 (23:59)
Find out more: Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF): Round 11 application guidance – GOV.UK

Materials Innovation Partnerships Grant

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is inviting applications for its Materials Innovation Partnerships Grant, which supports collaborative research between academic institutions and businesses. The grant is intended to advance materials research with potential for industrial use.

EPSRC has allocated up to £7.5 million for a minimum of four projects. Each project can receive £250,000, representing 80% of the full economic cost. The total full economic cost must be at least £312,500.

The initiative focuses on co-created and co-delivered research between industry and academia aimed at translating materials discoveries into practical applications. Projects must be led jointly by a primary academic partner eligible for EPSRC support, such as a UK university or research institute, and a primary business partner. The partners must have an established collaborative relationship of at least one year before applying.

Proposals must address one or more themes from the National Materials Innovation Strategy. These include materials for energy solutions, future healthcare, structural innovations, advanced surface technologies, next generation electronics telecommunications and sensors, and consumer products packaging and specialist polymers.

Closing date: 14 May 2026 (16:00)
Find out more: EPSRC Materials Innovation Partnerships – Innovate UK Business Connect

Business Boost Grants – Elmbridge

The business boost grants can help your business with:

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help businesses improve their shop fronts or signage

• Grant support up to £2,000 to help bring a shop that has been empty for at least 3 months back into commercial use
• up to £1,000 to help town or village wide projects to drive new footfall, investment, street-scene improvements or sustainability.

All applications need at least 50% match funding and 2 quotes for each element.
Town and village centre independents can also apply for support to help sell online with the digital high street boost and small and medium sized business can get help to invest in energy efficiency projects with the green business boost.

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time.

Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme

Eligible adult social care employers in England can claim staff training costs from the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). The LDSS is available for non-regulated care staff, including deputy and Care Quality Commission-registered managers and agency staff, within the adult social care workforce. Staff taking the training must be in qualifying roles.

Eligible ASC employers can claim funding for certain training courses and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff. This funding is for eligible courses and qualifications that have been both paid for in financial year 2025 to 2026, as well as those paid for in financial year 2024 to 2025.

Closing date: When the fund is exhausted.
Find out more: Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme – GOV.UK

Business Support Grants – Reigate & Banstead

Business Support Grants of up to £1,000 for residents and businesses with fewer than 5 employees based in Reigate and Banstead.

Grants can be used to help fund things like marketing, new equipment or training. Please note the grant is NOT available for the development of prototypes or for IT equipment such as laptops, unless you are a brand new start up and do not possess any IT hardware.

Closing date: applications can be made at any time.
Find out more: Business Support Grants | Business Support Grants | Reigate and Banstead

Help to Grow: Management Course

The Help to Grow Management Course runs over 12 weeks and includes online and face-to-face sessions, 1-to-1 mentoring and peer networking. Whether you need to identify more efficient ways of working, target new markets, or create a plan to take your business and team to the next level, the Help to Grow Management Course will provide the knowledge and support you need.

To join the Help to Grow Management Course you should:

• Work for a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise based in the United Kingdom
• Employ between 5 and 249 employees
• Be a member of the senior leadership team and have direct reports.

The full course is worth £7,500 but it is 90% government funded so small businesses pay just £750 per person. Our local Business Schools are Kingston University, Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Southampton, University of Brighton and Brunel University of London.

Closing date: Courses start at different times but applications can be made at any time.
Find out more: About the Help to Grow: Management Course | Small Business Charter

The Workplace Charging Scheme 

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle chargepoint sockets at their sites. 

The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT). This is capped at a maximum of: 

• £350 per socket 
• 40 sockets across all sites per applicant. For example, if you install at 40 sites, you will have 1 socket per site 

All chargepoints must be installed by an OZEV authorised installer. 

Closing Date: extended to 31 March 2027 

Find out more: Before you start

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot

The Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot is a £50 million capital grant programme supporting large-scale research and development projects within the UK life sciences sector. The fund aims to strengthen health resilience, drive innovation and deliver economic benefits through significant investments in research capacity, facilities and technologies.

Projects should demonstrate how they will enhance the UK’s ability to respond to health emergencies and long-term healthcare challenges, for example by expanding or creating R&D capacity, improving manufacturing processes, accelerating clinical research or deploying new technologies.

Closing Date: 31 March 2028 (23:59)

Find out more: Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot – GOV.UK

Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Grants 

The FiPL programme provides grants to farmers and land managers in the Surrey Hills for one-off projects to make improvements to the natural environment, climate change mitigation, cultural heritage and public access on their land.   

Closing date: Extended to March 2029 

Find out more: Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes FiPL 

Co-operative Enterprise Loans 

Co-operative and Community Finance offers loans of between £10,000 and £85,000 for new or existing co-operatives across the UK. Loans are to assist with the expansion, setup, or development of a co-operative enterprise.   

Loans will only be made to economically viable enterprises that are democratically owned and controlled organisations registered in the UK.  

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Co-op Loan Fund – Unique lending: to co-ops, from co-ops

Greener Homes Alliance Development Loans 

Homes England and Octopus Real Estate have launched the second phase of the Greener Homes Alliance. The scheme provides discounted development finance to small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders. The initiative supports the construction of energy-efficient homes across England. 

A total of £150 million is available.  Loans range from £2 million to £20 million. Interest rate reductions of up to 2% are available for developers who meet environmental and social criteria.  Eligible applicants include SME housebuilders and developers operating in England. 

Closing date: Applications can be made at any time 

Find out more: Greener Homes Alliance | Octopus Capital 

Further business support in Surrey

If you can’t see something in this month’s round-up that suits your business’s specific needs, check out our Support Directory, or contact our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

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