Business Grants & Funding Opportunities in South East England
There are a number of options for grants and funding for new or growing businesses and SMEs in the area. This page gives a quick overview.
There are also a range of business support services and finance opportunities specific to the Basingstoke area.
SME is defined as a company with less than 250 employees, or a turnover of less than €50 million.
Grant for Research and Development (R&D)
This grant is for Small and Medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking to carry out research or development of a technologically innovative product or process. Grant amounts available from £5,000 to £500,000; and can cover up to 40% – 60% of eligible project costs. For detailed information access the Finance South East.
Grant for Business Investment (GBI)
This grant is to assist SME businesses to increase their productivity through investment in capital equipment and technology; with the aim to modernise, expand or diversify to maintain or establish sustainable growth and provide skilled jobs.
Grant amounts available, from £10,000 to £2m, and will cover up to 35% of eligible project costs dependent on area and case - in exceptional cases larger grants may be available.
For detailed information access the Finance South East page.
Accelerator Fund
This is a loan fund which supports small and medium sized companies in the South East with the potential for significant growth (early stage or established companies).The fund can lend from £25,000 to £100,000. An additional £100,000 can be made available after a period of 9 months.
Commercialisation Fund
The aim of the Commercialisation Fund is to facilitate the progress to market of business ideas (products or services) with clear potential for high growth The Fund operates in two phases with up to £30,000 available for each phase.
South East Seed Fund
This fund is a £5m equity fund that invests up to £250,000 in small and medium-sized enterprises, which may include university spin-outs/spin-ins.
The Fund operates on a commercial investment return basis and seeks to invest only in opportunities that it believes have the highest potential for success.
Transition Fund
The Transition Fund provides loans of up to £150,000 for developing SMEs that are facing liquidity issues arising from the adverse financial credit squeeze.
Leadership & Management Advisory Service
This programme offers flexible support to SME business leaders in the shape of skills diagnostic and a training grant; it is aimed at supporting business leaders to develop their management skills and capabilities through the identification of training solutions.
Up to £1,000 of grant funding can be applied for. The first £500 is fully funded, and is for use only by owners, directors, and managers with a strategic role in the business. A further £500 is also available, if matched pound for pound by the business.
