Brand new funding pots for Staffordshire businesses are set to be revealed by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce next week.
And ahead of the announcement, Staffordshire Chambers’ Head of Funding, Tom Nadin is urging local firms and entrepreneurs to explore a range of live funding opportunities already open for applications.
With support available for a range of uses including skills development, start-ups, innovation, manufacturing and social impact, these schemes could offer a vital boost to businesses at all stages of their journey.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects & Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “With several highly targeted and accessible funds already open, now is the perfect time for local businesses and individuals to act.
“Whether you’re a young entrepreneur needing help to start up, a manufacturer ready to embrace digital transformation, or a social enterprise ready to scale your impact, there’s funding available to help you take that next step.
“Staffordshire Chambers is here to support applicants at every stage, and we’re excited to be announcing further opportunities very soon. These funding streams are all part of our mission to equip businesses with the tools they need to thrive, innovate and lead in a changing economy.”
The five current funding pots include:
Stoke-on-Trent Higher Skills Accelerator – Staffordshire University has secured additional UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding through Stoke-on-Trent City Council to deliver another 12 months of short courses, masterclasses and microcredentials. Courses are open to anyone in the city who is aged 18 and over and in paid or unpaid employment, or on a government supported training programme. Full details on the courses available and how to apply can be found here – https://www.staffs.ac.uk/business-services/professional-development/funded-courses
SWEF Enterprise Fund – The SWEF Enterprise Fund awards grants of up to £2,000 to young people in Staffordshire or Shropshire who need support with business start-up costs that they would otherwise not be able to afford, and particularly those who are not in education, employment, or training. This is not a loan scheme and recipients do not need to pay the grant back. Applicants need to be between the age of 18-30 and it is open to UK businesses only. To find our more and the eligibility for the grants please visit – https://staffordshire.foundation/grants/staffordshire-individuals/swef/
Horizon Europe Funding – UK businesses can benefit from the research and funding from the Horizon Europe Funding programme – with £80 billion available from 2021 – 2027 to help them develop ideas, innovations and further their research to power commercial opportunities and growth. The funding aims to help equip businesses to turn ideas, early-stage developments, new research, and all forms of innovation into tangible opportunities to grow their business. Average grants of £530,000 – open to businesses of all types and sizes needing financial support to progress their research and innovation ideas into commercial success. Find out more here – Horizon Europe – Innovate UK Business Connect
Made Smarter Funding and Support – Are you a manufacturer looking to accelerate the growth of your business but struggling to understand the best route forward? Made Smarter has a range of support that could help your business. Match funded grants of up to £20K for the purchase of hardware and software. For more information, visit – https://www.madesmarter.uk/adoption-support/
UnLtd Funding – UnLtd combine funding and support to help business, who are delivering a social venture to get started or grow. Depending on your stage of development they can offer up to £18,000. They have two grants that are available including Starting up – You have an idea or have started to make a difference to people’s lives, your community, or have ambitions to create change at a national level. Up to £8,000 and Scaling up – You are already running a social venture that is making a positive difference, and you have compelling evidence of your impact. Up to £18,000. Find out more here – https://www.unltd.org.uk/awards
Businesses seeking support with any of the above funds can contact Staffordshire Chambers for guidance.
