Funding
Grant funding works as follows:
In order to access grant funding, you need to have all of the capital available at the outset so that when it is approved you can purchase the goods and then reclaim the agreed amount back through the grants team.
It is important that you do not start the project or purchase the goods without getting grant approval first as they will not pay the grant back retrospectively.
With all grants you complete an initial eligibility form and if deemed an eligible business they will take you to the next eligibility stage which is asking you to explain the project and how that will grow the business, improve product or services and/or help employ more staff.
If they agree it is an eligible project, they will then send out a grant application for you to complete. You will need to provide 1, 2 or 3 quotes (depends on the grant) for each bit of equipment or building work.
The grant application is then submitted to the grants panel for approval.
Only when it is approved, and you have signed the acceptance letter can you then proceed with your project.
When purchasing your goods/services the transaction must go through your business bank account only. Cannot be paid using a personal credit or debit card or a business credit card.
Most grant applications can take from 6-8 weeks from inception to approval (but could take longer), so it is important that you contact us in plenty of time to progress any applications. You may also be eligible for more than 1 grant.
Basildon Business Grant
Basildon Business Grant Programme
Grants now available worth up to £2000* to businesses based in the Basildon District Council area (Basildon, Billericay, Laindon, Pitsea & Wickford).
Eligible businesses include:
- Limited Companies (incorporated and unincorporated), LLP’s Registered Sole Traders and Partnerships
- Applicants must have commenced trading and will be required to demonstrate that they will genuinely benefit from the grant
- The grants will not be available to businesses undertaking banking and insurance activities, politically affiliated membership organisations, charities and voluntary sector organisations not using a trading arm
*qualifying requirements apply
Beauty Backed Trust
Beauty Backed Trust Grant Programme
The Beauty Backed Trust Grant Programme was created to help support individuals and businesses in the beauty industry recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Providing a mixture of funds, equipment, training support and stock depending on the business needs, the grants have been designed to give an immediate injection of support and longer-term business mentoring.
Innovate UK
Funding for business and research collaborations to accelerate innovation
Innovate UK has a strong business focus. They work to drive growth by working with companies to de-risk, enable and support innovation.
They connect businesses to partners, customers and investors that can help them turn ideas into commercially successful products and services and business growth. They provide funding to businesses and research collaborations that are looking to accelerate innovation and drive business investment into research and development.
This support is available to businesses across all economic sectors, value chains and UK regions.
Data Analytic Innovation Vouchers - ESRC
Get access to data researchers
Unlock funding for organisations to engage with cutting-edge data expertise. This grant funded scheme gives you access to renowned data researchers to work for you on a project of your choice. Their expertise unlocks the hidden value in your data.
They can help businesses to understand what powerful data they have at their fingertips and how best to use it.
ESRC
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council – the University of Essex aims to be the UK’s centre of choice for data research. They act as a hub of knowledge that reaches beyond Essex into a global network of experts, organisations and innovators. This ensures the far-reaching impact of their best practice models and concepts. Situated in the Knowledge Gateway of the University of Essex, they provide access to funding, training and world-leading expertise in data analytics.
Training to ensure the analysts use the latest data tools and techniques. From introductory to advanced levels, through to customised training, the analysts will acquire new skills, working with the company data.
Data Analytics Innovation Vouchers to enable the business to receive greater support and services from the Centre.
Research placements in your business to provide time, talent, and data analytics skills.
Partnerships to transfer cutting-edge knowledge from the University into your company for long-term benefit. These can run from six months to three years. Innovation vouchers may be used to scope out your requirements.
Subscribe to their YouTube channel to access free webinars from world-leading data experts and guest presenters. Topics include all aspects of data analytics as well as applied research across sectors.
Music Venue Trust
Scheme has Ed Sheeran’s backing
Music Venue Trust is a UK Registered Charity which acts to protect, secure and improve UK Grassroots Music Venues for the benefit of venues, communities and upcoming artists.
Business Start-up Grant
Uttlesford Businesses only
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
Business Innovation Grant
Uttlesford businesses only
As part of Uttlesford District Council’s Economic Recovery Plan, we are helping to deliver sustainable economic growth by supporting businesses within our district and by protecting and growing our town centres as economic hubs and increasing tourist spend.
The Business Innovation Support Scheme is designed to support our local independent businesses in every sector, and across the whole district, by stimulating innovation, economic growth, creating new jobs, increasing productivity and enhancing the visual appearance of retail shopping areas, thus making them more attractive to shoppers and visitors to increase footfall.