PHMC doesn't charge you for  information and research about what schemes can help you. That's great if you have the skills, confidence and time to do a good job of applying yourself- free information! Many grrant schemes have expired and not been replaced since the change of government, so there's now less chance of finding government-funded support. Most grants are competitive, and usually come with caveats of job creation and other priorities; do you know how to present an irresistible business case? It may be that you can do a good job yourself, and if I think you can, I'll give you a couple of tips, and suggest you crack on. If not, PHMC can provide you with a paid-for service to gain a grant offer, and an ongoing service to help you manage the reporting and claims processes for larger projects. This may often be offered on a no-win no-fee basis. It'll be absolutely clear what costs apply- no hidden charges, and no ambiguity. If you have no chance, I'll tell you that rather than waste time. That costs nothing!

If you're based in Sheffield and want to invest in a "low carbon" project, with a view to bringing down energy costs in yur business or reducing carbon emissions, this could be for you.  The Local Growth Fund  Low Carbon Project includes access to a grant or up to £30k,, covering half of the project's costs. In order to qualify for a grant, your business must meet the following criteria:

• the improvements must be identified in an energy survey and deliver a net carbon reduction
• only support capital projects that have a return on investment of more than 1 year
• the investment must be set to complete by December 2026
• tenants must have the permission of their landlord to make changes to the building fabric

SYMCA (South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority) is funding Business Productivity Grants. Available across South Yorkshire, these grants  aim to improve small businesses' productivity and digital innovation. Grants to cover capital and/or revenue costs up to a maximum £24,999 grant, at half of eligible costs, are available. Proejcts are expected to safeguard businesses and jobs- you'll have to demonstrate how- and applications that show how the investment will make a positive impact on productivity and new jobs creation will be prioritised.  Supported costs may include  Client Relationship Management systems, Cloud solutions, New software development, Remote monitoring and working solutions, Collaboration technologies, Large data transfer solutions, Live high-quality video streaming, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), New laptops, desktops or tablet computers and other peripheral devices, e.g. printers, Development of apps, E-commerce solutions, Integration and consultancy costs, Manufacturing/production equipment and or tooling (machinery, sensors, robotics), Fit out of premises - mezzanine floors, ventilation, ducting, specialist racking, etc., Moulds, final designs, testing for final products ahead of mass manufacturing.

This is a competitive application process. Call PHMC to discuss ideas without obligation.

If you're retail business is based in Belper, Heanor, Alfreton or Ripley town centres, you can apply for a grant from the Amber Valley UKSPF Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme. This scheme offers a maximum grant of £4,000 at a rate of 60% of eligible costs. This scheme has been extended, available until  26June 2026. 

Eligible costs include for example new shop front signage, exterior lighting (provided it is not intended for security purposes), repainting of the shop front, eplacement of windows and doors and repair and reinstatement of any part  of a shop front fixture that is visible  from the street. 

Call PHMC for a no-obligation discussion about what support you could receive.

Derbyshire Dales District Council has launched three business grant schemes as part of its allocation of £1m from the UK Shared Prosperity Sheme. ALL THESE SCHEMES ARE CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS.The schemes are:

Small Business Adaptation Grant -Businesses with fewer than 50 employees only. A maximum grant of £6,500, covering up to 65% of eligible project costs.  Costs can include equipment and technology solutions, training and consultancy. Your project must  result in a reduction in running costs, improved use of digital technology, new product or service launched, energy consumption reduced, existing jobs safeguarded or new jobs created.

Business Development Grant - Businesses with fewer than 50 employees. A maximum grant of £25,000 covering up to 50% of eligible costs.  Your project must stimulate enterprise and innovation; enhance business resilience; improve business productivity; or encourage green business growth/carbon reduction; and

enable the creation of higher paid / higher skilled roles. Eligible costs can include all listed above, plus capital expenditure to adapt/ extend existing premises.

Business Growth Grant - Manufacturing or Engineering businesses only, with between 2-249 full time staff. A maximum grant of £40,000 against expenditure of £100,000 to £150,000.  Your project must stimulate enterprise and innovation; enhance business resilience; improve business productivity, encourage green business growth/carbon reduction; or enable the creation of higher paid / higher skilled roles.

A two-stage application process is involved, and competition for funds is expected to be high. For more information and to explore how I can boost your chances of success talk to PHMC in the first place!

THESE GRANTS ARE EXHAUSTED. NO LONGER OPEN TO APPLICATIONS:

The Business Growth and Productivity Grant provides funding for business expansion and diversification with grants of up to £15,000 at a rate of 50% of costs.  This is a competitive application process, and you'll  need to demonstrate how the grant will have a positive impact on business growth, productivity and the creation of new employment in Nottingham.

Applications are over two stages – an expression of interest followed by a full application.

The Business Decarbonisation Grant offers funding at a rate of 50% up to a maximum of £10,000. This scheme can support the capital costs of, for example, installing LED lighting, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, insulation, solar panels, upgrading manufacturing equipment with more energy-efficient technology and replacement of inefficient boilers. 

The Workplace Charging Scheme issues vouchers to eligible business projects that can be used to subsidise the costs of installing EV charging points at places of work. The voucher is worth £350 / 75% of the cost of purchase and installation per charge point, and can cover up to 40 charge points.  This grant can cover costs of providing charge points for staff, not for customers. Details including a list of authorised installers are included in official Guidance. Vouchers must be spent with authorised installers only. Apply here.