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Business Gateway Grant Scheme

THIS GRANT SCHEME IS NOW CLOSED.

UPDATED 1 DECEMBER: This grant is now closed. If you have already completed an Expression of Interest we’ll let you know if you can move to the next stage in due course. Unfortunately, we can no longer accept any new enquiries or applications.

For information this was the previous message:

The deadline for Expressions of Interest (EOI) is Wednesday 30 November at 5 pm. Potential applicants will need to work with a Business Gateway adviser to complete an EOI form before it goes to Leicester City Council. Once that deadline has passed even completed EOIs won’t be accepted so it’s imperative for eligible businesses to take action now if they haven’t already.

Grants to help you grow your business

The Business Gateway Grant Scheme has been created to support the growth and development of existing small and medium-sized businesses. These are examples of how you might use the grant:

  • New innovative technology products or services that improve your business performance
  • Premises improvement or expansion related business development
  • New products or services
  • Upgrading capital equipment to enable a more technical or automated approach, or to create low carbon emissions.
  • Marketing or promotional activity or other revenue costs to help the business grow or create jobs.
  • Software development

*please note these are suggestions, the eligibility and scope of each individual project will need to be considered.

Grant support eligibility

You need to be:

  • An SME in Leicester or Leicestershire with fewer than 250 employees
  • Looking to grow, introduce new products, processes or innovate
  • Trading for a minimum of 12 months
  • Trading business to business
  • Looking to create or safeguard jobs

If you meet these criteria you may be eligible for a grant. Please contact us to speak to a Business Adviser  – complete an enquiry form or call 0116 366 8487.

Grant values - what is available?

Grants from £2,000 to £25,000 are available for 35% of the project costs so you need to provide 65% of your own resources.

If you want revenue grants the maximum grant available is £7,500 (or £10,000 in exceptional circumstances).

Projects must have a minimum value of £5,715 for a £2,000 grant and £71,430 for a £25,000 grant.

Only one grant per business will be awarded.

 

More on revenue grants

There is up to £7,500 available for 35% of revenue projects costs. This could be for:

  • consultancy costs for developing a clear marketing strategy for the business
  • consultancy costs to improve business carbon footprint – actions to help reduce energy costs
  • small items of equipment which will help improve energy costs or improve business efficiency
  • software packages that will support efficiency or improved technology (i.e. new digital system)

All activities need to be undertaken within the grant timeframe. Unfortunately purchases such as general running costs or supplies can not be supported.

Case studies

Grant-front-cover

Business Growth Grant leaflet

A downloadable leaflet with details about this grant.

Find out about this grant
male in laboratory

Reactive Components Ltd

Reactive Components provides a product development consultancy service to the composite market. Dr Yves Didier has set up his own laboratory after receiving a £20,000 grant from the Business Gateway.

Find out about this business
male-in-american-footbal-helmet

Football America UK

Whilst there was no American football, or any other sport, being played during lockdowns in 2020/21 Leicestershire-based Football America UK took advantage of this quiet time to make big changes. The business has invested nearly £28,000 in a bid to diversify and expand its current offer. The bold move was facilitated by a business growth grant.

Find out about this business
two-males-behind-firework-units

Komodo Fireworks

Inspiration for what is believed to be the only moving firework system in the UK came to Rob Sosbe during his toughest time as a business owner. Watching light beams bounce around illuminated buildings in November 2020 has led to the design and build of the innovative ‘i-MOVE’ product. Komodo received a £6,000 grant from the Business Gateway.

Find out about this business
Three people and child in factory setting

Shahtex Leicester

Shahtex Leicester is a leading manufacturer of knitted jersey fabric, using circular knitting machines. With a grant from the Business Gateway, they have invested in new computerised machinery that will enable them to develop seamless clothing, requiring minimal stitching works.

Find out about this business
Colin-paige-Combie-Cryan-at-Round-corner- brewing-rita-ann

Round Corner Brewing

Following support from the Growth Hub, Round Corner Brewing successfully secured a £25,000 Business Growth Grant towards a new in-house canning line.

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Engineer-at-KJN

KJN Automation

A Business Growth Grant of £19,000 contributed towards the purchase of two mitre saws capable of cutting carbon fibre and aluminium profiles for KJN Automation.

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Truck-and-people-in-front-translink-team

Translink Express Logistics

Translink Express Logistics is well on its way to becoming a greener business after introducing real-time track and trace service for palletized goods. The business has used a Business Gateway grant to help purchase the hardware, which uses hand-held digital and mobile technology, investing around £24,000 to provide this enhanced service.

Find out about this business