Grants for Sole Traders
Sole traders are eligible for fewer grants than limited companies, but several programmes target freelancers and self-employed individuals. Local Growth Hubs, New Enterprise Allowance successors, and some Innovate UK programmes accept sole trader applications.
There are currently 82 live grants available for sole traders in the UK, with deadlines ranging from 12 October 2026 to 31 March 2035.
Checked daily. Last updated 11 October 2026.
No deadline listed
Check the funder's current application window before you apply.
Royal Countryside Fund - On Your Farm
The Royal Countryside Fund
The Royal Countryside Fund supports rural communities across the UK. This programme focuses on family farms in England. It aims to help farms survive and build a sustainable future for the countryside. Funding amounts and deadlines are not listed for this programme.
Short Course Grants
CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)
CITB offers grants to help construction employers pay for short training courses. This includes plant operator tests and other day-to-day training needs. The grants are part of the wider CITB Grants Scheme. Construction industry employers in England can apply. The funding amount varies depending on the course type. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no set deadline. You need to be a construction employer to qualify.
+1 related call in this programmeDestination Net Zero Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund
Energy Saving Trust
This fund helps tourism businesses in Scotland install electric vehicle charging points. The funding supports tourism businesses to provide EV charging facilities for their visitors and customers. Tourism businesses in Scotland can apply for this support.
PPL Momentum Music Fund
The PPL Momentum Music Fund helps UK artists and bands grow their music careers. You can use the funding for recording, touring, and marketing. The fund is available to artists based in North West England. No specific funding amounts or deadlines are listed for this round.
Cardiff Hackney Emissions Reduction Grant Scheme
Cardiff Council
Cardiff Council offers grants to help hackney carriage operators reduce vehicle emissions. The scheme supports taxi drivers in Cardiff who want to make their vehicles cleaner. You can use the money to upgrade your taxi or switch to a lower-emission vehicle. This helps improve air quality in Cardiff. The grant is part of the city's plan to support cleaner transport. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis. The exact funding amounts are not specified. You must be a licensed hackney carriage operator in Cardiff to apply.
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Create free accountContracts for Innovation: Innovation in play to improve child outcomes
Innovate UK Business Connect
This grant offers a share of £3 million to develop practical solutions around play for children and young people. Your project should reignite the importance of play and improve access to high quality, real world play experiences. Applications are open to organisations based in England. The deadline to apply is 28 October 2026.
+1 related call in this programmeUK Global Screen Fund: International Distribution (P&A Support)
British Film Institute
The UK Global Screen Fund supports UK films in reaching international audiences. It offers up to £100,000 for international distribution costs, including prints and advertising (P&A). The fund is open to applications until 31 March 2028.
See all 2 rounds of UK Global Screen FundTrees, woodlands and forestry - Woodland Creation Planning Grant
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs / Forestry Commission – Defra Trees Programme
The Woodland Creation Planning Grant pays for the cost of creating a woodland design plan. You can get between £1,500 and £30,500 in funding. The plan must meet UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) rules. Landowners, land managers, and public bodies in England can apply. Applications are open year-round with no set closing date. Funding is confirmed until March 2030.
See all 2 rounds of Woodland Creation Planning GrantCITB Grants - Qualification Grants
CITB
CITB provides grants to help construction employers pay for qualification training. The funding covers both short and long qualifications for your workforce. You must be a construction employer registered with CITB to apply. This is rolling funding with no set deadline.
See all 2 rounds of CITB GrantsNational Lottery Heritage Grants: £10,000 to £250,000
National Lottery Heritage Fund
This grant funds heritage projects across England. You can apply for between £10,000 and £250,000. Projects can include restoring buildings, conserving nature, recording oral histories, or creating digital archives. It is open to community groups, charities, private owners, and local authorities. There is no fixed deadline. You do not need to provide match funding for grants under £250,000.
See all 3 rounds of National Lottery Heritage GrantsRead the guide: Grants for Sole Traders and the Self-Employed in the UK
There are very few grants only for sole traders, but you can apply to most small business and sector grants. Here is where self-employed people actually win funding in the UK, and how to apply.