Grants for Sole Traders

EIT Culture & Creativity: Shape and Scale - financial support for Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries

Innovate UK Business Connect

This programme offers financial support to cultural and creative startups and scaleups. It is designed to help you grow faster, attract investment, and expand into international markets. There are two strands: the Shape Acceleration Programme and the Scale Post-Acceleration Programme. The deadline to apply is 12 October 2026.

Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D Partnership Projects Rd 5

Innovate UK Business Connect

UK registered businesses in England can apply for a share of up to £13 million. The funding supports small research and development partnership projects in farming. It comes from the industry-led R&D Partnerships Fund, part of the Defra Farming Innovation Programme. The deadline to apply is 14 October 2026.

CfI: Engineering Biology for Defra and FSA Phase 1

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

This grant offers a share of up to £3 million for Engineering Biology projects. Engineering Biology uses living systems, like cells or microbes, to create new products and services. You can apply for between £100,000 and £200,000. Projects must be based in England. The deadline to apply is 14 October 2026.

Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute: Phase 1

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Innovate UK is offering up to £500,000 in total funding to establish the Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute (MMDI). Individual projects can receive between £50,000 and £100,000. You must be a UK registered organisation based in England to apply. The deadline to apply is 14 October 2026.

Advanced Wireless Technology Grant Fund

Ambition North Wales / Uchelgais Gogledd Cymru

This grant helps businesses in North Wales upgrade their wireless connectivity systems. It aims to improve productivity and efficiency. You can apply for between £20,000 and £2,000,000. The deadline to apply is 19 October 2026.

Contracts for Innovation Cymru: Reducing Missed Appointments and Improving Access to Planned Care

Innovate UK Business Connect

This challenge asks businesses to help the NHS reduce missed appointments. It focuses on removing barriers to attendance and improving patient access to planned care. The goal is to improve patient experience and make better use of NHS resources. The deadline to apply is 20 October 2026.

Contracts for Innovation Cymru: Modernising the Bowel Screening Pathway in Wales

Innovate UK Business Connect

Bowel Screening Wales wants new ideas to improve its bowel cancer screening service. The programme is looking for solutions that make the process faster and better for patients. It also wants to help NHS Wales handle more demand in the future. Apply before 20 October 2026.

Pathways to Work Innovation Fund

Department for Work and Pensions

The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund is run by the Department for Work and Pensions. It funds new ideas that help disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. This includes helping them prepare for work, find a job, stay in work, or progress in their career. Projects based in England can apply for up to £10,000,000. The deadline to apply is 27 October 2026.

iX Challenge: Identifying leaks and seepage in canal infrastructure

Innovate UK Business Connect

Canal & River Trust wants new ideas for finding leaks in canals. They are looking for low-cost methods to detect hidden leaks that cannot be seen from the ground. This challenge is run by Innovate UK Business Connect. The deadline to apply is 27 October 2026.

European Space Agency: Space For Sustainable Industry and Digital Business Transformation

Innovate UK Business Connect

This call is run by Innovate UK Business Connect with the European Space Agency. It looks for space-based solutions to real business challenges set by Coca-Cola, P&G, Galp, and Tomorrowland. The challenge areas include water resilience, renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, logistics, and immersive experiences. The deadline to apply is 30 October 2026.

iX Challenge - Vibration monitoring of offshore wind turbine foundations during construction and commissioning

Innovate UK Business Connect

Innovate UK Business Connect is looking for innovators to develop a low-cost, battery-powered vibration monitoring device for offshore wind turbine foundations. The device must work during installation and commissioning. It needs at least six months of battery life and local data storage. It must be compatible with monopile and jacket foundation types. This is a challenge competition, not a direct grant. The deadline to apply is 10 October 2026.

EIT Culture & Creativity: Innovation Projects 2026

Innovate UK Business Connect

EIT Culture & Creativity is looking for innovative projects in architecture, audio-visual media, and fashion. The programme supports ideas that are close to market and ready to scale. It helps you move from a working prototype to full commercial launch. The deadline to apply is 30 October 2026.

Engineering Biology Collaborative R&D: Round 3

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UK businesses based in England can apply for funding to develop and scale Engineering Biology platforms, products, and services. This is part of UKRI's Engineering Biology Programme. Grants range from £750,000 to £2,500,000, with a total pot of up to £8.5 million available. The deadline to apply is 3 November 2026.

International Bilateral Fund - Call 3

Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The UK Space Agency is offering grants to strengthen international partnerships in the UK space sector. Each project can receive between £1 million and £1.5 million. Projects must last no longer than 18 months and start on 1 April 2027. You must include an international partner in your project. Match funding is required, following UK subsidy control rules. Each lead organisation can only submit one application. This includes businesses, universities, and public sector research bodies.

European Space Agency: The Arctic Region: Safety, Navigation and Operations

Innovate UK Business Connect

This grant supports businesses developing space-based solutions for safe maritime navigation in the Arctic. Melting ice is increasing ship traffic and creating new hazards. Innovate UK Business Connect is inviting applications for projects that address these challenges. The deadline to apply is 5 November 2026.

Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1

Innovate UK Business Connect

UK small businesses can apply for a share of up to £3.1 million. The money funds feasibility studies for frontier AI and machine learning technologies. Your project must have a clear path to scaling up and defending that growth. Applications are open to SMEs registered in the UK, and the deadline is 11 November 2026.

Efficient, Structured and Controllable AI Systems

Innovate UK Business Connect

This grant offers a share of up to £1.66 million for UK small businesses. You must be a registered SME based in England. The funding supports experimental testing of prototype AI systems. Specifically, it covers novel reusable components for efficient, structured, and controllable learning systems. The deadline to apply is 18 November 2026.

N-CODE Innovation Challenge: the future of neurological healthcare

Innovate UK Business Connect

The N-CODE Innovation Challenge wants your ideas for improving neurological care in the NHS. You could win up to £12,000 if your concept could change how neurological conditions are treated or managed. The challenge is open to UK-registered businesses. The deadline to apply is 18 November 2026.

Battery Innovation: Concept Development Rd 3

Innovate UK Business Connect

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £25 million. The funding supports innovation in battery materials for electric vehicles and electrification. This is Round 3 of the Battery Innovation Programme. The deadline to apply is 2 December 2026.

Battery Innovation: Feasibility Studies Rd 3

Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).

UK businesses in England can apply for funding to develop battery grade material technologies for electrification. Grants range from £70,000 to £500,000, with up to £25 million available in total. This is part of The Battery Innovation Programme, funded by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. The deadline to apply is 2 December 2026.

Transferable Audio-Visual Equipment on Rail Replacement Coaches

The Department for Transport

The Department for Transport is offering up to £2 million to help coach operators buy audio-visual equipment for rail replacement services. The grant covers up to 75% of the cost of purchasing transferable equipment. This includes things like next stop announcements, so disabled passengers get clear journey information. From 1 August 2026, rail replacement coaches must provide audible and visible passenger information by law. The scheme runs for six months or until the money runs out. Applications close on 18 December 2026.

Capital Grants 2026

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Capital Grants help farmers and land managers in England pay for environmental work on farms, woodlands, and rural land. This includes protecting habitats, restoring or creating hedgerows, planting trees, and improving air and water quality. Grants are available up to £35,000. The deadline to apply is 1 January 2027.

Forest Creation Grant

The National Forest Company, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

This grant helps landowners and tenants plant trees and create woodland. It is for land within the National Forest or close to its boundary. Projects should deliver environmental, community, or economic benefits. Funding ranges from £1,500 to £1,000,000. The grant uses standard cost rates linked to national tree-planting and agri-environment schemes. The deadline to apply is 1 February 2027.

Electric vehicle chargepoint grant for residential landlords

Office for Zero Emission Vehicles

This grant helps residential landlords cover the cost of buying and installing electric vehicle chargepoints at their properties. It is funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. You can receive up to £100,000 in total. The deadline to apply is 1 April 2027.

Places grants

Historic England

Historic England offers grants between £1,000 and £1,000,000 for projects that repair, conserve, and care for historic places. This includes buildings, structures, monuments, landscapes, and areas. Projects must be based in England. The deadline to apply is 1 April 2027.

Plug-in Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant

Department for Transport

This grant helps cover the cost of buying a plug-in wheelchair accessible vehicle. You can get up to £2,500 off the price of an eligible vehicle. The vehicle must cost £50,000 or less. The grant is available across the UK until 6 April 2027.

Improve Animal Health and Welfare

Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

This grant pays for vet visits and diagnostic testing for livestock farmers in England. You can get between £10 and £1,000 to cover the cost of these visits. The money helps reduce diseases in your animals and improve their welfare. It also helps boost productivity across herds and flocks. The grant is part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway programme. You have until 20 June 2027 to apply. The funding covers direct payments to livestock keepers for veterinary costs.

Opportunities for the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)

Advanced Research and Invention Agency

ARIA funds bold scientific and technological research in areas that others overlook. It is backed by the UK government through the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. Grants range from £10,000 to £10,000,000. The deadline to apply is 17 January 2028.

Poultry Biosecurity Review

DEFRA grant delivered by RPA

The Poultry Biosecurity Review grant pays for veterinary surgeon visits to poultry farms in England. The grant covers up to £430 for a vet-led review of your farm's biosecurity measures. This helps reduce disease outbreaks like avian influenza on your farm. The review will give you advice on improving animal health and welfare. It also aims to boost your farm's productivity. The deadline to apply is 1 October 2028. You must be an eligible poultry farmer in England to apply.

Youth Jobs Grant

Department for Work and Pensions

The Youth Jobs Grant pays employers up to £3,000 for each young person they hire who would otherwise struggle to find work. It is part of the government's Youth Guarantee scheme. The money is paid in stages once you meet the scheme's conditions. You can apply if you are based in England, Scotland, or Wales. The grant is meant to add to your existing hiring activity, not replace it.

UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF) International Distribution Video Game Release funding

British Film Institute

This grant helps UK independent video game makers get their games released in more countries. The British Film Institute offers between £5,000 and £50,000 per project. It focuses on narrative video games, meaning games with a strong story element. The goal is to grow exports and raise the profile of UK indie games worldwide.

UK Global Screen Fund: International Business Development

British Film Institute

The UK Global Screen Fund supports UK screen content businesses. It covers film, TV, animation and interactive narrative video games. The fund helps businesses grow their international activities. You can apply for up to £100,000. The deadline is 1 April 2029.

UK Global Screen Fund International Distribution Festival Launch Support

British Film Institute

This grant supports UK films launching at international festivals. It helps cover promotion and distribution costs to boost a film's reach and value abroad. You can apply for up to £15,000. The deadline is 1 April 2029.

England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs / Forestry Commission – Defra Trees Programme

EWCO helps you create new woodlands in England. It is run by the Forestry Commission and funded by Defra. You can apply for between £4,000 and £2,000,000. Funding is confirmed until March 2030, but there is no set closing date for applications.

Cynllun Grant Technoleg Di-Wifr Uwch

Uchelgais Gogledd Cymru / Ambition North Wales

This grant supports businesses in North Wales to upgrade their advanced wireless technology systems. It aims to improve productivity and efficiency. You can apply for between £20,000 and £2,000,000.

Ambition North Wales Advanced Wireless Grant Scheme - EOI

Ambition North Wales

This grant helps businesses in north Wales upgrade their wireless connectivity. You can use it to improve your wireless systems and boost productivity. Funding ranges from £20,000 to £2,000,000. The deadline to apply is 1 April 2030.

Business Support for Scotland

Scottish Government

FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot is a Scottish Government website that brings together grants, loans, funding, and advice in one place. It covers support from over 100 Scottish public sector organisations. Businesses of all sizes and sectors can use it, including start-ups, sole traders, social enterprises, and large companies.

National Highways Lorry Parking Facilities Improvements Scheme

National Highways

This grant helps lorry parking operators improve facilities for HGV drivers. It covers welfare facilities, security for drivers and sites, and parking amenities and capacity. The maximum award is £20 million. The scheme is open to applicants in England, with a deadline of 1 April 2031.

Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF)

HS2 Ltd

HS2 Ltd offers grants to communities and local economies disrupted by HS2 construction. The programme covers Phase One and Phase 2a, running between London and Crewe. You can apply for up to £250,000. The deadline is 1 April 2035.

Farming Innovation Programme: feasibility round five

Innovate UK

UK registered businesses in England can apply for a share of up to £15 million. This funding supports feasibility projects in farming and agriculture. It comes from the industry-led Research and Development Partnerships Fund, part of the Farming Innovation Programme. The deadline has not been confirmed yet.

Support for start-ups with export potential

Invest Northern Ireland

Invest Northern Ireland offers support for start-up businesses that have potential to export their products or services. This funding is available to new businesses based in Northern Ireland. The grant aims to help start-ups develop their export capabilities and reach international markets. No specific funding amounts are mentioned in the available information. The application process appears to be rolling with no fixed deadlines. You will need to demonstrate that your start-up has genuine export potential. Contact Invest Northern Ireland directly for full details about eligibility requirements and funding amounts.

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.

Horizon Europe Springboard Scheme for Cluster 4 Industry Themes

Innovate UK Business Connect

This scheme gives UK businesses money to help develop proposals for Horizon Europe funding. It covers topics in digital, manufacturing, materials, clean energy, and AI. It is focused on Cluster 4 industry themes and related activities. You must be based in England to apply.

Apply for EuroHPC quantum technology funding

UKRI

This grant funds work in quantum technologies. It covers areas like machine learning, photonic computing, navigation, and standards. UKRI provides any UK match-funding on behalf of DSIT. You apply through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Imaging hidden objects in walls

Innovate UK Business Connect

HMGCC Co-Creation is looking for imaging technologies that can detect hidden objects in walls, ceilings, and floors. The goal is to prevent unwanted surveillance. This challenge is funded and run through Innovate UK Business Connect. Specific funding amounts and eligibility details have not been published yet.

UK-Singapore CRD 2026

Innovate UK

This grant offers UK businesses a share of up to £3 million. You must be developing an innovative project with a Singapore partner. Your Singapore partner must apply under the equivalent Enterprise Singapore programme. The grant is open to UK registered businesses based in England.

Farming Futures R&D fund: Automation and Robotics Round 2

Innovate UK

This grant offers a share of up to £20 million for businesses developing automation and robotics in farming, horticulture, and forestry. You must be a UK registered business to apply. The funding comes from the Farming Futures R&D fund, run by Innovate UK. Projects must be based in England.

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.

Apprenticeship Grants

CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)

CITB provides grants to construction employers for approved apprenticeship training programmes. The grants are available in England, Wales and Scotland. This funding is part of the CITB Grants Scheme. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis.

DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund drawdown five

Innovate UK

This grant offers a share of up to £150 million for businesses building scale-up manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle technologies. It is part of the DRIVE35 programme, which aims to transform the UK automotive industry. UK registered organisations based in England can apply. The programme is led by BIST and funded through Innovate UK.

UKRI, EuroHPC Joint Undertaking

UKRI

This programme gives you access to supercomputer time in Europe. You can use it to train and develop AI models or work on data-intensive tasks. No money changes hands. Instead, you get computing power you would otherwise have to pay for. It is open to UK startups, small businesses, larger companies, and public sector organisations.

Access to Finance – Business Funding and Investment Support

Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub

The Business Growth Hub offers free funding advice to businesses in Greater Manchester. Specialists help you find the right grants, loans, or investment for your business. You get one-to-one support with your business plan, financial forecasts, and pitch preparation. Advisors can also introduce you to investors, business angels, and venture capitalists. There are no fees, commission, or introduction costs.

Destination 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.

Electric van loan for businesses

Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust offers interest-free loans to help businesses buy electric vans for commercial use. You can borrow money without paying any interest charges. The loan is designed to make electric vans more affordable for your business. You must use the van for commercial purposes, not personal use. The scheme is available to businesses across England. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed deadline. You will need to repay the loan over an agreed period. This helps reduce your business transport costs and carbon emissions.

Arts Council England - Music Growth Fund

This fund aims to strengthen the UK music sector. It supports sustainable and inclusive growth in music. You can use it to develop emerging talent, improve grassroots music venues and infrastructure, and create new opportunities for artists and music businesses. It also helps expand audiences in the UK and internationally. The fund is based in North West England. No funding amounts or deadlines have been published yet.

Wind Innovation Hub: Accelerating Innovations

Innovate UK Business Connect

This programme offers in-kind funding worth up to £100,000 per company. It supports businesses developing technologies, products, or services for the offshore wind sector. Up to 20 UK companies can receive support. The deadline to apply is 5 October 2026.

Analysis for Innovators (A4I) autumn 2026

Innovate UK Business Connect

Analysis for Innovators (A4I) is a programme run by Innovate UK Business Connect. It helps UK small and medium-sized businesses solve difficult measurement and analysis problems. These are problems that are slowing down innovation, productivity, or growth. The deadline to apply is 6 October 2026.

Advanced Manufacturing: Measurement and Sensing Pilot

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UK registered businesses in England can apply for a share of up to £1 million. The funding supports businesses developing technology, products, or services in measurement, instrumentation, or sensing for UK manufacturing. Each project receives between £80,419 and £80,420. The deadline to apply is 7 October 2026.

UK cohort visit to Battery Innovation Days 2026 in Stockholm

Innovate UK Business Connect

Innovate UK Business Connect is looking for UK organisations to join a delegation to Battery Innovation Days 2026 in Stockholm. The event runs from 10 to 13 November 2026 in Sweden. It is aimed at businesses and organisations interested in building partnerships for future battery-related Horizon Europe funding. Horizon Europe is a major EU research and innovation funding programme. Submit your expression of interest by 9 October 2026.