Step Forward Luton Enterprise Competition
- Funding
- Up to £10,000
- Deadline
- 24 December 2026
- Location
- Luton
- Applications
- Deadline: 24 December 2026
Overview
Luton businesses and would-be founders can compete for capital grants: up to £10,000 for established firms, and up to £2,500 for start-ups, pre-starts and eligible NEET or care leaver entrepreneurs.
Applications run from noon on 16 November 2026 to noon on 24 December 2026.
Official source: https://invest.stepforwardluton.co.uk/business-support/step-forward-luton-competition/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 14 November 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Up to £10,000 (established), £2,500 (start-up or NEET/care leaver).
- Capital costs only, not running costs.
- Luton only.
- Runs noon 16 Nov 2026 to noon 24 Dec 2026.
Luton-based businesses. Established businesses must have traded for at least three years in one of the growth sectors: advanced manufacturing, aviation, construction, creative, digital, logistics, healthcare and sports, professional services, or the visitor economy. Start-ups (under three years) and Luton residents preparing to start a business can apply to the start-up pot from any sector. Grants cannot cover running costs such as wages, rent or bills.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
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Start freeWho is this for?
Businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Luton.
Sectors
Regions
Full details from Luton Council
Luton Council's Step Forward Luton Enterprise Competition offers grants towards equipment and other capital investment that helps businesses start trading, launch new products or services, improve productivity or cut their carbon footprint. There are three pots: up to £10,000 for established Luton businesses (trading three years or more in an eligible growth sector), up to £2,500 for start-ups and pre-starts, and up to £2,500 for eligible NEET and care leaver entrepreneurs. Applications run from noon on 16 November 2026 to noon on 24 December 2026; shortlisted applicants present to a panel in late January to early February 2027.
How to apply
Read the competition guidance, then email the completed application form for your pot, with supporting evidence, to invest@stepforwardluton.co.uk by noon on 24 December 2026. Send any questions by 5pm on 18 December 2026.
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