The Best Small Business Grants in the UK (Updated for 2025)
Grants that help small businesses grow — from innovation and sustainability to startup funding. Updated monthly by Roott.
Why small business grants matter
Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — but access to funding can make or break early growth. With inflation pressures and rising costs, grant funding is one of the most valuable resources available to entrepreneurs in 2025.
To save you time, we’ve curated this list of the best UK small business grants currently open. All of these can be searched, filtered, and tracked directly through Roott.
Top Small Business Grants in the UK 2025
Innovate UK Smart Grants
Funding: £100,000 – £2 million
Who it’s for: Businesses developing innovative products or services.
Deadline: Rolling rounds through 2025
Why it matters: Ideal for tech, R&D, and product development — the UK’s flagship innovation fund.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via Local Authorities)
Funding: Variable (local budgets)
Who it’s for: Small businesses delivering local growth or job creation.
Deadline: Depends on your council
Why it matters: Search your local area on Roott for active calls.
The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme
Funding: £1,000 – £5,000
Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs aged 18–30 starting or growing a business.
Deadline: Rolling
Why it matters: Combines funding with training, coaching, and business support.
British Business Bank Start Up Loans
Funding: Up to £25,000 per director
Who it’s for: Startups under three years old.
Deadline: Open year-round
Why it matters: Technically a loan, but includes free mentoring and support.
UnLtd Awards for Social Entrepreneurs
Funding: £8,000 – £18,000
Who it’s for: Mission-led or community-focused businesses.
Deadline: Rolling
Why it matters: Grants plus hands-on support and mentoring.
The Carbon Trust Green Business Fund
Funding: Up to £20,000
Who it’s for: SMEs investing in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Deadline: Rolling
Why it matters: Helps businesses lower carbon footprints while saving costs.
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards
Funding: £50,000
Who it’s for: Female entrepreneurs leading innovative projects.
Deadline: Early 2025
Why it matters: Boosts visibility and resources for women-led innovation.
Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Hubs
Funding: Varies by region
Who it’s for: SMEs seeking regional development grants.
Deadline: Depends on area
Why it matters: Use Roott’s local filter to view current programmes.
Made Smarter Innovation Challenge
Funding: £50,000 – £300,000
Who it’s for: Manufacturing and industrial SMEs adopting digital technologies.
Deadline: Summer 2025
Why it matters: Supports Industry 4.0 and tech transformation.
Digital Growth Grant (Tech Nation Replacement)
Funding: £12 million total fund
Who it’s for: Tech-focused SMEs improving digital infrastructure.
Deadline: Ongoing 2025 calls
Why it matters: UK’s main digital enterprise support since 2023.
How to Apply for Small Business Grants (and Win)
Applying for grants can be time-consuming — but AI can help you stay organised and persuasive. Inside Roott, you can:
- Find eligible grants from over 1,000 UK sources
- Track deadlines automatically
- Use the AI Grant Writer to draft stronger applications
- Stay on top of updates with the Deadline Guardian tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Do small business grants need to be repaid?
No. Grants are non-repayable — but some programmes (like Start Up Loans) are hybrid funding models with low-interest terms.
Are grants available for new businesses?
Yes. Many local and national programmes support startups under three years old — especially those creating jobs or innovating in sustainability.
Can I apply for multiple grants?
Yes, but you must declare it if the funder asks about other sources of support. Avoid double
funding the same activity.
How can AI help with grant writing?
Roott’s AI tools simplify the writing process, helping you answer complex questions in the right tone and format — faster and more clearly.
Next step: Visit www.roott.one to search open small business grants or try the AI Grant Writer today.
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