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Business Grants
Key information to help your business to navigate finance options to fund your innovation.
Key information to help your business to navigate finance options to fund your innovation.
There has never been a better time to set up your business in Wales. Not only can you enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of living in such a beautiful place, but there is also a wide range of business funding options to help your business to start, scale and succeed.
Business grants in Wales and the UK (such as ones from InnovateUK or the BBSRC) are announced frequently and research priorities are subject to change. We have seen a marked shift in focus with regards to grants for research and development since the pandemic so it's always worth keeping an eye on research councils' main portals, depending on your company's sector. If you are on our mailing list, we'll do our best keep you informed of the latest calls that we feel may be relevant to you and your business.
For more general start-up investment support and start-up business grants, take a look below.
If you're not quite sure where to start and would like to have a general chat about possible avenues to grow and develop your business, don't hesitate to contact us.
For a great place to start to find out what innovation competition funding is available, click here and here.
Don't forget to visit the AberInnovation Development Hub as well to find out what programmes we currently have open.
SMART Cymru supports Welsh businesses to develop, implement and commercialise new products, processes and services.
So far they have supported over 400 projects, creating and building on the capability of Welsh businesses to innovate.
If you have an idea for a new product, process or service that will help your business thrive, Flexible Innovation Support offers expert advice and consultancy for businesses in Wales through its team of Innovation Specialists.
UK Research and Innovation provide a range of funding opportunities to enable individuals and groups to pursue world-class research and innovation.
If you're considering a UKRI funding call, don't hestitate to get in touch with the AberInnovation team to discuss how we can support you in your application.
About the British Business Bank
The British Business Bank is the UK’s economic development bank, and we are here to help your business find a way, with free financial tools and information. We’re experts in small business finance and we work with a broad range of partners to help businesses like yours, whether you’re a start-up, an established business or you’re looking to grow. Visit our Finance Hub to find out more.
About Start Up Loans
Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, provides government-backed, unsecured personal loans from £500 to £25,000 to start or grow a new business. In addition to funding, Start Up Loans provides 12 months of free mentoring to successful loan recipients, as well as exclusive discounts on many business products.
About the Investment Fund for Wales
In November 2023, British Business Bank launched the Investment Fund for Wales, which will deliver a £130 million commitment of new funding to the country. The fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Wales. The Investment Fund for Wales offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance from £100,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million.
Useful resources:
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way partnership between your organisation, a graduate and a university. Part-funded by the government, the scheme provides access to academic skills and expertise to businesses who wish to innovate, expand or improve their performance.
Any company can apply. To succeed, your project should be strategic and have the potential to transform your business. Your academic partner will provide the expertise and knowledge required to deliver the project.
National research priorities and funding continue to change and new funding calls often become available. We endeavour to keep our subscribers (join our mailing list) abreast of relevant funding calls, but up-to-date info can always be found on the Innovate UK website.
Swoop is the under-one-roof service for grants, equity, debt, and business cost savings.
Swoop are tenants at the AberInnovation Office, so feel free to reach out!
Simply complete Swoop’s sign-up form to be matched with your most eligible funding offers. Access, compare, and select the option that’s right for you.
Development Bank of Wales offer bespoke financial packages to suit your business needs. These can take the form of small business loans (micro loans), large business loans (£50,000+), equity investment, seed finance and/or property development loans.
Angels Invest Wales offer an online investment platform to connect high net worth individuals and investors with exciting opportunities and scalable business propositions.
They also manage the £8m Wales Angel Co-Investment Fund for syndicates of investors seeking co-invest in Wales based SMEs.
The UK Government's SEIS scheme allows businesses to raise up to £150,000 from individual investors.
This is done via selling equity to investors who receive tax relief on their investments.
Deepbridge are growth specialists in the technology, life sciences and renewable energy sectors.
From seed stage, through commercialisation and growth funding, Deepbridge aim to work with investee companies throughout their funding journey in order to ensure that they have the very best opportunity to succeed.
Grants can be available in specific regions or offered nationwide. Click here for a table of regional grants currently available in Wales, along with each grant's terms and stipulations.
On a national level, here is a great tool for checking what's available for you and your business, provided by the Welsh Government.
If your company is in the third sector, use this handy tool to search hundreds of grant and loan finance opportunities from local, national and international sources. From small grants to large capital projects, Third Sector Support Wales can help you find the funding you need.
Find out if we can help your product development