ACCESS TO FINANCE &
FUNDED SUPPORT
Overview
In the UK, grant funding and other support programmes are often available to businesses at different stages of their journeys. Funded programmes will generally have a set of criteria, for example, geographic location, sector or type of investment, such as equipment or IT infrastructure.
Although many grants and other free support programmes will be government-funded, other not-for-profit organisations specialise in supporting particular types of activity or groups in society. The Food and Drink Forum, in partnership with other not-for-profit organisations within our regions, continues to be a funding partner of choice for programmes that can accessed by food and drink business.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Accelerator Project - East Midlands
The Accelerator Project provides businesses with support to help them start, sustain, grow and innovate. The project could provide your business with support that makes a positive contribution to your business success. The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and East Midlands Chamber.
Visit our Accelerator Project page to find out more about the support available.
Government Funded - Digital Skills Bootcamp
Skills Bootcamp provides start-ups and early-stage producers with an outstanding opportunity to develop the digital marketing and data management skills they need to underpin their business success. If you are currently a founder/director/sole proprietor of your business but are not paying yourself a wage yet, you will be entitled to undertake the Bootcamp courses for free!
Skills Bootcamp courses are designed to be flexible, so you can fit your learning around runnning your business. Skills Bootcamp courses occur throughout the year at various locations nationwide and online.
Visit the Skills for Life website to find out how you can apply.
Local Growth Hubs
Across the UK there are 38 Growth Hubs that provide a range of support and funded opportunities for local businesses and their communities.* Many Growth Hubs provide specialist assistance, and in some cases, grant funding, for start-up businesses in their area. Use the link below to visit the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) website to locate the Growth Hub nearest to you.
The government Business Support Helpline also offer advice about starting up a business and can direct you to more support. You can call 0800 998 1098 to speak to a business support advisor (9.00am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday).
*Growth Hubs will be discontinued in April 2024.
Innovate Edge
Innovate Edge is a government-backed organization that works with innovative businesses to maximize your company’s potential, with funded support that is tailored to your needs. Over the past twelve months, Innovate Edge has supported early-stage food and drink businesses at the outset of their journey to bring innovative new ideas to the UK and international markets.
How it works
Once you have signed up with Innovate Edge you will be partnered with a dedicated innovation and growth specialist who will work closely with you to gain an intimate understanding of your needs. They will then help you identify the most effective strategy to accelerate your business’ growth and maximize its potential.
Contact Innovate Edge to talk to an advisor and find out more about how they can support your business.
Government Grants
You may be eligible for a government grant. Visit GOV.UK website to find out if your business is eligible.
BUSINESSES WE HAVE HELPED
Case Studies
Read the case studies below to find out first hand how we have been able to assist food and drink businesses thrive through access to finance and assisted programmes.
When it comes to funding or grant support they are always there to notify you of what is available and how to apply for it and we are lucky to have such an organisation there for us when we need them. I strongly recommend any food and drink company to become members of the Food and Drink Forum.
Susan Vendone, MD
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