Access
to finance

2025 Update:

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The Dudley SME Grant Programme below, is currently closed for applications.  We encourage you to check this page for updates of future funding opportunities. Please Register on the Business Growth West Midlands website or get in touch with Dudley Business First via info@dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk or 01384 812001 to arrange an appointment with a local Business Growth Adviser. Businesses can access an initial diagnostic, develop bespoke business growth action plans and receive tailored support to access innovation and funding opportunities.

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Dudley SME Grants Programme 

The SME Grants Programme focuses on stimulating business and enterprise activity, encouraging investment, and creating local jobs. Funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the scheme is open to start up businesses and SMEs that have been trading for 12 months or longer.

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Businesses that have been trading for over 12 months can apply for capital grants from £1,000 to £100,000* for up to 50% of the total eligible costs. There are six categories for grant funding, such as;

1.    Relocation, expansion, and growth of existing businesses 
2.    Developing new market opportunities 
3.    Innovation – Including the development of new products, including prototyping, testing, and commercialisation. 
4.    Improving systems and processes 
5.    Capital investment, e.g., new plant, machinery, and equipment 
6.    Increased productive capacity of new and existing premises through new property builds/refurbishment/extensions.

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Start-ups and businesses in operation for less than 12 months can apply for a grant allocation of between £1,000 - £7,500 for up to 50% of the total eligible costs for the same above categories of grant funding.
 

​Before applying for a grant, businesses will need to complete a business diagnostic with Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley. Business growth advisors will support businesses to prepare growth action plans and develop their investment projects.

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Register on the Business Growth West Midlands website or get in touch with Dudley Business First via info@dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk or 01384 812001.

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*Subject to eligibility. Eligible applicants applying must be able to financially complete their projects within 90 days of signing of the funding agreement, including spend, defrayal, and claiming the grant. All projects must be completed by the Completion Date given in the funding agreement, which will not exceed 28th February 2025.  (For high-value, more complex projects over £100,000, please make your enquiry as soon as possible)

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Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS)

The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) is a pilot programme designed to help businesses save money and drive growth by providing free energy assessments and 50% match-funded grants.

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To qualify for the BEAS programme, businesses must meet the following requirements:

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• Must qualify as an SME​​

• Have an annual energy consumption of at least 25,000kWh

• Be a commercial entity/profit-seeking enterprise

• Operate from a commercial address in the Dudley Borough for at least 12 months

• Responsible for paying the business's energy bills​​​

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How it works

1. Register - Start by completing a registration form online.

2. Free Energy Assessment - You will be contacted by our delivery partners to organise an onsite review after which a report will be written with energy efficiency recommendations.

3. Grant Application - You will have an option to apply for a grant to fund the recommendations within the report.

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Businesses that are interested in applying for the Business Energy Advice Service will be supported by their business growth advisor to access a free energy audit or on-site carbon reduction survey prior to applying.

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Businesses that have already registered with the Business Energy Advice Service and have received their Energy Assessment Report prior to the 1st April 2025, can also register their interest to apply for a grant.​

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Register on the Business Growth West Midlands website or get in touch with Dudley Business First via info@dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk or 01384 812001.

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