Access
to finance

Dudley SME Grants Programme 2025/2026

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Update January 2026:

Due to a high number of applications, the programme is now fully committed and applications closed on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

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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 SMEs that have been trading for 12 months or longer.

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Businesses can apply for capital grants from £2,500 to £100,000* for up to 50% of the total eligible costs. There are eight categories for grant funding, such as;

1.    Relocation, expansion, and growth of existing businesses 
2.    Developing new market opportunities 

3.    Promotional activities
4.    Innovation – Including the development of new products, including prototyping, testing, and commercialisation. 

5.    Low carbon/energy efficiency/waste management (Applications that cannot be considered by BEAS programme only)
6.    Improving systems and processes 
7.    Capital investment, e.g., new plant, machinery, and equipment 
8.    Increased productive capacity of new and existing premises through new property builds/refurbishment/extensions.

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To apply 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 will need to complete an initial diagnostic which identifies access to finance as a barrier to growth.

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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.

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Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS)​

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The BEAS grant programme is now oversubscribed and new grant applications received after 7 January 2026 will not be considered.

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We do encourage businesses to continue to register for free energy assessments and learn more about how BEAS can help you to cut your operational costs and reduce your carbon footprint.​​

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The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) is a pilot programme designed to help businesses cut costs and support growth by providing free energy assessments. 

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Regions running BEAS

Within the West Midlands Combined Authority area, this includes Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Coventry.

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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 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. Tailored Energy Report - Following your on-site review, you will receive an energy report with actionable advice on how to improve energy efficiency.

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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.​​

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Register now or complete a contact form with Business Growth West Midlands to speak with an advisor.