Access
to finance

Dudley SME Grants Programme 2025/2026

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Update October 2025:

Due to a high number of applications, the programme is now oversubscribed and applications will close at midnight 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 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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This scheme is administered by Birmingham City Council for Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton based businesses.

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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. 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 contact Birmingham City Council by emailing wmgp@birmingham.gov.uk.