The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Small Business Grant Scheme is set to close to applications on 10 January 2025 and eligible businesses are urged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as soon as possible.
Since the launch of the grant, 63 Shropshire businesses have been approved for funding of between £2,000 and £10,000 and have utilised the award to improve their business offer and create jobs.
Nearly £100,000 of funding was awarded in the latest round of applications, but there is still plenty of grant funding left to allocate before the closure date.
Gary Spence, Shropshire Council’s external funding lead in the business growth and investment team, said:
“We still have funding available and can offer grants that will help with up to 50% of the cost of purchasing a piece of equipment or improving an office or work-space.
“Applications have already been received from a very wide range of businesses across several sectors. We have approved everything from a laser therapy machine to a refrigerated catering trailer, a 3D printer, a pilot brew plant, video meeting booths, commercial catering equipment and even a mobile gelato bike!
“In each case the applicant has clearly demonstrated to the panel how the equipment or improvement to their premises will develop new products, processes or services, or create new jobs.
“We urge businesses not to miss out on this opportunity but also emphasise that, if asked to submit a full application, they make clear to us how and why the award will make a real and positive difference to their business.”
A recent recipient of a grant, Anthony Walters, owner of Maddox and Co, used the money to help with the purchase of four high-quality soundproof video/call booths for their co-working offices in Shrewsbury.
Maddox and Co, used the money to help with the purchase of four high-quality soundproof video/call booths for their co-working offices in Shrewsbury.
Anthony said:
“The Small Business Grant has provided a terrific opportunity for us. The booths have been of huge benefit to the businesses and freelancers who use our co-working space. Maddox & Co can now offer facilities on a par with workspaces found in large cities like Birmingham and Manchester. As a result, we’ve seen our daily bookings and level of enquiries increase. It’s great for our business and great for bringing more people into the town centre.”
Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said:
“The business growth and investment team at Shropshire Council have worked hard to both access this funding and distribute the awards to businesses who are looking to grow and develop across Shropshire, which will in turn make a significant impact on the economic growth of the county.
“If anyone is thinking about applying, we urge them to take that important first step and submit an EOI before the funding is no longer available.”
Details about how to apply and the EOI form can be found at: UKSPF Expression of interest form guidance | Shropshire Council
Anyone with any questions or queries about applying should email ukspfgrants@shropshire.gov.uk Unfortunately, queries cannot be dealt with over the telephone.
Further information
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provided £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. From this fund, £15m worth of funding was awarded to Shropshire Council for a range of projects in 2022. The Small Business Grant Scheme was one of many projects made possible by this award.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information about the many projects being funded through UKSPF in Shropshire, people can visit: https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/uk-shared-prosperity-projects/
