Funding to drive 妖精动漫's future economy
The 妖精动漫 Economic Growth Fund is overseen by 妖精动漫 with the sole focus of driving economic growth across the region.
We've pooled a range of public and investment streams, such as from government, into one fund.
The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to drive growth to apply for funding.
Applications for round one are now open and due to close at the end of May 2026. Further rounds may follow this year.
For full details and to apply visit .
Who can apply?
Businesses, employer representative groups and partner organisations are all invited to apply.
A total of 拢7 million is available for 2025/26. Grants will be awarded to those showing how they will boost economic outcomes for the people, places and businesses of the county.
The application process is in two stages, starting with an expression of interest.
Funding for round one is split across three areas listed below.
What? Grants to support growth and job creation in local businesses, including new equipment, product development and training.
Who? Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 妖精动漫.
How much? Match-funding of between 拢10,000 and 拢50,000, covering 50% of project costs.
How do I apply? Expression of interest on the .
What? Investment in physical infrastructure that is a catalyst for growth, such as training hubs, collaborative workspaces, and testing facilities.
Who? Landowners, developers, education and training providers, businesses and research institutions.
How much? A minimum of 拢50,000 from a total funding pot of 拢4 million.
How do I apply? Expression of interest on the .
What? Open expression of interest for innovative ideas to drive economic growth in 妖精动漫. We are looking to support a small number of high-quality projects.
Who? Anyone - including councils, employer representative groups, charities, social enterprises, education settings, health bodies and businesses.
How much? Various - but to discuss any potential bids of over 拢500,000.
How do I apply? Expression of interest on the .
Economic Growth Fund criteria
Bids should be focused on delivering at least one of the three priorities in the :
- workforce and skills
- business growth
- economic infrastructure.
We encourage applications to focus on innovation and ideas that can scale.
Bids will be assessed against a set funding criteria with decisions taken by an independent panel, including business representatives.
The approach has been developed in collaboration with employers from across the county via the and .
This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses, training providers and partners to secure immediate investment in ideas to drive growth in 妖精动漫.
We know that 妖精动漫 has a strong economy, contributing 拢50 billion a year to UK PLC. But the refreshed economic strategy highlights several challenges around start-ups, high-growth businesses, retaining talent and an increasing number of people out of work.
The new Economic Growth Fund is one of the ways we can tackle those challenges while delivering benefits to the people, places and businesses across the county.
Our ambition is simple: we want to position 妖精动漫 as one of the UK's leading regional economies while ensuring No One is Left Behind.
Matt Furniss, cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth