How grants can help you grow your business
How grants can help you grow your business
Guest editorial • Summer 2021
If you’re a local SME, there are grants available!
Many businesses miss out on several grants they may be entitled to as they are unaware they exist or may have been unsuccessful in applying for grants previously. Companies believe they may not qualify or meet eligibility criteria.
Business grants cover many areas; these can include:
• Business coaching/mentoring
• Business and strategic planning
• Assistance from your accountant
• Access to finance • Marketing
• IT
• Capital equipment and premises fit-out/refurbishment
• HR consultancy
• Accreditations
• Innovation
• Lowering your carbon footprint • Export
• Start-up
One of the huge advantages of grant funding is that businesses do not need to pay the money back, so they help accelerate business growth. Grants can also boost cash flow and help you access expert support that you wouldn’t usually be able to afford. You can also access more than one grant for a project.
Barriers
You may be unaware of what’s available, or don’t think you’re eligible. The grant application process may seem too complicated and time-consuming, or you’ve been declined in the past, or you’re short of the contributory funds needed to win the funding.
Accessing Grants
Grant application processes are not always straightforward. Businesses often lack the understanding of the technical jargon and where to access all the information required for the application.
If you attempt to complete the application yourself, the process can be confusing, take a lot of time and potentially reduce your chances of success.
To improve your chances of success, we would always recommend using an expert who knows the process inside out, what information needs including in the application and how it should be worded. This will save you time and stress, and they’ll advise on what other grants are available.
Eligibility
To be eligible for business grants, you must be an SME who is not experiencing financial difficulty and operating in a B2B market. Each scheme has its own criteria – sector, size of the grant, and geographical area.
Phil Ward of Kaizen Consulting is an experienced grants specialist who has helped many businesses successfully apply and win local grant funding.
These are a few examples of recent successful applications
Manufacturing business
• Factory refurbishment and new machinery • Finance Director services
• Marketing
• R&D Tax Credit claim
EdTech business
• Content creation
• Business consultant to help develop a business plan and a loan application • Marketing
Professional Services start-up
• Start-up grant
• Start-up loan
• Accountancy support to improve financial systems • Business mentoring
Whatever your next project is, always check if there’s grant funding available. We are always happy to discuss your business projects and advise on what funding could be matched.
To discuss your project, email or call Phil Ward on phil@kaizenconsulting.co.uk, 01482 772261.
About Phil
I’ve established, grown and sold two businesses in the local area and understand the pains of growing
a business.
I’m a business coach and grant funding, specialist. I know what grants are available and I help businesses successfully navigate the application process. I have helped businesses access more than £2m of grant funding.