Funding for Existing Businesses

Businesses in the Derbyshire Dales can access grant funding from various places.

Finding Grant Funding

Funding schemes come and go and it can be difficult to work out what you may be eligible for. To help you, the D2N2 Growth Hub's Grant Funding Guidance lists all the grant funding currently available.

Organisations such as the East Midlands Chamber, the D2N2 Growth Hub, the LEP Network, universities, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, and other non profit organisations, often provide grant funding, so it is worth looking at their individual websites to find current schemes.

Key points to remember when seeking grant funding

  • The majority of grants are not retrospective, so if you are looking to recover money you have already committed or spent, you are unlikely to be successful.
  • Grants are unlikely to be able to be used for general running costs of the business (that is, overheads including wage costs). Your business will be expected to be able to cover these costs itself. The type of things that you may be able to seek grant funding for, is likely to be investment in new equipment, growth projects or improvements in productivity - something that will add value to the business but you will struggle to afford without a little extra help.
  • Most grants have a minimum grant threshold so you need to check whether what you are looking to spend meets the grant requirements.
  • Check whether your business meets the eligibility rules; usually business size, sector and location.
  • Check the time frame for the grant process - obtaining grants is never a speedy process. You will not be able to spend until your grant has been approved. Some grants take months to process; can you afford to wait before you spend?
  • Be prepared to complete the necessary application forms and provide all the evidence that is required. This may be a time consuming task, so consider how much time you will need to complete the application and compare it with the amount of funding you are seeking - is it a good investment of your time.
  • Remember - don't let the funding criteria influence what is right for your business - it could end up costing you money.

Who can help me find the right funding for my business?

If your business is located in the Derbyshire Dales, our Business Advice Service is here to help! We can guide you with advice on which grant schemes are available for your proposed project and help you consider your project application.

Current Grant Funding Schemes

Grant funding is a rapidly changing picture but here are some of the schemes currently available for existing businesses in the Derbyshire Dales.

MadeSmarter is a scheme operating across the whole of the East Midlands and is therefore available in the Dales. The programme is available to small and medium manufacturing enterprises and focuses on digital advice. It offers grant funding and expert advice across 8 disciplines.

Feast2 is run by the Food and Drink forum and offers a range of services including grants, to food and drink manufacturers in the area.

The Food & Drink Forum offer a range of services to food and drink manufacturers including grant funding, business mentoring, industry events, technical support, technical apprentices and industry specific events. Grant funding is available to eligible businesses looking to purchase production equipment to help increase their growth, productivity and create jobs.

In order to be eligible to access services through the Feast2 project, businesses must be a food and drink manufacturer and an SME in the D2N2 area.

Loans

The British Business Bank offers a Recovery Loan Scheme, which can be used for any legitimate business purpose including managing cash flow, investment and growth.

Case Studies

  • Sparke club founders
    Sparke Club founders

    Sparke Club Ltd

    Prototype new product development software has been aided by a £7,680 Small Business Adaptation Grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council.

  • Pizza
    Pizza

    D’alessandro’s

    This local pizzeria has increased productivity using a £8k Small Business Adaptation Grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council.

  • Delta Sim printers
    Delta Sim printers

    Delta Sim Technologies Ltd

    3D printers, bought with a £2,930 Small Business Adaptation Grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council, have increased productivity at this sim racing technology company.

More Case Studies

Help for Your Business

Starting Your Business

When setting up your own business, preparation is key - we're here to provide guidance and signposting to ensure you are well equipped to deal with the journey ahead. Get the information you may need when starting up and running your business, as well as further advice and useful links.

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Running Your Business

Setting up and running a business can be a challenge but help is on hand from Derbyshire Dales District Council and others to help make the journey as painless as possible. Established businesses can get help directly from our business adviser and many other useful resources.

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Growing Your Business

Once your business is well-established and profitable you may want to grow and expand it further. If you are not satisfied with maintaining your current operation and want to increase your market share, and profits, you'll need to develop a solid strategy for business growth.

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Funding Your Business

Whether you are looking to launch a start-up, expand your current business, or become more resource efficient, you will most likely need some financial support. Business funding can come in many forms and we are ideally placed to advise you on the latest and most suitable options.

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