Regional Funding in England
England's business funding landscape is delivered through a network of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Growth Hubs, and local authorities. Each region has its own priorities and funding programmes tailored to local economic needs.
In addition to regional support, businesses can access national initiatives like the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Innovate UK grants, and sector-specific programmes. Many areas also benefit from strategic initiatives like Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine.
How to find your local support: Start with your local Growth Hub—every LEP area has one. They provide free business diagnostics and can connect you with relevant grant programmes in your region.
Types of Regional Funding
From LEP grants to local authority support, here's what's available across England.
Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
Business-led partnerships delivering regional economic strategy, including grants for growth, innovation, and job creation across 38 LEP areas.
Funding: Varies by LEP
Coverage: 38 LEP areas
Growth Hubs
Free business support services in every LEP area, providing advice, diagnostics, and connections to funding opportunities.
Funding: Free support + grant referrals
Coverage: All of England
Northern Powerhouse
Government initiative for economic growth in the North of England, with specific funding programmes and investment support.
Funding: Programme specific
Coverage: North of England
Midlands Engine
Strategic partnership driving economic growth in the Midlands, including business funding programmes and investment zones.
Funding: Programme specific
Coverage: East & West Midlands
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Government funding replacing EU structural funds, delivered through local authorities for community and business support.
Funding: Up to £250,000
Coverage: All of England
Local Authority Grants
Council-level business grants for start-ups, growth, shop front improvements, green initiatives, and specific local priorities.
Funding: £500 - £50,000
Coverage: 333 local authorities
Funding by Region
Each region of England has its own LEPs, Growth Hubs, and funding priorities.
North East
North East LEP
North East Growth Hub
Strong manufacturing, offshore energy, digital sector support
North West
Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Cheshire & Warrington, Cumbria
GC Business Growth Hub, Liverpool Growth Platform
Tech sector, advanced manufacturing, creative industries
Yorkshire & Humber
Leeds City Region, Sheffield City Region, York & North Yorkshire, Hull & East Yorkshire
Leeds Growth Hub, Sheffield Business Hub
Financial services, health tech, rail engineering
East Midlands
D2N2, Leicester & Leicestershire
D2N2 Growth Hub, Business Gateway Growth Hub
Food & drink, textiles, space technology
West Midlands
West Midlands Combined Authority, Worcestershire, The Marches, Stoke & Staffordshire
West Midlands Growth Company
Automotive, gaming, professional services
South West
West of England, Heart of the South West, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Dorset
West of England Growth Hub, Heart of the South West Growth Hub
Aerospace, marine, agri-tech, creative
Strategic Growth Initiatives
Northern Powerhouse
Government initiative to boost economic growth across the North of England through investment in transport, skills, innovation, and business growth programmes.
- • Major transport infrastructure investment
- • Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund
- • Tech Nation and digital programmes
- • Skills and education initiatives
Midlands Engine
Strategic partnership driving economic growth in the East and West Midlands, with a focus on manufacturing, innovation, and international trade.
- • Midlands Engine Investment Fund
- • Innovation and technology support
- • Export and trade programmes
- • Skills for growth initiatives
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a new government funding stream replacing EU structural funds. It's delivered through local authorities and supports:
- Communities and Place: Town centre improvements, community infrastructure
- Supporting Local Business: Start-up support, growth grants, business advice
- People and Skills: Training, employment support, digital skills
Contact your local authority to find out what UKSPF funding is available in your area. EchoGrant can help match you with relevant local programmes.
England Regional Grants: FAQs
Common questions about LEPs, Growth Hubs, and regional funding in England.
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