What grants are available to UK SMEs?
UK small and medium-sized businesses are the main target of most government funding, and SME status usually brings better terms than large companies get. Innovate UK competitions typically fund a higher share of project costs for a small business than for a large one, and R&D tax relief is more generous under the SME scheme than under RDEC. Beyond innovation funding, SMEs can access regional growth grants through Growth Hubs and Combined Authorities, export support through the Department for Business and Trade, and skills funding for training. The UK definition of an SME is fewer than 250 employees with turnover under €50 million or a balance sheet under €43 million, and it counts linked and partner companies, so ownership by a larger group can remove eligibility even when headcount is low.
What Can You Fund?
There are grants available for almost every type of business investment. Here's what SMEs commonly use grant funding for.
Fund R&D Projects
Access Innovate UK and UKRI funding to develop new products, services, or processes.
Expand Into New Markets
Use export grants and regional development funding to grow your customer base.
Upgrade Technology
Modernise your operations with grants for digital transformation and equipment.
Hire Specialist Talent
Fund new roles with grants supporting skills development and job creation.
Improve Sustainability
Access green grants to reduce your environmental impact and cut costs.
Collaborate on Innovation
Partner with universities and research institutions with collaborative funding.
How EchoGrant Helps SMEs Win Funding
Automatic Grant Matching
Our AI scans the funding schemes we track and matches you with the ones where you have the best chance of success.
AI Application Assistance
Get AI-powered help writing compelling proposals that hit every criterion funding bodies look for.
Expert Review
Our grant experts review your applications and provide feedback before you submit.
Track & Optimise
Monitor your applications, learn from outcomes, and continuously improve your success rate.
SME Success Story
"We'd tried to apply for grants before but always got rejected. EchoGrant showed us exactly why our applications weren't working and helped us secure £250,000 in Innovate UK funding for our manufacturing innovation project."
Michael Roberts
Managing Director, Precision Engineering Ltd
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about EchoGrant and UK grant funding.