If you’re looking to grow your business, there is support available.
But it doesn’t sit in one simple scheme anymore.
Older programmes like Growth Vouchers have gone. In 2026, support is spread across multiple platforms and unless you know where to look, it’s easy to miss.
This guide pulls together what’s actually available right now, with direct links so you can explore further.
Where to start
The best place to begin is the official government grant finder:
https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/
You can search and filter by:
- Business size
- Location
- Industry
- Type of support
There are often 100+ live opportunities at any time.
For a broader overview of support, you can also use:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
1. Business grants (non-repayable funding)
Grants still exist — but they are targeted and competitive.
Typical examples include:
- Innovation funding
- Local authority growth grants
- Sector-specific funding
You can browse live opportunities here:
https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants
A major provider is Innovate UK:
https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/
Key point: Grants are usually tied to growth, innovation, or job creation, not day-to-day running costs.
2. R&D Tax Relief
Many businesses qualify for this without realising.
If your business:
- Improves processes
- Develops new systems
- Solves technical challenges
You may be able to:
- Reduce your Corporation Tax
- Or receive a payable credit
Full guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/corporation-tax-research-and-development-rd-relief
3. Energy & sustainability support
With rising energy costs and net-zero targets, there is strong support in this area.
Examples include:
Workplace Charging Scheme (EV chargers):
👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/workplace-charging-scheme
Boiler Upgrade Scheme:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
These are designed to:
- Reduce long-term costs
- Improve efficiency
- Support environmental targets
4. Training, mentoring & growth support
Not all support is financial — and this is often overlooked.
The Help to Grow programme is a good example:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support/help-to-grow-management
It offers:
- Subsidised management training
- Practical business advice
- Peer networking
You can also find local support through Growth Hubs:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support?keywords=growth+hub
5. Loans & finance support
If grants aren’t suitable, there are government-backed finance options.
Start Up Loans:
https://www.startuploans.co.uk/
British Business Bank support:
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/
These can provide:
- Access to funding
- Better terms than standard lending
- Additional support and mentoring
What’s changed since older schemes like Growth Vouchers
The biggest shift is this:
Support is now fragmented and targeted
Instead of one scheme, there are:
- Multiple smaller programmes
- Sector-specific funding
- Regional opportunities
- Competitive applications
This means:
- More opportunity overall
- But more effort required to find the right fit
What most businesses get wrong
From what we see, businesses don’t miss out because support isn’t there — they miss out because:
- They don’t know where to look
- They assume they won’t qualify
- They apply for the wrong schemes
- They don’t have time to go through the process
A practical way to approach it
If you’re considering applying:
- Start here:
https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/ - Filter by your business details
- Focus on 1–2 relevant schemes only
- Check eligibility before investing time
Final thought
There is support available.
But it’s no longer simple or centralised.
The businesses that benefit are the ones who actively look for it and understand how to use it properly.
