Across England, a great deal of business funding is regional — run by local authorities, combined authorities, growth hubs and local programmes — so what’s available depends heavily on where your business is based. These grants often align with local priorities like job creation and regeneration, usually require match funding, and combine well with finance. Local sources, especially your growth hub, are essential because regional grants are rarely promoted nationally.
Key takeaways
- Much English business funding is regional — it varies by area.
- Sources include local authorities, combined authorities and growth hubs.
- Regional grants often align with local priorities (jobs, regeneration).
- They usually require match funding and combine with finance.
- Local sources are essential — these grants aren’t promoted nationally.
- Your growth hub is the best starting point for local funding.
National grant programmes get the headlines, but for many established businesses in England the most relevant funding is regional — run locally and tied to local priorities. Because this funding varies so much by area, and is rarely promoted nationally, businesses often miss it. This guide explains how regional business grants work across England, where to find them, who is eligible, and how your location shapes what is available.
What are regional business grants?
Regional business grants are funding offered at a local or regional level in England — by local authorities, combined authorities, growth hubs and local programmes — to support businesses in a particular area. Unlike national schemes, what is available depends heavily on where your business is based, because different areas run their own programmes with their own priorities and budgets.
Why location matters
This is the defining feature of regional funding: two similar businesses in different places may have access to completely different grants. Local and combined authorities prioritise their own economic objectives — job creation, regeneration, supporting local sector strengths — and fund accordingly. Understanding your local landscape is therefore essential to finding the funding available to you.
Don’t assume a grant a business has used elsewhere is available to you. Regional funding is local by design — always check what exists in your specific area.
Where to find regional grants
Because these programmes are often not promoted nationally, local sources are key:
| Source | Role |
|---|---|
| Local growth hub | Knows the local landscape; signposts regional grants and support. |
| Local authority | Runs area-specific grants and programmes. |
| Combined authority | May run regional economic development funding. |
| Business support finder | National tool that can surface local opportunities. |
Combined authorities and national programmes
Combined authorities — groupings of local authorities in some English regions — can have additional powers and funding for economic development, and may run their own business support programmes. Various national programmes also channel funding into regions and localities over time, which can flow into local business support. Because such programmes change, check current local sources for what applies in your area.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility varies by programme and may depend on your location, size, sector and the project. Many regional grants are aimed at established businesses investing, creating jobs or supporting local economic priorities. Aligning your project with those local priorities — and quantifying the local benefit — strengthens an application considerably.
Match funding and combining with finance
As with grants generally, regional grants often require match funding. A regional grant can fund part of a project, with a loan or government-backed finance covering the rest, subject to the rules and any subsidy limits. A coordinated package can make a larger local project affordable.
How to find what is available to you
- Start with your local growth hub — it knows the local landscape.
- Check your local authority and any combined authority for area programmes.
- Use the business support finder to surface local opportunities.
- Align your project with local priorities and quantify the benefit.
- Confirm match funding and consider combining with finance.
The bottom line
Regional business grants are a significant but easily missed source of funding for established businesses in England, run locally and tied to local priorities — so what’s available depends on where you are. Because these programmes are rarely promoted nationally, local sources, especially your growth hub, are essential. Check your local landscape, align your project with local priorities, and consider combining a regional grant with finance to fund your growth.
Frequently asked questions
What are regional business grants?
Regional business grants are funding offered at a local or regional level in England — by local authorities, combined authorities, growth hubs and local programmes — to support businesses in a particular area. What is available depends heavily on where your business is based.
Why does location matter for grants?
Because much business support is delivered locally, the grants available vary considerably by area. Different regions and local authorities run their own programmes with their own priorities, so two similar businesses in different places may have access to different funding.
Where can I find regional grants in England?
Check your local authority, combined authority, local growth hub, and the government’s business support finder. Local sources are essential for regional grants, as these programmes are often not promoted nationally.
Who is eligible for regional grants?
Eligibility varies by programme and may depend on your location, size, sector and the project. Many regional grants are aimed at established businesses investing, creating jobs or supporting local economic priorities. Check each programme’s criteria.
Do regional grants require match funding?
Often, yes. As with grants generally, many cover part of a project’s cost, with the business funding the rest. Confirm the match-funding requirement before applying.
Are regional grants tied to local priorities?
Yes. Local and regional funding often supports priorities such as job creation, regeneration, sector strengths or economic growth in the area. Aligning your project with those local priorities strengthens an application.
What is a combined authority?
Combined authorities are groupings of local authorities in some English regions that can have additional powers and funding, including for economic development. They may run their own business support and funding programmes for their area.
Can I combine a regional grant with finance?
Often yes. A regional grant can fund part of a project, with a loan or government-backed finance covering the rest, subject to the rules of each and any subsidy limits.
How do I find out what is available in my area?
Your local growth hub is an excellent starting point, as it knows the local landscape and can signpost regional grants and support. Your local authority and combined authority are also key sources.
Are regional grants competitive?
They can be, though a smaller, well-targeted local field can sometimes mean better odds than national competitions. A well-matched application aligned to local priorities stands the best chance.
Are regional business grants taxable?
The tax treatment depends on the grant’s nature and purpose. Confirm with your accountant, as it affects the net value of the funding.
Does levelling-up funding affect regional grants?
Various national programmes channel funding into regions and localities over time, which can flow into local business support. Because such programmes change, check current local sources for what this means in your area.
Can my growth hub help me apply for regional grants?
Yes. Growth hubs can signpost regional grants and sometimes help with applications, drawing on their knowledge of the local landscape. Engaging early improves your chances.
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