UK Grant Eligibility Checker 2025/26
Check which government and regional grants your business may qualify for based on company size, sector and location. This tool maps your business profile against current UK grant schemes including Innovate UK, British Business Bank, LEP growth funds and UKRI programmes.
Key Inputs
- Company size: micro (<10 employees), small (<50), medium (<250)
- Sector: manufacturing, technology, services, agriculture, or other
- Postcode or region
- Innovate UK applicant — have you applied before?
- Previous grant received — which programme and year?
What You'll Get
- Category of grant types likely eligible (R&D, growth, export, social impact)
- Direct links to current open programmes matching your profile
- Eligibility notes and match-funding requirements
- Estimated grant range and typical timelines
Important Notes — 2025/26 Rates & Caveats
Key schemes 2025/26: Innovate UK Smart Grants (up to £500,000 for transformative R&D); Innovate UK Edge (business support rather than cash); British Business Bank Start Up Loans (up to £25,000 per director at 6% fixed, businesses under 36 months); Enterprise Finance Guarantee (government-backed loans for SMEs lacking security); UKRI funds across Innovate UK, BBSRC, EPSRC; LEP growth funds (region-specific, check your local LEP website). Most grants require match funding — typically 30-50% from your own resources. State Aid rules replaced by UK Subsidy Control Act 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accessible business grant for UK startups?
The British Business Bank Start Up Loan is the most widely accessible scheme — up to £25,000 per director at a fixed 6% interest rate, available to businesses under 36 months old. Unlike a traditional grant it must be repaid, but free mentoring support is included and eligibility criteria are broader than most grant programmes. It is available to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
Do I need to repay business grants?
Grants are non-repayable unlike loans — this is what distinguishes them. However, many grants require match funding, meaning you must contribute a percentage of the project cost from your own resources (typically 30-50%). Some grants have clawback provisions: if you fail to meet the conditions of the grant (such as retaining jobs or completing the project), you may have to repay some or all of the funding. Always read the grant terms carefully.
Where can I find all available UK business grants?
The gov.uk Business Finance and Support Finder (find-business-finance.service.gov.uk) is the authoritative source, updated regularly with national and regional programmes. The British Business Bank website lists approved lenders and equity schemes. Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) publish region-specific grant opportunities. Innovate UK publishes open funding competitions on their funding finder portal.
Related Calculators
Use the interactive UK Grant Eligibility Checker
Run real numbers instantly — free, no sign-up required.
Go to Grants & Funding Calculators