Funding to boost growth for Surreyโ€™s businesses and economy

Funding to boost growth is now available from Surrey County Council with millions available for innovative ideas to enhance the economy.

Businesses, employer representative groups and partner organisations are all invited to apply for investment from the new Economic Growth Fund.

Up to ยฃ7 million is available for this financial year. Grants will be awarded to those demonstrating how they will boost economic outcomes for the people, places and businesses of the county.

Applications for the first round are now open, closing at the end of May. Apply via the form on the Business Surrey website.

The launch comes as the Council also publishes Surreyโ€™s Economic Growth Strategy 2025 to 2035, which sets out the long-term focus and priorities to drive sustainable growth in the county for the next decade.

What is the Economic Growth Fund?

The Economic Growth Fund has been created by the Council in collaboration with employers from across the county via the One Surrey Growth Board and Business Leaders Forum.

The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to apply for funding to boost growth.

So, a range of funds, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government, have been pooled together into a single application process.

The first round covers three areas.

  • Business Growth Grants support companies of all sizes to scale up and create jobs. Match funding of between ยฃ10,000 and ยฃ50,000, covering 50% of project costs is available.
  • The Innovation Spaces Fund focuses on physical infrastructure, such as training hubs, collaborative workspaces, and testing facilities. Minimum bid of ยฃ50,000.
  • The Future Surrey Fund is open to anyone, including partners – such as employer representative groups, local authorities, research institutions and schools. Applications should focus on innovative ideas that can scale while delivering economic impact in Surrey.

To apply, you’ll need to demonstrate how your bid delivers against the three priorities in the refreshed economic strategy. These are workforce and skills; business growth; and economic infrastructure in Surreyโ€™s communities.

There’s a two step process for all three areas, starting with an expression of interest.

Read more about criteria and closing dates on the Economic Growth Fund page.

“A fantastic opportunity”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Economic Growth, said:

โ€œThis is a fantastic opportunity for businesses, training providers and partners to secure immediate investment in ideas to drive growth in Surrey.

“We know that Surrey has a strong economy, contributing ยฃ50 billion a year to UK PLC. But the refreshed economic strategy highlights several challenges around start-ups, high-growth businesses, retaining talent and an increasing number of people out of work.

“The new Economic Growth Fund is one of the ways we can tackle those challenges while delivering benefits to the people, places and businesses across the county. Our ambition is simple: we want to position Surrey as one of the UKโ€™s leading regional economies while ensuring No One is Left Behind.”

Chris Hurren, Chair of the Surrey Business Leaders Forum, said:

“Growth in Surrey, like much of the country, has slowed in recent years. We can only tackle the challenges by working together while focusing on the needs of businesses and outcomes for our people and places.

โ€œThe refreshed Economic Strategy, which is evidence-led and developed in partnership with businesses, employer representative groups, academia and other key stakeholders, is very much the starting point of our journey.

โ€œTogether, weโ€™re determined to drive forward this ambitious agenda and deliver our ambition to benefit our residents, businesses and wider communities.โ€

Read the full criteria and other key details are on the Economic Growth Fund page.

Three people - two men in shirts either side of a woman in a beige dress - smile at the camera. They are stood in front of a Business Surrey promotional banner.

Renรฉeโ€™s Round-Up of Grants and Funding – Marchย 

Welcome to the first of Renรฉe’s Grants and Funding Roundups. Each month the Business Surrey team receives a wealth of information about new grants and funding.

We want to share these with you in the most helpful way, so Enterprise Mentor, Renรฉe will collate and summarise them into a monthly roundup. Check back regularly (or sign up to our monthly newsletter) to be kept informed of both national and local grants and funding that could benefit your business.

For each item, Renรฉe has shared an overview but also links for you to double check the eligibility and requirements of each individual grant.  Note the closing dates and times, as some are very specific! 

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund

This is funding to drive growth across Surrey. The Surrey Economic Growth Fund has been created by pooling a range of public and investment streams, such asย UK Shared Prosperity Fundingย from government, into one Economic Growth Fund.

The Fund is administered by Surrey County Council and is now open for applications across three funding streams: Business Growth Grants, Future Surrey Fund, and Innovation Spaces Fund. The Council is seeking bold, innovative ideas that will drive sustainable economic growth across the county and align with Surreyโ€™s strategic priorities.

Closing date: the current round of applications is open until 31 May 2025. Other rounds may follow.

Start your application for funding from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund here.

Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) grants 

The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme provides grants to farmers and land managers in the Surrey Hills for one-off projects to make improvements to the natural environment, climate change mitigation, cultural heritage and public access on their land.   

Closing date : has been extended but to be confirmed 

Apply here for a Farming in Protected Landscapes grant.

B Corp: Creating Positive Impacts through Business Competition 

Channel 4, in partnership with B Lab UK, has launched a competition to support B Corporations (businesses that are certified for their social impact) by providing winners with commercial airtime.  The initiative aims to help businesses highlight their social and environmental impact to a wider audience. 

Up to five B Corps will each receive ยฃ100,000 worth of advertising spend on Channel 4.  The funding is intended to assist businesses in showcasing their purpose-driven work while reaching new customers. 

Closing date: 11 April 2025 

Apply here to enter the Channel 4 B Corp initiative.

F100 Growth Fund 

Through the F100 Growth Fund, Sky and BEO are supporting Black entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.  The most innovative businesses applying will be able to pitch for funding up to ยฃ15,000 and also be offered a free Sky Business broadband and phone package for 12 months.   Additionally, they will take part in a tailored 10-week programme to help them scale their operations through a series of workshops, mentorship, supply chain support and investment readiness support. 

Closing Date : 14 April 2025 (24:00 hours). 

Applications are made online at the programme website.

The Elevator of Dreams Campaign 

The Elevator of Dreams campaign allows individuals to submit a short pitch via a video doorbell outside the Founders Room at the Virgin Hotels London in Shoreditch.  Selected pitches will receive feedback from Richard Branson and Simon Squibb, with insights shared through their social media channels. Available prizes include:  

  • One pitch will be selected every week to win ยฃ1,000 that will be supplied by HelpBnk. 
  • At the Judges’ discretion, one pitch during the campaign duration may be chosen to receive the following prizes instead of the ยฃ1,000: 
  • Entrepreneurs Getaway (includes a one-night stay at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch in a standard room, no blackout dates). 
  • Virgin StartUp mentor access (30 minutes of mentoring with Simon Squibb, date and time TBD). 

Closing Date: 17 April 2025 (subject to extension beyond this closing date) 

All submissions must be made through the Ring doorbell at the Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch.  More information is available at the Elevator Of Dreams website.

Innovate UK โ€“ BridgeAI Competition 

Innovate UKโ€™s BridgeAI competition is for grants between ยฃ25,000 – ยฃ50,000 for innovation projects that address a business challenge or opportunity within one of their challenge holder organisations: 

The Bicycle AssociationUnited LivingSustrans and Lichfields 

The winning projects will be used to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) driven proof concepts.  More details can be found in the Innovate UK competition brief.  

Closing Date : 23 April 2025 at 11am 

Apply on the Innovation Funding Service (gov) website.

UK Games Fund – Transfuzer 

Tranzfuser is intended to support new UK games graduates, taking ideas from concept and prototyping through to publishing.  

Teams will have the opportunity to pitch from the UK Games Fund for up to ยฃ25,000 of grant support for the commercial development of their game. All teams will receive ยฃ7,500 prize during the course of the competition. 

Tranzfuser is specifically aimed at teams who wish to explore the possibility of establishing an indie development business. Teams must have between three and six members.  Applicants may be skilled developers, but need support in the business development side of setting up a studio.  

Closing Date: 28 April at 12 noon. 

Apply on the Tranzfuser website.

AXA StartUp Angel Competition 

The AXA Startup Angel Competition has been created to support entrepreneurs hoping to realise their business ambitions. The contest offers a variety of prizes to would-be businesses from across the UK to help them through the next phase of their startup journey. 

There are six opportunities to win in 2025. Two winners will receive the top prize of ยฃ25,000 to fund their business idea. These winners will also be awarded mentoring from the AXA Startup Angels and business insurance for a year. 

There are also four runners-up prizes featuring over ยฃ18,000 of media, mentoring and exposure.  Each runner-up will receive a profile on their business in The Standard, mentoring with a member of The Standard team, plus VIP access to SME XPO 2026. 

Closing Date : 6 July 2025 (23:59 hrs) 

Apply on the Axa Startup Angel webpage.

Future Leaders Fellowships 

Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) support talented people in universities, businesses, and other research and innovation environments.  They also allow universities, research institutes, independent research organisations and businesses to develop their most talented early career researchers and innovators or to attract new people to their organisations. 

The aim of this competition is to: 

  • Support ambitious research and innovation to tackle difficult and novel challenges. 
  • Support excellence in innovation, across interdisciplinary boundaries and sectors. 
  • Develop, retain, and attract the next wave of research and innovation leaders. 

Working with a host organisation a Future Leaders Fellow will receive at least four yearsโ€™ of funding to pursue an ambitious programme of innovation.  

Applications will open on 23 June 2025 and close on 5 November 2025 at 11am. 

More information can be accessed at the IUK website

The Workplace Charging Scheme 

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle chargepoint sockets at their sites. 

The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT), capped at a maximum of: 

  • ยฃ350 per socket 
  • 40 sockets across all sites per applicant โ€“ for instance, if you want to install them at 40 sites, you will have 1 socket available per site 

All chargepoints must be installed by anโ€ฏOZEV authorised installer

Closing Date: 31st March 2026 

Apply here for a Workplace Charging Scheme Voucher.

Business support in Surrey

If you can’t see anything in this roundup that suits your specific needs, check out our Support Directory, or contact our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on funding, business news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

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Made Smarter expands to the South East to drive UK manufacturing forwardย with digital technologies, innovation and skills

The Made Smarter Adoption programme is set to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape for SMEs and makers in the South East of England.

After operating successfully in the North West since 2019, and further expanding to cover the North East, Humber and the West Midlands, it is now rolling-out to the South East from April 2025.

This initiative is targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a manufacturing element to their business. It aims to provide them with the tools and support they need to embrace digital technologies so they can improve productivity, boost their bottom line and achieve long term sustainable growth.

The Made Smarter Adoption programme โ€“ backed by world-renowned businesses and funded by UK government, is focused on digital transformation delivered by specialist advisors.
Applicants can get access to a range of personalised support to help them make everyday improvements to their operations and improve their competitiveness.

Businesses can register their interest now, in readiness for the April launch.

Advice, skills and workforce support, plus funding

Made Smarter can support businesses in a number of ways, including:

  • Funding: up to 50% match funding available to help business implement new technologies
  • Skills: training and development opportunities for those working in the sector. This includes workshops, mentoring and expert advice
  • Sustainability: promotion and adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impact and enhance reputation with customers.

Coverage in the South East

The South East programme covers a wide area, with Surrey County Council acting as the lead and coordinator. The regions included are Berkshire, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Solent, and Surrey.

Manufacturing SMEs and makers within the South East area of coverage are encouraged to register their interest now in preparation for when the programme launches in April 2025. Once the programme is live, the Made Smarter team will contact registered businesses to start the process with a free, personalised assessment carried out by a Technology Adoption Specialist advisor.

By leveraging the support and resources offered by the Made Smarter Adoption programme, SME manufacturers and makers can boost their productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability, securing their future in the digital age.

Register your interest now: Digital transformation support in the South East | Made Smarter

Other support to boost your manufacturing SME

Business Surrey is Surrey County Councilโ€™s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.

Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight. Our offer incudes:

You can also register to receive our regular newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses. We’ll be including regular Made Smarter updates in the newsletter and on this website.

Two exciting new opportunities for creative businesses with CoSTAR network

CoSTAR network, the national R&D network serving the UKโ€™s world-leading gaming, TV, film and performance sectors, has put out the call for creative businesses to apply to two new exciting opportunities: CoSTAR Ideate: Growth Lab and Residency, and CoSTAR Live Lab.

CoSTAR Ideate – creative technology

The CoSTAR Ideate call is open to 24 early growth companies in the creative technology sector. The programme will deliver enterprise and funding finance support from four of the new CoSTAR Network Labs.

The 24 successful companies will each benefit from a 5-month residency at one of the four CoSTAR Labs, (including desk and lab space). They will also receive business development guidance, lab time to enable product development, access to expert technical support and resources, and access to a community of like-minded start-ups and entrepreneurs from the creative technology sector.โ€ฏย And there are no fees to pay for any of this support.

Join an information session to find out more about Ideate and how to apply.

CoSTAR Live Lab – live performance

CoSTAR Live Lab, is inviting companies, technologists, and creatives to apply for their call to help shape the future of live performance.

While based at the world-renowned Production Park in Yorkshire โ€“ where icons like Beyoncรฉ, Metallica and The Rolling Stones prepare for their world tours โ€“ this call is open to applications from across the UK.

This call invites applications from teams with creative R&D projects focussed on the live performance sector, looking for the opportunity to accelerate and advance their innovation activity.

The following support packages are available for the successful applicants:

  • up to two intensive one-week development sprints at the CoSTAR Live Lab. This includes on-boarding and orientation by the technical team.
  • research staff will guide and collaborate with you during the tenancy, with further ad-hoc support possible outside of the sprint windows.
  • cash funding of up to ยฃ13,000 to contribute towards costs in undertaking the project, such as contracting performers, interaction design, editing, consumables etc.
  • if a project requires a period of residency (two or more days) and if travel distance is more than two hours from that lab, a company stipend of up to ยฃ4,000 is available to support travel and accommodation.ย 

To find out more about the CoSTAR Live Lab call, watch the recording of the information webinar here.

Application timings

Both calls are open to applicants across the UK.

Applications for CoSTAR Live Lab close on Thursday 20 March, 2025, and the CoSTAR Ideate call closes on Monday 24 March 2025, so click the links to find out more information and apply today.

Further support for Surrey businesses

Business Surrey isย Surrey County Councilโ€™s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey. Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges.

Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight.

Our offer incudes:

You can also register to receive our regular newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses.

Funding for new apprenticeships now available to Surrey businesses

Businesses can grow their workforce and boost productivity in just a few clicks by getting an apprenticeship funded by Surrey County Council.

As part of the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, small and medium enterprises across the county can get fully funded support to train local talent.

Apprenticeships are widely recognised as a cost-effective way to recruit, improving diversity and filling skills gaps. In time, they can also help businesses grow, improve employee retention and support the wider economy.

Funding is available to pay for the training of dozens of new apprenticeships across the county.

It is open to all businesses in Surrey and allocated on a first come, first served basis โ€“ meaning those interested should apply swiftly via the Surrey County Council website.

For those unsure of the process, a free 45-minute webinar will be hosted by the Councilโ€™s Business Surrey service on February 26. Reserve your space today to discover more about modern-day apprenticeships and how businesses can access funding.

One Surrey organisation that has benefited already from the scheme is Sight for Surrey, a charity that provides specialist support for people in Surrey with sensory loss. ย 

Diane Smith, Head of Adult Services says:

โ€œWe have used the levy to support internal succession for those wanting to pursue a career in Social Work from the Deaf Community. More recently we used the levy to support three new apprentices in roles that are recognised to be under resourced across the sector nationally as well as in Surrey.

โ€œThe process of completing the Levy Transfer scheme was simple and smooth due to the responsive support from the Council.

โ€œOur Deaf Services Social Worker has recently graduated from Kingston University and our three new apprentices are settled and progressing well in their new careers! All making an impact for residents of the Surrey community.โ€

The call comes in National Apprenticeship Week (February 10 to 16), which is a national celebration of the opportunities presented by the training schemes.

A young man, who is an apprentice, talks to a colleague in a workplace. He has his back to the camera

According to government figures, benefits of apprenticeships include:

  • 96% of employers report benefits to their business
  • employers make a net gain of between ยฃ2,500 and ยฃ18,000 per apprentice during their training period
  • 80% of businesses see a significant increase in employee retention

Almost two-thirds of all UK apprenticeships in the last year have been funded by the apprenticeship levy.

This is a pool of funding made available by large employers, such as the Council, to make apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs.

The Council wants as many local residents and businesses to benefit from the scheme as possible โ€“ which is why the online process can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Matt Furniss, the Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, emphasised the council’s commitment to providing opportunities for all. He said:โ€œApprenticeships are a proven cost-effective way to recruit which benefit businesses and employees, as well as the broader economy.

โ€œAs an organisation we are committed to providing opportunities to all of our residents, which includes creating a skilled workforce for the future.

โ€œThe levy transfer scheme is a fantastic way for SMEs to access funding to develop and grow their workforce โ€“ which is why I encourage them to discover more about this fantastic opportunity.”

For more information on how to apply for the Apprenticeship Levy and to start the process of recruiting talented apprentices, visit https://www.businesssurrey.co.uk/workforce/apprenticeship_levy/

apprenticeships levy - Business Surrey

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Decarbonise your business with free support for Surrey SMEs

Free support for Surrey small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise their business is now available from Surrey County Council.

Companies with fewer than 250 employees can sign up for the support. It’s only available to those based in the boroughs of Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath.

Find out how to cut your energy costs, calculate your carbon footprint and get your business to Net Zero. You could even access a loan to go green!

Scroll down to see the free support which your Surrey business could access.

Or you can get in touch with our business experts, who can provide free bespoke advice for your business.

Free business decarbonisation course

A free business decarbonisation course is now up and running for eligible Surrey businesses.

The course will:

  • introduce a bit of business context relating to climate change and carbon literacy,
  • help you understand where your business’ emissions lay,
  • enable you to calculate your business carbon footprint;
  • help you become more sustainable, reduce your energy costs and cut your carbon footprint
  • help you define your business path to Net Zero, set targets and leverage your efforts to make your business more competitive and your products and services more desirable
  • empower you to adapt and build resilience to address climate change

Courses are available in person and online.

The in-person courses are:

  • Thursday 17 October 2024 at Guildford Borough Council
  • Wednesday 13 November 2024 at Surrey Heath Borough Council
  • Wednesday 27 November at Waverley Borough Council
  • Wednesday 22 January 2025 in Reigate and Banstead at Surrey County Council headquarters
  • Thursday 13 February 2025 in Woking
  • Thursday 6 March 2025 at Spelthorne Business Hub

On demand online courses will be made available from late October.

To book your space visit the Surrey County Council website.

Free carbon calculator tool

Ever wondered how much carbon your Surrey business uses?

As part of the decarbonisation course, you can find out! You’ll be given a one year licence to access and use the Climate Essential carbon calculator tool.

This will enable you to calculate your base line carbon footprint. Plus, you can see where you can make adjustments and gains to further reduce it.

Free business decarbonisation assessment

The free business decarbonisation assessment helps small and medium businesses in six Surrey boroughs to decarbonise and save on energy.

The online meeting is a virtual walk around premises, looking at energy use, transport, and supply chain.

A personalised report identifies opportunities for energy saving and projects which may be eligible for a business decarbonisation loan.

You can then decide if you wish to apply for a business decarbonisation loan to complete any or all of your decarbonisation projects.

There is no obligation to progress any of the potential projects to a loan application.

Business decarbonisation loan

The business decarbonisation loan programme has been created to help business and organisations decarbonise.

It will also allow you to invest to cut your energy bills, improve your premises and be more efficient.

Loans range from ยฃ5,000 to ยฃ15,000. It can can cover up to 50% of the total project cost. You will need to fund the rest.

Projects could include lighting and heating upgrades, installing solar panels, replacing old energy hungry equipment and switching to electric vehicles.

The loan is only available to businesses who have had a free business decarbonisation assessment.

Boost for UK startups as two key investment schemes are extended

Startup funding schemes, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

Government extends two leading investment schemes aimed at startups

Thousands of entrepreneurs and startups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes targeted at helping startup businesses get off the ground and grow.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 but will instead run until 5 April 2035.

The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

The two startup investment schemes at-a-glance

Both schemes offer incentives to investors of up to 30% upfront income tax relief and an exemption from capital gains tax on any profits made after the sale of shares.

Launched in 1994, the EIS scheme offers investors loss relief as long as shares are held for at least two years.

VCTs, which were then introduced in 1995, are companies listed on the UK stock exchange. They invest in early-stage trading companies on behalf of investors. Dividends received from VCTs are tax-free.

Since the launch of the EIS in 1994 the two schemes have delivered significant impact and success with over ยฃ41 billion raised to date.  

What’s in it for startups?

This ten-year extension will benefit startups and help provide access to startup funding by providing investors with the confidence to continue to invest into high-risk, early-stage businesses. Early stage investment of this type is a vital element in supporting long-term growth and the development of the economy on both a regional and national scale.

Read more: Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More help for startups

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey, including startups.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on accessing startup funding and grants, as well as other sources of support for startups. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many startup-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.

Event alert: Unlocking funding opportunities for Surrey SMEs

This in-person event aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding opportunities and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.

Discover the essential knowledge you need to unlock funding for your business in this half-day event designed by Business Surrey specifically for SMEs in Surrey. We are delighted to be delivering this event in partnership with Mole Valley For Business.

Come along to hear three of Business Surreyโ€™s expert speakers sharing the essential information that can help you find and secure the right type of funding for your business.

This is an in-person event, being held at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, on Wednesday 23 October, from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

What to expect on the day

The morning will begin with arrival and refreshments from 9 to 9.30am, followed by presentations and Q&A opportunities. Following the presentations there will be a Marketplace and Networking session.

Topics we will cover on the day include โ€œDemystifying SME funding: An overview of available optionsโ€, โ€œGovernment grants and incentives: how to leverage public fundingโ€, and โ€œPitch perfect: how to present your business to investorsโ€.

Each presentation will be delivered by one of Business Surreyโ€™s respected business advisors, who are all experts in their fields.

The final Marketplace and networking session will offer attendees the additional opportunity to make new contacts and speak directly to a range of funding providers to find out more about the types of funding on offer to SMEs.

Agenda for the event

  • 9.00 to 9.30 – Arrival & refreshments
  • 9.30 to 11.45 – Presentations and Q&As
  • 11.45 to 12.30 –ย Marketplace & Networking
  • 12.30 – event ends

This event is perfect for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners, entrepreneurs, financial advisors, and business consultants in Surrey. It aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.

There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of attendees from a single business, but spaces are limited and you must pre-register to attend. Register today to save your place.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Funding event, Business Surrey | a photo of a group of business people talking and networking at an in-person event.

Growth Guarantee Scheme launched to help smaller businesses

Smaller businesses in Surrey can now get access to finance to invest in and grow their company via the British Business Bankโ€™s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GSS).

The new scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme and has been designed to support UK smaller businesses to access the finance they need to invest and grow.

So far, there are 41 accredited lenders providing access to finance under the Scheme, with more expected to be accredited by the British Business Bank over the coming weeks.

The GGS will provide access to a range of different types of finance to suit the needs of smaller businesses, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.

The Key Features of the Scheme

The key features of the GGS are broadly similar to those of its predecessor, The Recovery Loan Scheme, and include:

  • Finance available from ยฃ1,000 up to ยฃ2m per business group, depending on the type of finance product
  • Wide range of products including: term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending facilities
  • Term length:โ€ฏTerm loans and asset finance facilities are available from three months up to six years, with overdrafts, invoice finance and asset-based lending available from three months up to three years
  • Access to multiple schemes:โ€ฏBusinesses that took out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) or a Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facility before 30 June 2024 may still access the Growth Guarantee Scheme
  • Pricing:โ€ฏFees and interest rates charged by lenders will vary but will take into account the benefit to the lender of the Government guarantee
  • Personal Guarantees: Can be taken at the lenderโ€™s discretion, in line with their normal commercial lending practices. (Principal Private Residences cannot be taken as security within the scheme)
  • Guarantee is to the lender:โ€ฏThe scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee. Please note: the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt
  • Decision-making is at the lenderโ€™s discretion:โ€ฏfinance is provided at the discretion of the lender subject to their usual credit application checks.

How do I apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

More information on the Growth Guarantee Scheme, including the list of accredited lenders, is available on the British Business Bank website.

What other support is available for smaller businesses in Surrey?

We offer a range of advice and support for Surrey businesses. Get in touch today to find out more via our business support form.

You can also search for information and support available near you via our Support Directory.

Woman stands outdoors holding a box of plants. She stands in cobbled street

Electric vehicle grants of up to ยฃ10,000 available for businesses

Businesses ready to make the switch from diesel vans to electric, and who use the A3 regularly, can apply for electric vehicle grants of up to ยฃ10,000 to help fund the purchase.

The A3 Electric Vehicle (EV) grants for electric vans offer ยฃ5,000 towards the cost of a small new electric van and ยฃ10,000 towards a medium or large electric van. 

The A3 EV grant is being introduced to help lower air pollution levels on the A3 road by Guildford.

To be eligible for support, applicants must:

  • own a roadworthy, business-insured diesel van;
  • drive at least 3 single journeys a week or 150 per year on the A3 by Guildford, between Woodbridge Hill A25/A322 junction and A31 to Farnham junction.  

If your business meets these criteria you can apply online on the Surrey County Council website before you purchase or lease your new electric vehicle through an accredited dealer.

You can apply for up to 10 grants per business per year.

This is not a scrappage scheme, so London-based small businesses and residents can apply for the London Clean Air Zone scrappage scheme in addition, and you can also benefit from the plugin grant when purchasing the vehicle regardless of where you are based. 

The A3 EV grant is part of Electric Towns and Cities initiative (ETCI) – Guildford, aimed at reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions level on the stretch of road which runs through the town.

This is an ยฃ11 million scheme, which also includes a rapid EV charging network and active travel programme.

ETCI is financed by National Highways and delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with Guildford Borough Council.  

How do I apply for Electric Vehicle Grants?

To check your eligibility, find an accredited dealer and apply online, visit the Surrey County Council website

If you’re a Surrey business looking for free help and support with Net Zero or green technology, get in touch with our experts via our business support form.

A white electric vehicle is parked outside a car showroom. On either side stand four people - two on each side.