UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Business Support Programme

UKSPF Business Support and People & Skills Programme

Transition Year (2025-26)

In the Autumn Budget 2025 the Government announced the UKSPF would be extended as a transition year into 2025-26. The funding allocation for Cheshire West and Chester Council was subsequently confirmed as £3,646,047.

The Supporting Local Business Programme of activity for the year is now live and the first step for both new entrepreneurs and established businesses seeking support through the projects listed below is to complete the Expression of Interest Form.

 

Expression of Interest Form

 

Please note:

Due to high levels of demand, the Small Business Advisory Service grant scheme is currently closed to applications for Expressions of Interest submitted after 31st August. The position will be reviewed at the end of September and the scheme re-opened for applications if funding is available.

The Decarbonisation and Rural Small Business Grants are both currently still available.

 

 

A brief description of the support available for each project is provided  below. These include details of the eligibility criteria for those projects offering business grants: Decarbonisation project, Business Advisory Service and Rural Small Business Support.

In addition to the projects listed above, UKSPF funding will support a number of other initiatives focused on enhancing west Cheshire’s market towns, visitor economy, inward investment offer and rural 5G connectivity.

It will also support ongoing use for UKSPF-related activities of the BIG Hub locations at Meridian House in Winsford, the HQ Building in Chester and Theatre in Ellesmere Port.  

Meridian House now offers fully funded hot-desking space.  To find out more to reserve a hot desk, please use this link - Meridian house hot desk space | Coworking Chester | Industry

 

Our weekly e-newsletter promotes local news and any new funding and support opportunities. If you haven’t already signed up to receive this, you can do so using this link:  Register for our business directory - Let's Talk Business Cheshire West.

Further support is also available through the platforms listed below:

Business Tapas

Ultimate resource for business growth and development.

Whether you need help with business management, marketing, design, social impact, and more – we’ve got it. This central knowledge hub is designed for companies of all shapes and sizes, at all stages of their journey. From large enterprises, start-ups, and not-for-profit organisations (incl. charities) alike, Business Tapas can point you in the direction of support and advice that is tailored to you.

Loyal Free app      

Supporting our local high streets the app promotes deals, events, information and trails.

It is free for all west Cheshire based businesses to register as Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently funding the subscription costs.

If you're business isn't yet registered email business@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk to find out more and get on the app.

Go4Growth

Go4Growth is a programme designed specifically to help local and small to medium enterprises (including micro businesses and the voluntary sector) in any sector to enter and grow in the public sector marketplace.

The programme is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council so west Cheshire businesses can join the programme and take the support; guidance, tools and resources on offer, with no cost to them. No matter where you are on your journey as a business, if you aspire to do more work in the public sector, the Go4Growth programme can help.

Learn about Cheshire West and Chester Council's UKSPF Investment Plan and the other themes being delivered as part of this, which includes Communities and Place.

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