UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Business Support Programme

UKSPF Business Support and People & Skills Programme

Page updated 09/11/24

The Year 3 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Business Support Programme, launched officially on Thursday 16 May 2024, and all projects will be completed by March 2025.

Programme Update

Our Year 3 UKSPF grants for Innovation and Employer Training are now all fully committed. All new enquiries are being added to a pipeline and if further funding becomes available, we will contact you if you have completed the Expression of Interest form (EOI) below.

There are still a few Decarbonisation grants and audits available, please contact our delivery partner, Groundwork, for further information and support - karen.mckean@groundwork.org.uk.

Our UKSPF Year 3 fully funded workshops, which cover a wide range of topics of interest to both established businesses and new start-ups, will continue to be delivered until March 2025, more information on these can be found on our Let’s Talk Business website events page.

Our Access to Excellence Innovation Project (more information below) can still support businesses to demystify and navigate the current innovation support offerings available locally and nationally by introducing you to key technology and strategic partners that can help your business’s growth journey. Please contact our delivery partner, Nexus Earth, info@nexusearthgroup.com to find out more.

We will continue to support new entrepreneurs (those trading less than 2 years) through our monthly start-up club, working with our delivery partner, WCNW Chamber.

Our weekly enewsletter 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.

We have recently launched fully funded hot-desking from our Meridian BIG Hub on Winsford Industrial Estate. You can find out more and book a spot using this link - Meridian house hot desk space | Coworking Chester | Industry (please note the hot-desking space will be closed for the festive period from Monday 16th December, reopening Monday 13th January).

Learn more about each of the UKSPF projects being delivered through the programme in the links at the bottom of this page.

If you'd like to find out if your business is eligible for support please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form below (for all of the projects listed - apart from the Digital Connectivity Project, which has it's own separate EOI).

Please note:

  • the programme and projects only support businesses based in the west Cheshire area
  • if applying for a grant, priority will be given to businesses that have not previously received a UKSPF grant in Years 1 & 2 (between April 2022 - March 2024)

 

Expression of Interest Form

 

 

Learn about the UKSPF Year 2 Programme, the outcomes and businesses supported

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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