UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Business Support 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 and a new technical note (Gov.UK) issued setting out revised guidance on use of the funding.

The programme for 2025-26 will be launched in April/May, at which time businesses will be able to register for support through the UKSPF Expression of Interest Form.

If you'd like to find out if your business is eligible for support, please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form below:

The UKSPF Supporting Local Business theme aims to:

• further develop the conditions for businesses in all spheres of activity to start-up, scale-up, innovate and invest in growth-enhancing activities and
• build a stronger and more resilient business base that supports the delivery of the Council’s sustainable and inclusive growth objectives.

The Business Support programme for 2025-26 has been shaped by taking into account the reduced level of UKSPF funding allocated the Council and building on the lessons learned from the delivery of business support activity over the 3 previous years of UKSPF funding. 

Priorities for 2025-26

In looking to deliver activities that maximise the benefits of the funding available to support local businesses to be more sustainable and inclusive employers, we will be prioritising interventions that:

• encourage entrepreneurship and facilitate new start-ups
• enable SMEs to access advice, support and potential funding from local and national programmes aimed at increasing investment in innovation, R&D and energy saving projects
• support the growth of social enterprises and community businesses to help deliver the Council’s inclusive growth ambitions
• strengthen the visitor economy
• identify and implement opportunities to revitalise our market towns
• promote and seek to attract new investment into our local inward investment opportunities: ORIGIN Ellesmere Port, Invest Chester and Mid-Cheshire (Northwich and Winsford).

We are currently in the process of procuring delivery partners to deliver a suite of projects in  2025-26 and further details will be provided as soon each project is live.

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.

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 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 between April 2022 - March 2025)

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.