South Midlands Growth Hub launches £1.8 million Growth Grant Programme

18 November 2025

The new grant funding programme has been created to accelerate the growth of South Midlands SMEs by driving innovation, advancing local economic priorities and supporting the region’s decarbonisation ambitions.

The South Midlands Growth Hub has launched the South Midlands Growth Grant, a £1.8 million, to be awarded over three-years designed to empower SMEs, micro-enterprises and sole traders.  

Eligible businesses across Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire can apply for grant funding between £300 - £50,000 to support investments in innovation, adoption of new technologies and enhancement to green credentials. 

The launch of the South Midlands Growth Grant is a significant moment for our business community. Our micro-businesses and SMEs are at the forefront of business growth, and we must provide a platform to ensure their growth can accelerate.

Our ambition is to help businesses maximise their strengths, create business resilience and generate sustainable growth. We’re excited to launch the South Midlands Growth Grant and to see the impact it has on our region.Ruth Roan, South Midlands Growth Hub Manager.

The South Midlands Growth Grant is a catalyst for ambition, unlocking the potential of our region’s business community. This is a strategic investment in innovation, resilience, and growth, aligned with the ambitions set out in our new South Midlands Economic Growth Strategy.

By backing the small and medium-sized businesses that power our economy, we’re not just supporting growth - we’re building a stronger, more dynamic South Midlands that leads with enterprise, confidence, and global competitiveness.Jason Longhurst, Chair of the South Midlands Business Board.

Businesses interested in applying for the South Midlands Growth Grant are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to the Growth Hub, outlining the project and the amount of funding required. The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 5 pm, on 17 December 2025.

Full details of the programme and the link to the Expression of Interest can be found on the South Midlands Growth Hub website.