East Midlands launches £8.1M grant fund to back 500 businesses

What's the deal? The East Midlands Combined County AuthorityDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has launched an £8.1 million Business Investment Fund offering grants to small and medium-sized enterprises across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire. Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward committed the funding to help firms invest, grow, and become more productive over the next four years.

What's the endgame? The fund runs through two strands. The Business Growth and Productivity Grant covers machinery, equipment, technology, innovation, and expansion projects; the Business Energy Saving Grant supports energy efficiency measures and lower-carbon technologies to cut costs.

Over its lifetime, the programme is expected to support about 500 businesses and unlock £19 million in additional private investment. Recipients will also be connected to wider advice and support services.

Why now? Ward pointed to a tough backdrop. "Businesses across the East Midlands are navigating an increasingly challenging and uncertain economic climate," she said, adding that "the risks and costs associated with investing can often hold them back."

The fund aims to lower that barrier. "This fund is designed to help make that investment less risky, giving businesses the confidence to invest," Ward said.

The signal: The launch reflects how regional authorities are using targeted grants to spur local growth and productivity, tying public money to private investment and lower-carbon goals. For SMEs weighing capital spending in an uncertain climate, the offer is a de-risking tool aimed at safeguarding jobs and strengthening the regional economy.

Read more: marketingderby.co.uk

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