Grant for Business Investment

Grant for Business Investment (GBI) is aimed at businesses of all sizes looking to invest in assisted areas that need a grant to take their vision forward.  
 
The scheme focuses support on high-quality, innovative, knowledge-based projects that lead to long-term improvements in productivity, skills and employment in South West England. The majority of jobs created are expected to be at NVQ Level 2 and above. For further details visit the GBI web page.

Grant for Research and Development

The Grant for Research and Development is a Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform initiative which provides funding to help individuals and small and medium-sized businesses research and develop technologically innovative products and processes. For details visit the Grant for R and D web page. 
 
 

Grants and Support Directory

Business Link in the South West provides a Grants and Support Directory that allows you to search for potential sources of help with starting up or business development.  
 
The database contains grant and support schemes from central and local government as well as private organisations. Some of the schemes offer financial assistance, while some offer free or subsidised services ranging from advice through to practical involvement with projects. While many schemes are available nationally, some are targeted locally. Depending on your location, type of business and what you need the funds for, you may be eligible for a number of schemes in the GSD.

Solutions for Business

'Solutions for Business - funded by government' is a package of business support to help companies start, grow and succeed. 
 
The following publication gives details of the products and services available: Solutions for Business leaflet (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 746.45kb)

South West Loans Fund

The South West Loans Fund supports small and medium-sized businesses, with viable business plans, that are unable to raise finance from traditional commercial sources. The fund is able to provide loans of up to £250,000, on fully commercial terms, to eligible, growth-oriented businesses. 
 
The £10million fund has been established jointly by the South West of England Regional Development Agency, the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Convergence Operational Programme ERDF 2007-2013 and the South West of England, excluding Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Competitiveness and Employment Programme ERDF 2007-2013. The fund offers two 'Solutions for Business' products:

• Finance for Business for loans of up to £250,000
• Small Loans for Business for loans of up to £50,000

For more information 
 
Initial enquiries should be made through Business Link who can advise on eligibility and take businesses through the first stage of the application process. They can also provide further information on this fund and other potential sources of finance. Contact: www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest or call 0845 600 9966.