Small businesses across the UK are set to benefit from new funding opportunities and expert guidance. Horsham District Council has launched its Green LEAP grant scheme, offering up to £5,000 for climate-friendly projects, while the West of England region hosted a successful Business Growth Service Roadshow, attracting over 100 entrepreneurs.
Green LEAP funding opens for climate-friendly projects
Horsham District Council is inviting local small businesses to apply for its Green LEAP grant scheme, which provides up to £5,000 to support projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability. Applications open on Friday, 10 April 2026, at midday and close on Monday, 20 April 2026, at midday. Funding is limited, so early applications are encouraged.
- Key Takeaways:
- Grants of up to £5,000 available for climate-friendly business projects.
- Aims to help businesses become more sustainable and future-proof.
- Previous recipients, like H2Ogeo, have used the funding for innovative environmental projects, such as automated groundwater monitoring on the River Adur.
The Green LEAP scheme, an extension of the LEAP Small Business Grant Scheme, has previously supported 32 climate-friendly initiatives. These have included transitions to renewable energy, adoption of eco-friendly machinery, and waste reduction processes.
Business Growth Roadshow empowers entrepreneurs
More than 100 business owners and leaders from the West of England region recently attended a Business Growth Service Roadshow, jointly hosted by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and the Department for Business and Trade. The event provided valuable insights into the support available from both regional and national government bodies.
Attendees heard from local entrepreneurs who shared their experiences with business support services. Keynote speakers included Nick Sturge MBE and Annabel Thomas McGregor, who discussed the region’s economic growth and the importance of the Business Growth Service.
Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, highlighted the region’s status as the fastest-growing economy in the UK, with a strong performance in SME growth and micro-business survival rates. He emphasised the Mayor’s strategy to foster further growth, create jobs, and improve opportunities for local people.
The Business Growth Service aims to simplify access to support for businesses, with evidence suggesting that companies seeking external advice experience a significant productivity increase. Andrew Simpson, founder of Apex Pumps, shared how the Growth Hub provided crucial connections and broadened his understanding of available resources.
The West of England Growth Hub offers free, impartial advice and access to finance programs for SMEs, having already assisted businesses like Pinkmans Bakery and Black Laboratory. The roadshow event was held at We The Curious in Bristol.
Sources
- Secure up to £5,000 of Green LEAP funding for your small business, Horsham District Council.
- More than 100 business owners attend growth roadshow, West of England Combined Authority.
