Micro business grant scheme launches

Small businesses can now apply for a finance boost thanks to a new grant initiative.

Blaby District Council’s new Blaby Business Grant Scheme to support micro businesses trading from premises across the District is now open for applications.

The one-year pilot project has a total pot of £25,000 to help local businesses grow. The scheme offers two grants:

•    Shop Front Improvements Grant 
A total pot of £5,000. To improve the appearance, accessibility and safety of local business premises. 

•    Decarbonisation and Business Growth Grant 
A total amount of £20,000, granting up to £3,000 per business (with a requirement for 50% to be match-funded), to help cut carbon emissions, or support a business to improve products, services or ways of working. 
Only one grant may be awarded per business.

To be eligible, businesses must:
•    Employ fewer than 10 full time equivalent staff
•    Have turnover or a balance sheet total of no more than £2 million
•    Trade from premises in Blaby District

Micro businesses employing under 10 people make up around 90% of companies in Blaby District. 

These small companies often struggle to access funding grants because they are unaware of relevant schemes, lack the expertise to apply, or want amounts too small for other schemes.

The pilot scheme is open for applications until 30 June 2026. 

Councillor Nick Chapman, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: "We are proud that thousands of micro businesses choose to make their home in Blaby District and want to provide them with support to grow and flourish.

"We’ve listened to feedback from the business community and know that even small amounts of grant funding can make a real difference. If you’re a micro business looking for a financial boost in Blaby District then I would encourage you to look at the eligibility criteria and to apply."

Full details, eligibility criteria and the online application form are available at: www.blaby.gov.uk/business-grant-scheme 

Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Economic Development