Businesses across Powys are being encouraged to apply for a new round of Business Growth Grants worth between £2,500 and £25,000 to help them invest, innovate and grow.
The grants are being delivered by Powys County Council and funded by the UK Government through the Local Growth Fund.
The Powys Business Growth Grant aims to increase capital investment in businesses with high growth potential, helping them improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness, while also supporting business expansion, job creation and workforce development.
Expressions of Interest open this week and close on 28 September.
The funding can support a range of eligible projects, including:
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The purchase of new or second-hand equipment and machinery that will help develop the business.
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Improvements to commercial premises that support business growth.
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IT and digital hardware linked directly to the proposed project.
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Green factory vehicles used in industrial or manufacturing settings.
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Specialist revenue costs associated with capital investment, such as technical training, installation and commissioning of machinery, specialist software, delivery costs, and the development of websites and e-commerce platforms.
Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “We are committed to supporting ambitious businesses that want to invest, innovate and create opportunities within Powys.
“These grants will help businesses accelerate their growth plans, improve productivity, reach new markets and strengthen their long-term resilience.
“Whether you are a start-up looking to establish yourself, a growing company investing in new equipment, or a social enterprise seeking to expand your impact, this funding could provide valuable support towards achieving your ambitions.”
Each grant award will be based on 50% of eligible costs, up to £25,000, with businesses required to provide match funding from private sector sources. Successful applicants must fund their project expenditure in full before receiving the grant as a reimbursement. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, with value for money, expected impact and growth potential forming key parts of the assessment.
The scheme is open to start-up businesses, micro businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 250 employees, providing they have a registered address in Powys, and the investment supports business operations within the county.
Priority will be given to projects in sectors including advanced manufacturing and engineering, agriculture, horticulture and forestry, construction, digital, energy, food and drink, retail, and tourism and leisure. However, applications from businesses across all sectors will be considered.
EV Sales and Repairs, Brecon, received a Business Capital Grant through Powys County Council worth just over £10,000 last year which it put towards new equipment that will increase service capacity.
Arvydas Kazlauskas and Zoe Powell of EV Sales and Repairs said: “The grant funding has had a huge positive impact on our business. Since purchasing the new equipment, we have been able to work much quicker and increase the number of cars coming in and out of the workshop. We have also been able to carry out more battery upgrades, which are a major part of our business, income, and future growth.”
Businesses are strongly encouraged to seek support from a recognised business support provider when preparing their application. Free advice and guidance are available through Business Wales.
All projects supported through the grant must be completed and claimed by 26 February 2027.
For further information about the Powys Business Growth Grant, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Powys County Council website: https://en.powys.gov.uk/Powys-Business-Growth-Grant
