Funding and grants available for tradies

Running a business can be expensive, with the cost of tools, vehicles, employees, tax, insurance and more, all piling up!

It’s worth looking into whether your business is applicable to any funding, such as grants that might take the pressure off.

Grants and other types of funding may be available for:

• Training – to stay ahead of the competition, you and your employees need to be up to date with the latest techniques, tools and safety standards. A grant might help provide you with the necessary funds for this.
• Tools and Equipment – it’s likely that your tools are the lifeblood of your company, but they can be expensive! There are several grants available to cover the cost of high-quality tools and equipment.
• Getting Started and Growing – if you are just setting up your own business or if you are looking to grow it, grants can often provide the capital needed when there are additional expenses.
• Community Development – as a tradesperson you are likely to play a significant role in your local community through construction, repairs, and maintenance. Funding can often support any projects that improve the community infrastructure and services.
• Sustainability – there are grants available to support initiatives focused on the environment through sustainability and efficiency. These funds are offered to help you adopt environmentally friendly practices and energy-efficient technologies.

Below are some places that you can start looking for grants and funding to support your business development.

Trade Specific Funding

1 – CITB Grants:

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) offers grants for employers in the construction industry who provide training for their workforce. This includes the Skills and Training fund aimed at small and medium-sized construction companies to enhance their training programs.

These grants are available for various capital works, including improvements and enhancements in the construction sector. They are designed to help with the financial aspects of developing land and buildings.

Find out more at CITB

2 – Construction Skills Fund:

Aimed at improving training facilities and on-site training for construction workers, including bricklayers. The fund supports developing new skills and enhancing existing skills within the construction industry.

Aimed at improving training facilities and on-site training for construction workers, the fund supports the development of new skills and the enhancement of existing skills within the construction industry.

Find out more at NFB

3 – Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) Funding:

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) offers various funding and support options for electrical contractors, including training grants and business support.

Find out more at ECA

4 – Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP):

Provides support and grant funding for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses, including welding firms, to help them grow and become more competitive.

Find out more at the Manufacturing Growth Programme

General Business Funding

1 – Find a Grant Service

This service allows you to search for government grants. You can filter the list based on specific criteria, ensuring you find the right funding for your trade and check your eligibility. The service includes grants for individuals, SMEs, and many trades including construction, bricklaying, electricians, plumbing, welding, carpenters, joiners, woodworkers, painters, decorators and more.

Find out more at the Government Grants Service

2 – Innovate UK Funding

Innovate UK offers grants, innovation loans, and expert support for businesses at different stages, including startups and established businesses. Grants range from £25,000 to £10 million for projects that support new technologies and innovations.

Find out more at Innovate UK

3 – Small Business Grants:

Various small business grants are available for tradespeople, through platforms like Small Business.co.uk. These can provide funding for business expansion, equipment purchases, and other growth initiatives.

Find out more at smallbusiness.co.uk

4 – Business Support and Growth Hub Grants:

Regional Growth Hubs provide access to various grants and support schemes for small businesses, including those in many trades. These can include funding for business development, innovation, and skills training.

Find out more at the Growth Hub

Local Business Funding

1 – Local Authority and Regional Grants:

Various local authorities offer grants for small trade businesses. These grants can support business growth, training, and development projects.

For those in the construction industry, many local authorities and regional bodies offer grants for building and construction projects, particularly those that support local development and community improvement. These can include grants for energy efficiency improvements, heritage building restorations, and community infrastructure projects.

Check with your local council for specific opportunities.

2 – Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs):

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) offer funding opportunities for businesses, including painters and decorators, aimed at promoting local economic growth. These can include grants for business expansion and skills training.

Find out more at LEP Network

Funding to Support Young People

1 – Government Apprenticeships:

There are various grants and schemes available to support apprenticeships across the UK. These programs aim to address the skills shortage in trades such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbing engineers. This can help cover the costs associated with hiring and training apprentices.

Find out more at apprenticeships.gov.uk

2 – The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme:

Offers funding and support for young people (aged 18-30) starting their own business. This can include grants, mentoring, and business advice.

Find out more at the Prince’s Trust

Environmental Funding

1 – Green Business Grants:

Are you planning to focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices? You may be eligible for one of the green business grants that support environmentally friendly initiatives.

Find out more at Gov.uk

2 – Energy Efficiency Grants:

If you are a plumber focusing on energy-efficient solutions, such as boiler upgrades or water-saving technologies, you might be eligible for specific grants aimed at promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.

Find out more at Ofgem and NCS

3 – Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS):

If you are looking to purchase and install electric vehicle charge points at your workplace, then you may be able to receive a grant to cover up to 75% of the total costs, capped at £350 per socket.

Find out more at Gov.uk

4 – Plug-in Grant for Low-Emission Vehicles:

This grant offers discounts on the purchase of new low-emission vehicles. The dealer includes the grant value in the vehicle’s price, so no additional application is required.

Find out more at Gov.uk

5 – Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Grant:

This £10 million scheme helps small businesses in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone upgrade to compliant vehicles. Grants are available up to £15,000 for heavy goods vehicles and up to £4,000 for light goods vehicles.

Find out more at Brum Breathes

By exploring these resources, you may be able to find several suitable funding opportunities to support and grow your business.