The Business Growth Fund (BGF) provides grants for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in North Lanarkshire with fewer than 250 employees. The fund aims to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the business.

If you have a project or activity that will help grow your business, the fund can cover up to 50% of your eligible costs, up to a maximum of £50,000. 

You can use the funding for:

• capital expenditure
• infrastructure improvements
• training
• consultancy
• attending trade shows and exhibitions

Applications are encouraged that will:

• introduce new or improved products, processes, or services
• assist growth in new domestic or international markets
• support digital transformation through digital technologies and ecommerce
• support the implementation of carbon reduction technologies and processes to help businesses achieve their net zero objectives

The funding cannot be used as working capital to cover everyday business operations.

The maximum funding you can receive will vary depending on the type of project. For capital expenditure, infrastructure improvement and combined capital and infrastructure projects, the maximum award is £50,000. For consultancy support, the maximum award is £5,000. For exhibition and training support, the maximum award is £4,000. 

If you have received a grant from the Business Recovery and Growth Fund or the Business Growth Fund in the last 24 months, the amount you receive from this fund will be reduced. The exact amount will be discussed during your application process.

To be eligible for this programme, you should: 

• be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 250 employees
• have been actively trading for at least 12 months at the time you apply
• be based in North Lanarkshire.

The following sectors are not eligible:

• businesses in the gambling and betting sector
• bars, public houses and other drinking establishments
• large retail businesses

Full details of the eligibility criteria are available on the North Lanarkshire Council website.

It is free to apply for this grant.

The grant can cover up to 50% of your eligible project costs, up to a maximum of £50,000. You will need to cover any remaining costs from other sources.

You can only claim your grant after the work has been completed and you've submitted evidence of money spent. This means you'll need to be able to cover all costs upfront before you reclaim the costs through the grant.

Small and medium-sized businesses based in North Lanarkshire.

After you submit your application, it will take at least 3 weeks to receive your final decision letter. The timescale can vary depending on the complexity of your application.

The North Lanarkshire Business Growth Programme is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Visit the North Lanarkshire Council website for more information.