Grants and loans for existing businesses

Existing businesses can apply for a variety of financial support options from the government and the private sector.

We also publish information on grants and loans for new businesses.

Many grant schemes are only open to new applicants for a limited period. Business grant schemes may also be specific to:

• certain types of business
• specific types of investment
• businesses within a specific location.  

Government grants and financial support from New Forest District Council

We do not have our own business grants scheme, but we administer the following grants either on behalf of the government or in collaboration with our partners. 

Rural England Prosperity Fund

Local Authorities have been allocated funding from Government under the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

We are awaiting approval of our investment proposals by government as well as additional guidance as to the management of the Rural Fund.

Once we have the go-ahead from government to launch the Rural Fund, any opportunities for businesses will be publicised in our free business support enewsletter and on Twitter: @NFDCBizUpdates. You can Sign up to the Business Support eNewsletter here.

There will also be information on this webpage.

Grants and financial support from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership  

The New Forest is served by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). This was formed after the government offered local areas the opportunity to take control of their future economic development. It is a locally owned partnership between businesses and local authorities.   

Solent LEP have a range of funding opportunities. Their team can also use a free grant finder service while speaking to you over the phone to source finance and grant funding from around the world. Contact Solent LEP.

GetSet for Growth

GetSet for Growth offers fully funded support to help ambitious businesses achieve their growth potential, thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Through a flexible and tailored programme of support including workshops, masterclasses, 1:1 advice and mentoring. GetSet for Growth work to build knowledge, skills and confidence in local SMEs.  

Alongside their business growth support, their grant programme can provide 25% in grant funding, giving companies access to up to £25k of support to invest in their business growth projects. Find out about GetSet for Growth.