Financial Support
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is pleased to launch the economic stimulus funds programme, a new package of grant funding designed to support business start-up, growth, investment, productivity improvements and economic resilience across Blaenau Gwent.
Funded by the UK Governments Local Growth Fund and delivered through the Blaenau Gwent Business Hub, the programme will provide financial support to the eligible businesses looking to invest in projects that strengthen their operations, improve productivity, create employment opportunities and contribute to the future growth of the local economy.
Programme Update
The Expression of Interest stage for the 2026/27 Economic Stimulus Funds Programme closed at midnight on 13 September 2026.
Expressions of Interest are currently being assessed and eligible applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application between 21 and 22 September 2026.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their Expression of Interest. Eligible applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application between 21 and 22 September 2026. Applicants who have not been successful in progressing to the next stage will also be notified following completion of the assessment process.
Choose the right Grant for Your Business
- Business Start-Up Grant
For individuals looking to start a business and businesses that have been trading for up to 6 months.
Supporting new business creation, business establishment and early-stage growth.
- Business Development Grant
For manufacturing businesses and businesses that supply products or services to the manufacturing sector.
Supporting investment projects that drive business growth, improve productivity, encourage innovation and create employment opportunities.
- Retail, Service, Hospitality & Tourism Growth Grant
For businesses operating within the retail, service, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Supporting investment projects that enable businesses to grow, improve productivity, create employment opportunities, enhance customer experiences and strength their long-term sustainability.
How the Application Process Works
Funding is awarded through a competitive two-stage application process:
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) - CLOSED
Stage 2: Full Application (By invitation only)
Applicants are encouraged to review the guidance notes an d eligibility criteria for their chosen grant scheme before applying.
Key Dates
- 1 September 2026 - Expression of Interest Opens
- 13 September 2026 - Expression of Interest Submission Deadline
- 21-22 September 2026 – Applications Issued to Eligible Projects
- 11 October 2026 - Full Application Submission Deadline
- From 9 November 2026 - Funding Decisions Issued
What Happens Next?
Expressions of Interest are currently being assessed against:
- Eligibility requirements.
- Programme objectives and priorities.
- Strategic fit.
- Anticipated economic impact.
- Deliverability of the proposed project.
Successful applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application and will receive:
- A Full Application Form.
- Application Guidance Notes.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
- Details of the supporting evidence required to support their application.
Full Applications will be assessed in detail and applicants will be required to demonstrate project deliverability, value for money, financial viability and anticipated economic impact.
Need Further Information?
For more detailed information on each grant scheme, please select the relevant grant tile below to view the scheme guidance and eligibility criteria.
If you have any questions regarding the programme, please contact the Blaenau Gwent Business Hub team.
Funded by the UK Government's Local Growth Fund
The Economic Stimulus Funds Programme is funded by the UK Government through the Local Growth Fund and delivered by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to support business growth, investment and economic development across Blaenau Gwent.
For more detailed information on each of the grants please click through to the relevant grant tile below.
