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. 

The programme compromises of three grant schemes designed to support businesses at different stages of development and across key sectors of the local economy. Funding will be awarded through a competitive two-stage application process consisting of an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage followed by a full application stage for eligible applicants. 

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) 

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

Before you Apply

Before submitting an Expression of Interest, we recommend that you:

• Choose the grant scheme most appropriate to your business and project.
• Complete the Initial Eligibility Checker.
• Read the Guidance Notes and Eligibility Criteria carefully.
• Check that your project aligns with the objectives of the chosen scheme.
• Consider project costs, funding requirements and delivery timescales before applying.

If you're unsure which scheme is most suitable, the Blaenau Gwent Business Hub team is here to help.

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.