Funding programme aims to provide perfect platform for business success

The programme – which is being financed by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – will see individual grants ranging from £25,000 to £50,000 being distributed by Leeds City Council.

The grants are intended to enable established local organisations – in the private, public or third sectors – to run knowledge-sharing projects that will help a diverse range of Leeds-based businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators to make the most of their potential.

Organisations applying for a grant will be asked to state whether the project they are hoping to run is designed to drive innovation or comes under the heading of more general business support.

Innovation projects will – via delivery methods such as workshops and one-to-one support – provide business-focused guidance, mentoring and training that is specifically tailored towards fields such as artificial intelligence or financial, health and legal technology.

Activity funded by the grants will be open to new and established businesses as well as prospective entrepreneurs who have yet to set up a business.

Those taking part will, it is anticipated, be able to acquire the kind of skills and contacts that are crucial to success in the fast-moving and highly-competitive digital and tech marketplace.

In the longer term, it is hoped they will go on to devise cutting-edge products, processes and services that will help make Leeds a healthier, greener and more inclusive city.

The funding is also designed to benefit the Leeds economy by showcasing the city’s innovation strengths to potential outside investors.

Business support projects, meanwhile, will be aimed at those operating – or looking to develop an idea – in any sector, not just innovation-led areas such as digital and tech.

It is hoped that these projects will – by providing advice on topics such as skills, planning and engagement – help new and established businesses as well as prospective entrepreneurs to flourish while improving their investor readiness.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

“As a council, we are determined to help people across Leeds – whatever their background or personal circumstances – to reach their full potential.

“This funding programme and the part it can play in individual and city-wide business success is a great example of how we are working to achieve that aim.

“By providing access to top-level expertise and advice, we want the projects being funded by the programme to be truly transformational for a diverse range of businesses, innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“If we can help them grow and find ways to get big results from bright ideas, it is our hope that the city as a whole will also benefit through the creation of jobs and other opportunities.”

For more information about the new funding programme – officially known as the ‘Innovating, Enterprising and Thriving Programme 2025-2026’ – click here.

Applications for a grant to run a project can be made until July 27 and will be assessed by a diverse panel with a strong track record in innovation, business support and social change.

The projects that are chosen to receive funding will have to be delivered by March 31 next year.

Applicants must be registered businesses or, if they are in the public or third sector, have a recognisable trading or operating history.

ENDS