Grant Funding for Welsh SMEs – What’s Available in Summer 2025?

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Welsh SMEs continue to face pressure from rising costs, decarbonisation goals, and post-Brexit adaptation but there is a range of financial support available to help local businesses grow, upskill, and invest wisely this summer.

If you're a small, family-run business based in Wales or the wider UK, here’s a breakdown of the key funding and grant opportunities available in Summer 2025 and how we can help you access them.

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1. Business Wales Funding Search Tool

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The Welsh Government’s central database of grants and loans is the first port of call for most SMEs. You can filter by business type, size, and region to see what you’re eligible for, from small capital grants to large-scale investment and training support.

Tip: We can help prepare the cash flow forecasts and management accounts often required for successful applications.

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2. Local Authority Business Support Grants

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Each Welsh local authority offers tailored support for local SMEs - typically in the form of match-funded grants for growth, start-ups, shop improvements, or job creation. These grants are limited and competitive, but still active in several areas.

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Example Schemes (2025):
Bridgend County – Start-Up Grant (£250–£4,000)

Carmarthenshire – Growth Grant (£1,000–£50,000, up to 50% of project cost)

Ceredigion – Shopfront Improvements & Capital Equipment

Powys – Micro-Business & Rural Economy Support

Funding windows are often rolling, but early application is key. We recommend checking your council's business funding page or speaking to us directly.

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3. Net Zero & Energy Efficiency Grants

Many councils continue to offer support to businesses that want to cut their energy use or invest in decarbonisation. Typical support includes:

-Solar panels & renewable energy

-LED lighting and insulation

-Electric vehicle charging points

-Funded energy efficiency audits

-These grants often form part of local climate action or sustainability strategies and can reduce both bills and your carbon footprint.

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4. Flexible Skills Programme

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The Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme supports up to 50% of training costs for eligible SMEs.

Funding focuses on:

-Digital transformation

-Net zero skills

-Manufacturing & engineering

-Leadership & business resilience

-Tourism and food production

Training must be delivered by approved providers and lead to measurable upskilling.

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5. UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) – Local Business Grants

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The UK SPF provides £900 million in national funding for 2025–26 to support business growth, innovation, and skills. However, it's administered by local authorities, and availability varies.

Some areas (e.g. Swansea) have fully allocated their funding.

Others (e.g. Carmarthenshire, Bridgend) still have live programmes.

Each council sets its own priorities, which may include:

Digital tools and innovation

Workspace upgrades

Green infrastructure

Workforce development

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6. Tourism-Specific Grant: Visit Wales

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Tourism and hospitality businesses can still access the Weatherproofing the Visitor Economy grant via Visit Wales.

Grant size: £5,000–£20,000

Covers up to 75% of eligible costs

Fundable items: covered seating, outdoor heating, lighting, accessibility, and shade structures

This support aims to help tourism businesses stay open longer and remain viable in changing weather and visitor patterns.

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What We Offer

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Applying for grants can feel complex, but that’s where we come in.

Our team can help:

-Prepare financial forecasts and business plans
-Gather evidence for eligibility
-review application forms
-Advise on VAT and capital treatment

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Final Thought

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Thousands of pounds in grant funding is being left on the table by Welsh SMEs simply because they don’t realise they’re eligible or they don’t know where to start.

If you’re planning to grow, train, or invest in your business this year, get in touch and we’ll help you explore your options.