Start-up Funding and Business Grants

This blog was updated January 2025.

Starting a business from the ground up is no small feat, and one of the key ingredients for success is securing the necessary funding and grants.
If you’re a budding entrepreneur in Norwich, or considering launching your startup here, you’re in the right place. Norfolk has 33% more entrepreneurs than the national average with 43% start-up retention rate after 5 years.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of funding and grant opportunities available for businesses in Norwich, from innovative tech ventures to creative enterprises.

If you know of any additional funding opportunities for business in Norwich get in touch with us.

Small Grant Scheme

New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership for Norfolk & Suffolk

If you have a growing business which is looking to become more productive, create new products, expand into new markets or invest in new technology to become more competitive, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has grants available of up to £25,000 to part-fund projects to a maximum of 25% of total project costs. The minimum grant available is £2,500.

Who can apply?
You must be an established SME and be able to provide accounts covering at least two years.

What kind of projects can the scheme support?
The scheme can support businesses looking to invest in plant, equipment, or software to become more productive or efficient, needing to purchase new equipment to diversify or create new products or services, as well as investing in staff training or modifying their premises.

How does the application process work?
Businesses wishing to apply for support should first contact the New Anglia Growth Hub here. Their expert Business Growth Advisers will work with you to develop your funding application, and you’ll receive advice and support as required during the application process.

*Please note the the New Anglia LEP, is transferring its functions into Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils from 1 April 2024. Please see their website for more information.

Find out more

Growth Innovation Fund

New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership for Norfolk & Suffolk

If you have plans to invest in a research and development or innovation project, you could benefit from a grant of between £2,500 and £25,000 from New Anglia LEP’s Growth Through Innovation Fund. The grant can pay up to 45% of the total eligible costs of your projects.

Who can apply?
You must be classed as a small or medium enterprise (SME) and located within the boundaries of Norfolk and Suffolk county council areas.

What kind of projects can the scheme support?
Businesses can apply for help towards the costs of designing, building, and testing prototypes of new or better products, adopting innovative digital technologies, patenting ideas or inventions, or investing in external specialist knowledge to improve products, services, or processes.

How does the application process work?
Businesses wishing to apply for support should first contact the New Anglia Growth Hub here. Their expert Business Growth Advisers will work with you to develop your funding application, and you’ll receive advice and support as required during the application process.

*Please note the the New Anglia LEP, is transferring its functions into Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils from 1 April 2024. Please see their website for more information.

Find out more

Business Journey to Net Zero

New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership for Norfolk & Suffolk

New Anglia LEP’s Business Transition to Net Zero Grant can provide funding to businesses in Norwich to help them operate more sustainably, reduce their carbon footprint and increase productivity.

Grants between £25k and £100k are available, with a maximum intervention rate of 20% of the cost of the development. To be awarded the minimum of £25k, you must show total project costs of at least £125k.

Who can apply?
Funding is available to businesses based in Norfolk who employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of less than €50m or annual balance sheet less than €43m.

Your business must not fall into one of the following sectors: primary agriculture (including processing and marketing of agricultural products), horticulture, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, coal, steel, shipbuilding, care, education, retail, hospitality, or accommodation.

What kind of projects can the scheme support?
The grant is to support capital developments. Visit the New Anglia website for the full list of eligibility criteria.

How does the application process work?
Businesses wishing to apply for support should first contact the New Anglia Growth Hub here. Their expert Business Growth Advisers will work with you to develop your funding application, and you’ll receive advice and support as required during the application process.

*Please note the the New Anglia LEP, is transferring its functions into Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils from 1 April 2024. Please see their website for more information.

Find out more

Additional Funding

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Antonia Kooks Bartels

After traveling the world and living in seven different cities across three continents, accredited coach Antonia “Kooks” Bartels finally found her place in Norwich. She now supports people through major career transitions and has found real value in the city’s warm and welcoming professional networks. Curious what drew her in? Read Antonia "Kooks" blog to see why her global journey led straight to Norwich’s doorstep

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