Grants and funding open to any business in Greater Manchester

Open in the finder →Get email alerts

Only for Greater Manchester 42

Manchester's Rising Stars Fund: grants up to £5,000 for young Mancunians, including to start a businessmax award £5,000 · closes 3 Nov 2026 · with We Love MCR Charity: Manchester's Rising Stars Fund (grants up to £5,000 for young Mancunians)
Greater Manchester Production Fund: £50k to £750k for film and TV made in Greater Manchester (grant or recoupable investment)award £50,000–£750,000 · total pot £10.5m · open all year · with Greater Manchester Production Fund (GMCA) - film and TV
Oldham Council Innovation Grant: up to £10,000 towards capital projects that create jobsmax award £10,000 · open all year · Oldham · with Oldham Council: Innovation Grant (up to £10,000 capital grant)
Wigan Future Apprentices for Business: £3,000 or £5,000 grant to hire a young apprenticeaward £3,000–£5,000 · open all year · Wigan · with Wigan Council: Future Apprentices for Business (FAB) grants (£3,000-£5,000)
Crowdfund Salford match fundingaward from £2,000 · Salford · with Salford City Council: Crowdfund Salford match funding (up to £20,000)
HOME Arches Seed Residenciesmax award £1,500 · with HOME Manchester: Artist Opportunities (commissions, residencies, calls)
Manchester Met Graduate Recruitment Fundaward from £2,000 · with Manchester Met Graduate Recruitment Fund (up to £2,000 per graduate hire)
Stockport Business Finance Schemeaward £500–£250,000 · Stockport · with Stockport Council: Stockport Business Finance Scheme (loans £500-£250,000)
Fully funded sustainability support and energy efficiency grantsFree online carbon calculator, green tech provider directory and Sustainable Growth Toolkit · open all year · with Green Economy: fully funded sustainability support and energy efficiency grants (Greater Manchester)
Access to finance - Greater Manchester and Lancashirenon-cash support · with GOV.UK Finance and Support for Your Business finder
Build A Business GMPersonalised business information plan, market and business research using industry-standard databases, and a comprehensive action plan developed with an Enterprise Officer. · with Build A Business GM (free start-up support in GM libraries)
Business Investment Fund and Commercial Property Fundnon-cash support · with Greater Manchester Investment Fund: Business Investment Fund and Commercial Property Fund (loans and equity)
Enhanced Trade Partnershipnon-cash support · with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce: Enhanced Trade Partnership (export advice)
Free business advice servicenon-cash support · with Invest in Wigan: free business advice service (incl. 12 hours free digital support)
Free inward investment and expansion supportExpert guidance, strategic introductions and signposting to loans, investment, grants and specialist support · with Invest Manchester (MIDAS): free inward investment and expansion support
Free student projects and consultancy for businessesnon-cash support · with Manchester Metropolitan University: free student projects and consultancy for businesses
Funding and finance supportNon-financial advisory support: identifying funding options, improving chances of securing funding or investment, strengthening funding applications and business cases, and connecting with funders, lenders and investors. Contact: 0161 3593050 or the online enquiry form. · with GM Business Growth Hub: funding and finance support (access to finance specialists)
iMentornon-cash support · with iMentor (GM Business Growth Hub mentoring platform)
International Growth advicenon-cash support · with GM Business Growth Hub: International Growth advice (fully funded export support)
Manchester Digital: AIMS - free practical AI support for SMEsnon-cash support · with Manchester Digital: AIMS - free practical AI support for SMEs
Tailored business supportnon-cash support · with Rochdale Development Agency: tailored business support (growth advisor)
Greater Manchester Deep Tech Accelerator: up to £25k equity-free plus six months' support (closes 19 Oct)max award £25,000 · closes 19 Oct 2026 · with Unit M: Greater Manchester Deep Tech Accelerator
MASH UP 2026 at Oldham Coliseum: free mentoring and a sharing day for Oldham creatives aged 18-25 (closes 1 Nov)non-cash support · closes 1 Nov 2026 · Oldham · with Oldham Coliseum Theatre: MASH UP 2026 call-out (young Oldham creatives 18-25)
GM International Scale Up Programmemax award £2,500 · closes 22 Nov 2026 · with GM International Scale Up Programme (up to £2,500 export grant)
ASCEND Scale Upnon-cash support · with GM Business Growth Hub: ASCEND Scale Up (12-month founder programme)
ChallengeAI funded pathways for GM businessesnon-cash support · with Manchester Metropolitan University: ChallengeAI funded pathways for GM businesses
EnterprisingYounon-cash support · with EnterprisingYou (GM self-employment and micro-business support)
Fully funded 8-week accelerator for Salford businessesnon-cash support · Salford · with SPARK Salford: fully funded 8-week accelerator for Salford businesses
Fully funded AI adoption programme for established businessesExpert workshop, 30-day challenge with innovation mentors and technical experts, practical insights into AI applications, a clear roadmap to integrate AI into operations, expert support to design and validate an AI solution, and access to a network of innovators and mentors. · with SPARK AI (Salford): fully funded AI adoption programme for established businesses
HOME Arches free artist studio spacenon-cash support · with HOME Manchester: HOME Arches free artist studio space
IGNITE founder growth programmeWeekly expert workshops, 1-2-1 confidential advice from advisers, peer-to-peer cohort, and access to a wider business network and potential collaborators. · with GM Business Growth Hub: IGNITE founder growth programme (turnover £120k-£250k)
Innovation service and Innovation NavigatorsConnection to sector-specific expertise, university research, technical specialists, labs and facilities. Help to identify the most appropriate research and development grant funding route, with support for application ideation, reviews and comments. · with GM Business Growth Hub: Innovation service and Innovation Navigators
Manchester Met ChallengeAI Acceleratornon-cash support · with Manchester Met ChallengeAI Accelerator (fully funded, 4 days)
Manchester Met Responsible AI SME CharterFully funded programme to test, build and validate AI-powered innovations · with Manchester Met Responsible AI SME Charter (free 2-day programme)
Renold Innovation Hub workspace and business supportnon-cash support · with Sister (Manchester innovation district): Renold Innovation Hub workspace and business support
Spark to Scalenon-cash support · with GM Business Growth Hub: Spark to Scale (6-week scale programme)
University of Salford Innovation LabsThree-day workshop programme with expert guidance; possible post-programme support to apply for technical assistance, where an expert spends time at the business to help develop the project. · Salford · with University of Salford Innovation Labs (fully funded for GM SMEs)
Solar Installer Accelerator: fully funded Level 3 solar PV and battery course for Greater Manchester electriciansnon-cash support · closes 2 Nov 2026 · with Green Economy: Solar Installer Accelerator (fully funded Level 3 solar PV and battery)
Business Continuity Forum - Manchesternon-cash support · with GOV.UK Finance and Support for Your Business finder
Salford Skills for Business Apprenticeship Fundnon-cash support · Salford · with Salford Skills for Business Apprenticeship Fund
Skills Development Servicenon-cash support · with GM Business Growth Hub: Skills Development Service (fully funded workforce training)
Skills for Growth fully funded coursesnon-cash support · with Skills for Growth

Open across the North West 18

Access Funding Scheme for High-end TV Deaf, Disabled & Neurodivergent Crew 2026 - 2027free training (ScreenSkills funded) · closes 16 Nov 2026 · with ScreenSkills training and opportunities (ScreenSkills-funded courses)
IBIC biotech knowledge exchange grants: up to £60k for north-west business-university projects (next deadline 10 Dec)max award £60,000 · closes 10 Dec 2026 · with IBIC: knowledge exchange grants with north-west biotech businesses
Awards for Young Writers 2027award £150–£500 · closes 15 Mar 2027 · with New Writing North: Northern Writers' Awards (all awards and submission windows)
DSW Ventures Seed Investmentaward £100,000–£1,000,000 · open all year · with DSW Ventures (Daresbury-linked seed VC)
Equity Finance, Up to £5 million (North West)max award £5,000,000 · open all year · with Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (British Business Bank)
GC Angelsaward £25,000–£2,000,000 · open all year · with GC Angels
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II - Debt Finance (North West)award £100,000–£2,000,000 · open all year · with FW Capital
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II - Smaller Loansaward £25,000–£100,000 · open all year · with Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (British Business Bank)
PXN Venturesmax award £5,000,000 · open all year · with PXN Ventures (NPIF II North West equity)
Smaller Loans - North West (Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Cumbria)award £25,000–£100,000 · open all year · with Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (British Business Bank)
Regional Growth Fundmax award £150,000 · with Key Fund: social investment funds for the North (incl. Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund)
Creative Incubatornon-cash support · with English National Opera x RNCM: Creative Incubator (North West artists)
Help to Grow: Managementaward £750 · with Help to Grow: Management (LCR business schools)
Manchester Met Knowledge Transfer Partnershipsaward £23,000–£55,000 · with Manchester Met Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Support and investor introductions for female foundersnon-cash support · with Fund Her North: support and investor introductions for female founders
AI Adoption Readinessnon-cash support · with Edge Hill AI Adoption Readiness (PIC SME Hub)
AI Workforce Model for SMEsnon-cash support · with Manchester Digital: AIMS - AI Workforce Model for SMEs (free AI and automation upskilling)
Getting young people into the industrynon-cash support · with Film Hub North (BFI Film Audience Network)

UK-wide 117

Water Efficiency Lab 2: £150,000 to £1.5m for water-saving innovationmax award £150,000 · closes 20 Oct 2026 · with Ofwat Innovation Fund - Water Efficiency Lab 2
Sustainable Darkroom Futures Residency: £3,400 grant and six-month mentored residency for UK artistsaward £3,400 · closes 23 Oct 2026 · with Sustainable Darkroom Futures Residency
Pathways to Work Innovation Fundcloses 26 Oct 2026 · with Action Together: find funding
iX Challenge: Alternative leak repair materials and methods for canal leakage and seepage repairscloses 27 Oct 2026 · with Innovate UK Business Connect (opportunities incl. ICURe)
iX Challenge: Identifying leaks and seepage in canal infrastructurecloses 27 Oct 2026 · with Innovate UK Business Connect (opportunities incl. ICURe)
CfI: Innovation in play to improve child outcomesaward £200,000–£500,000 · total pot £3m · closes 28 Oct 2026 · with UK Research and Innovation funding finder
Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2027: £5,000 to £25,000 for projects celebrating the Windrush generationaward £5,000–£25,000 · closes 29 Oct 2026 · with Windrush Day Grant Scheme (MHCLG, run by Near Neighbours)
BBC Children's Northern Star Project: about £17,000 to develop a children's drama idea (closes 30 Oct)max award £17,000 · closes 30 Oct 2026 · with BBC Children's (Salford) with DR, NPO, NRK and VRT: The Northern Star Project development opportunity
eBay Grants Support Business Growth and Young Talentaward £1,000–£10,000 · closes 30 Oct 2026 · with eBay UK Up & Running Grants
eBay Up & Running Grants: £10,000 for young eBay sellers and youth employersmax award £10,000 · closes 30 Oct 2026 · with eBay UK Up & Running Grants (Young Entrepreneur Edition)
Funding competition Future Leaders Fellowships: Round 11, business and non-academicaward £100,000–£3,000,000 · total pot £110m · closes 4 Nov 2026 · with Innovate UK (Innovation Funding Service)
Simply Businessaward £10,000–£25,000 · closes 12 Nov 2026 · with Action Together: find funding
BFI Skills Fund pilot call: up to £150,000 for a technical and craft skills framework in screenmax award £150,000 · closes 24 Nov 2026 · with BFI National Lottery Skills Fund: Pilot Projects (Call 1)
Funding to Support Black and Mixed Black Heritage Researchers Across the UKaward £13,000–£48,000 · closes 27 Nov 2026 · with Action Together: find funding
UnLtd Awards: up to £18,000 plus support for social entrepreneursmax award £18,000 · closes 30 Nov 2026 · with UnLtd Awards (Starting Up, Scaling Up, Community Climate Action)
Horizon Europe 2026-27: Horizontal Actions - Bridging Actionscloses 18 Mar 2027 · with Innovate UK Business Connect – Opportunities (Robotics & AI)
Workplace Charging Schemecloses 31 Mar 2027 · with GOV.UK Find a Grant
Ada Ventures: £250k to £1m pre-seed for overlooked foundersaward £250,000–£1,000,000 · open all year · with Ada Ventures (pre-seed)
AMSCI Recycled Fund: debt finance, typically £1m to £2m, for established English manufacturing SMEsaward £1,000,000–£2,000,000 · open all year · with AMSCI Recycled Fund (Frontier Development Capital)
Ascension: £150k to £850k pre-seed and seed investmentaward £150,000–£850,000 · open all year · with Ascension (pre-seed and seed)
Bank Referral Schemenon-cash support · open all year · with Bank Referral Scheme (designated finance platforms)
BGF Growth Stage Investment — BGFopen all year · with BGF (Business Growth Fund)
Black Artists Grant — Creative Debutsaward £500 · open all year · with Creative Debuts
British Business Bank Start-up Loansaward £500–£25,000 · open all year · with Start Up Loans
ENABLE Guarantees Programmeopen all year · with ENABLE Guarantees programme (delivery partner lenders)
European Space Agency Open Call For Proposals: Proof-of-concept Studies and Pilot Projectsopen all year · with Innovate UK Business Connect (opportunities incl. ICURe)
Export finance and insurance productsnon-cash support · open all year · with UK Export Finance - Export Finance Manager
Funding opportunity: Knowledge Transfer Partnershipaward £35,000–£50,000 · open all year · with Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Future Fund: Breakthroughopen all year · with Future Fund: Breakthrough
Gay Investor Network: pitch to the UK's LGBTQ+ angel investor syndicateopen all year · with Gay Investor Network (GIN)
Green Asset Financeaward from £5,000 · open all year · with Barclays Green Loans for Business
Green Commercial Mortgageopen all year · with Barclays Green Loans for Business
Green Loans for Businessaward from £25,001 · open all year · with Barclays Green Loans for Business
Green Pension Loans (SIPP & SSAS)open all year · with Barclays Green Loans for Business
Growth Capital — YFM Equity Partnersaward £3,000,000–£15,000,000 · open all year · with YFM Equity Partners
Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)award £1,000–£2,000,000 · open all year · with British Business Bank Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)
Handelsbanken UK Sustainable LoansLower interest rates · open all year · with Handelsbanken UK Sustainable Loans (lower rate for climate purposes)
HSBC UK AI & Productivity Financing Initiative£5bn · open all year · with HSBC UK AI & Productivity Financing Initiative
HSBC UK Business Impact Initiativeaward from £300,000 · open all year · with HSBC UK Business Impact Initiative (B Corp fee discount)
Impact X Capital: pre-seed to Series A for under-represented foundersopen all year · with Impact X Capital

Showing 40 of 117. See them all in the finder →

International, open to UK applicants 22

European Space Agency: co-funding for space-enabled smart grid resilience projects (proof-of-concept and pilots)closes 27 Nov 2026 · with European Space Agency: Smart and Resilient Energy Systems
EUREKA Innowwide: up to €60,000 to test a market outside Europenon-cash support · closes 1 Dec 2026 · with EUREKA Innowwide (market feasibility outside Europe)
Women TechEU 2 EIC: €75,000 for women-led deep tech startupscloses 14 Jan 2027 · with Women TechEU
EIC Pre-Accelerator — European Innovation Councilnon-cash support · closes 5 May 2027 · with European Innovation Council (EISMEA)
Emergent Ventures: fellowships and grants for high-impact ideasopen all year · with Emergent Ventures (Mercatus Center)
EWOR Fellowship: up to €500k for ambitious foundersopen all year · with EWOR Fellowship
identity.vc — pre-seed and seed investment for LGBTQ+-led startupsopen all year · with identity.vc
Thiel Fellowship: $250,000 for founders aged 22 or underopen all year · with Thiel Fellowship
United Utilities: submit an innovation ideaReview of submitted ideas by a multidisciplinary United Utilities team, with feedback within two weeks of submission. Possible outcomes include a request for more information, a longer review with experts, or feedback explaining why the idea is not suitable. Pitch videos can be shared with other water companies to find potential partners via Water Innovation 2050. · open all year · with United Utilities: submit an innovation idea (rolling)
EIC Accelerator — European Innovation Councilnon-cash support · with European Innovation Council (EISMEA)

Showing 10 of 22. See them all in the finder →

Questions

How many opportunities are open open to any business in Greater Manchester?

On 18 October 2026 Bearings lists 199 live opportunities a business based in Greater Manchester can apply for: 88 grants, loans, investment and prizes, 84 programmes, advice and support, 27 training offers. 42 are only for Greater Manchester, 18 are open across the North West and 139 are UK-wide or international.

Which funding closes soonest?

Water Efficiency Lab 2: £150,000 to £1.5m for water-saving innovation (closes 20 Oct 2026)
Sustainable Darkroom Futures Residency: £3,400 grant and six-month mentored residency for UK artists (closes 23 Oct 2026)
Pathways to Work Innovation Fund (closes 26 Oct 2026)

How do I hear about new ones?

Other sectors in Greater Manchester

Any sector in other areas

Bearings is free and independent, and not affiliated with any funder. It checks its sources every day; always check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the provider's own page before applying. Updated 18 October 2026.

Funding and support open to any business in Greater Manchester