Securing finance is vital when launching or scaling a business. Surrey offers several avenues—from grants and loans to structured funds for support. Here’s a practical guide, paired with how a strong website from Cude Design can help you qualify and stand out.
Introduction to Business Finance
Surrey County Council offers various business grants and financial assistance linked to economic growth initiatives. One key scheme is the Economic Growth Fund, which delivers immediate investment aimed at boosting economic outcomes. Businesses can access grants, loans, or equity from approved finance suppliers to support innovation and help with job creation.
The fund application process is user‑friendly and has just two steps:
- Submit an expression of interest
- Complete a full application
You can find full details and guides on the Business Surrey website.
Economic Growth
The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is specifically designed to stimulate local economic growth for business start-ups. It consolidates multiple public investment streams, including the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, into a single application portal.
It ties directly into Surrey’s refreshed economic strategy highlights, emphasising innovation, physical infrastructure, and financial backing for businesses. Surrey’s aim is to be among the UK’s leading regional economies, with strong benefits for local communities. This fund plays a crucial role in achieving that, with a clear focus on creating employment opportunities.
Economic Growth Fund Details
The Economic Growth Fund consolidates multiple public investment streams into a single, streamlined application process. It aims to boost business growth and improve Surrey’s economic infrastructure. To qualify, applicants must show how their project will deliver measurable economic outcomes across one or more of the council’s three key priorities:
- Workforce and skills
- Business growth
- Economic infrastructure
This year, the fund is offering up to £7 million to support innovative ideas that help drive sustainable growth across the region.
The first round of funding focuses on three areas:
- Business Growth Grants
Open to companies of all sizes. These grants support scaling up and creating jobs. You can apply for match funding between £10,000 and £50,000, covering up to 50% of project costs. - Innovation Spaces Fund
This fund targets physical infrastructure, including training hubs, collaborative workspaces, and testing facilities. A minimum bid of £50,000 applies. Ideal for projects that help build Surrey’s capacity for innovation. - Future Surrey Fund
Open to a broader group, including employer representative groups, local authorities, research institutions, and schools. Projects should focus on innovative ideas that can scale and deliver meaningful economic impact across Surrey.
The application process consists of two steps: an expression of interest, followed by a full application. Detailed guidance, including closing dates and eligibility, is available on the official Economic Growth Fund page.
Business Growth Opportunities
The Economic Growth Fund is key to supporting business growth in Surrey. It’s designed to help high-growth businesses and start-ups from R&D facilities to testing facilities and training hubs—so that innovation can thrive. The fund also supports shared workspaces and social enterprises that bring clear benefits to the community. With a minimum bid size and a focus on delivering a positive economic impact, Surrey ensures the process remains simple and accessible.
Useful Links for Applying
- Economic Growth Fund (Surrey County Council) – Full details on the three funding streams, eligibility, and application steps.
Apply through the Business Surrey portal: Economic Growth Fund - Economic Growth Fund Application Form – Use this to submit your Expression of Interest.
Access it on the Business Surrey website: Economic Growth Fund Application Form - Business Surrey – Innovate & Funding – Overview of who can apply, round dates, and criteria for businesses, partner organisations, and employer groups.
Find it here: Business Surrey – Innovate & Funding
Need Help with Your Website?
A strong website is often a key component of a successful funding application. At Cude Design, we build websites that:
- Convert visitors into leads
- Align with local SEO and fund priorities
- Highlight your business case and credibility
- Showcase your innovation, projects, and community commitment
When applying to the Economic Growth Fund, a clear and professional site shows you’ve done your homework. It’s essential for both fund panels and potential customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available to start a business?
New business owners can access business grants, loans, or equity via Surrey County Council and the Economic Growth Fund. Grants may support equipment, research, staff training, or operational costs. You can also receive match funding if combining council aid with private investment. Projects must show economic outcomes such as new job creation or local infrastructure improvements. Applications begin with a short expression of interest.
What is the best way to get a small business grant?
Start by outlining your project costs and expected results, such as hiring staff, building a workspace, or launching new products. Check the Business Surrey website for open calls. Make sure your business aligns with local priorities, such as industrial innovation, community impact, or economic infrastructure development. Then submit your expression of interest. A well‑organised website can help this step. Fund panels often review your online presence.
Where is the best place to look for small business grants?
Begin with the Business Surrey and Surrey County Council websites, which include updates on economic growth fund rounds and information on business growth grants. If you’re part of an employer representative group, they may also have updates. Look out for streams such as the new Economic Growth Fund, Innovation Spaces Fund, or UK Shared Prosperity funding. Checking these sources regularly will help you stay informed about funding opportunities in Surrey.
Final Thoughts
Surrey offers robust support for businesses through grants, loan schemes, and the Economic Growth Fund, all designed to encourage local startup growth, innovation, and community benefit. But these schemes favour well-organised businesses with solid plans and visible credibility. That’s where Cude Design comes in.
We build professional, SEO-ready websites that strengthen your brand and enhance your online presence. Whether you’re a startup seeking early funding or an established firm aiming for your next growth phase, we’ll make sure your site works as hard as you do.
Ready to grow? Let’s build a website that secures your funding and drives your ambitions forward.
