Shropshire businesses are being encouraged to apply for funding through the latest round of grants aimed at fostering local business growth and innovation. Gary Spence, Shropshire Council’s external funding and technical lead officer within the business growth and investment team, highlighted the success and popularity of the grant program:

“This grant continues to be popular. On each of the previous occasions we have invited applications, we’ve been forced to close the process within a week because of the overwhelming response,” said Gary Spence. “We ask businesses to note this date and complete their EOIs right away to avoid disappointment. We’d also like to remind potential applicants to check the criteria both in terms of their eligibility, and what can – and cannot – be funded before applying.”

Eligibility and Application Process

The grant is available to businesses with between one and 49 employees that are physically located within the Shropshire Council local authority area. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate how the grant will help them create new employment opportunities or develop new products, processes, or services within their business. Additionally, businesses will need to match-fund the amount of the grant applied for by at least 50% of the total investment.

As in previous rounds, all applicants are required to complete an initial online Expression of Interest (EOI) form. This initial form will be assessed, and successful projects will be invited to submit a more detailed application.

Supporting Local Business Growth

Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the grant program:

“It’s gratifying to see the positive results of this grant. Its popularity proves that this is exactly the sort of support that our small businesses are seeking,” said Mark Jones. “The funding we have been able to access on their behalf is truly helping us to deliver on our promise to create a healthy economy in Shropshire.”

Businesses interested in applying can find details and access the EOI form at the Shropshire Council website: UKSPF Expression of Interest Form Guidance. For any questions or queries about applying, businesses can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note that queries cannot be handled over the phone.

About the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has provided £2.6 billion for local investment to be utilized by March 2025, with Shropshire securing £15 million for various projects across the region. The fund aims to boost community pride and improve life chances across the UK by investing in communities, supporting local businesses, and enhancing people’s skills.

For more information about the projects being funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Shropshire, visit: Invest in Shropshire - UK Shared Prosperity Projects.

Businesses are advised to act quickly to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to grow your business and contribute to the prosperity of Shropshire.