Funding Sources

Our Leading Funding Sources

Identifying the right funding or finance route for your business can be challenging. If you have clear growth ambitions, our experienced advisers can help you assess your plans, understand your options and access the right support at the right time.

High Growth support for Norfolk businesses

Our High Growth Advisers work with ambitious Norfolk businesses to build the leadership, commercial and operational capabilities needed to scale safely and sustainably.
As part of the support your High Growth Adviser will work with you to assess how your project fits with your wider growth plans and identify a range of funding or finance options you may be able to access.
Our fully funded and impartial support helps businesses make confident growth decisions, reduce risk and identify the funding or finance options best suited to their plans.
Our qualified team can support you with:

One-to-one coaching
Comprehensive business diagnostics
Bespoke growth action plans
Capacity planning
Business planning and growth forecasting
Marketing strategy to support your project
Routes to commercialisation
Grant, funding and finance guidance.

Norfolk Business Growth Fund (BGF)

For eligible projects that align with the objectives of Norfolk’s Local Growth Plan, there may be an opportunity to apply for the Norfolk Business Growth Fund.
The fund supports businesses with growth projects that can contribute to Norfolk’s economy. Eligible projects will need to demonstrate outcomes such as:

Improved productivity
Diversification into new markets, products or services
Enhanced existing products or services
Introduction of new products or services
Adoption of technology that is new to the business
Increased export capability
Job creation or business growth in the local area.

Priority will be given to businesses in sectors with strong growth potential, including clean energy, agri-food and agri-tech, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and engineering, digital technology, financial services and insurance, as well as businesses in rural and coastal areas.
The grant can fund up to 30% of supported project costs. The minimum grant is £5,000 and the maximum grant is £50,000. This means the minimum project size is £16,667.

Please note that this is a discretionary grant. Priority is given to applicants that have not received publicly funded support in the last three years, and the grant is intended to support activity that has not previously been grant funded.

Inspiralis, a biotech company that specialises in DNA modifying enzymes and their substrates, received a Business Growth Fund grant in 2026.

Inspiralis invested in a new suite of fermentation bioreactors at Norwich Research Park facility, part-funded by Norfolk County Council through the Business Growth Fund. This new equipment will help increase fermentation capacity, improve turnaround times, support larger and more flexible batch production, and strengthen its ability to supply molecular biology enzymes at bulk scale.

For Inspiralis, this is about moving more of its enzyme production into controlled fermentation: better process control, greater consistency and more flexibility for customers who need reliable enzyme supply.

Natassja Bush, CEO of Inspiralis, said:

“This investment gives us the flexibility and scale we need for the next stage of Inspiralis’ growth. It will help us respond more effectively to bulk enzyme enquiries, support our export ambitions and continue building specialist enzyme manufacturing capability here in Norfolk.”

Further developments are planned over the coming months.

Environair, which manufactures and installs ductwork systems, expanded with a Business Growth Fund grant in 2026

Max Jermy, Managing Director at Environair said: “It’s always intimidating when you’re going through a lot of change. You’re trying to work out what new machines you need to buy, how to monitor the progress, have a look at the progress, see if they’re even the right choice of machines.

“I feel especially it’s been helpful and kind of guide way through it when the head’s in the clouds, bring us back down, and when I’m down, pushing us back up.

“Initially, I thought it was solely grants, but they’ve been brilliant with all the extra help, extra support, helping us utilise the grants to the best and really put a foundation to build from. It’s been absolutely brilliant.”

How to apply for funding

If you would like to understand whether your business or project may be eligible, please fill in our online form on the Contact Us page, selecting either ‘Grants and Funding’ or ‘Scale Up & High Growth support as your reason for enquiry’.
Our Business Growth advisers will work with you to assess your project, explore the most appropriate funding and finance options, and support you with your application where relevant. Please note that the services of the Growth Hub are free and impartial.
Find out more and register your interest.

Suffolk Economy Grants

Grants of between £2,500 and £100,000

The Suffolk Economy Grant (SEG) aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses with funding for digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to adopt new technology, invest in R&D or reduce your carbon footprint, this funding could help take your business to the next level.

How much funding is available:

Micro businesses (Fewer than 10 employees) – Grants of £2,500 to £10,000 to part fund projects at 50% of the total project cost.
Small businesses (10–49 employees) – Grants of £5,000 to £50,000 to part fund projects at 30% of the total project cost.
Medium businesses (50–249 employees) – Grants of £10,000 to £100,000 to part fund projects at 20% of the total project cost.

What can the grant fund?

Digital Transformation and Technology Adoption – Integration of new technology to enhance operations, develop higher quality products, increase productivity or access new markets.
Innovation and R&D – Development and commercialisation of new products, services, or processes that drive clean, productive growth and competitiveness.
Decarbonisation and Sustainability – transition to sustainable models, reduce environmental impact, and improve resource efficiency.

For more information, including eligibility and the decision-making process, read and download the programme criteria Suffolk Economy Grant – Guidance for Applicants.