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Helping you to understand the funding landscape, identify potential sources of finance and grant funding.

We facilitate access to a wide range of research and development grant funding through a variety of schemes.  Working with innovation ecosystem partners such as the four Greater Manchester Universities, Innovate UK and Research and Technology Organisations, we’ll help you to identify the most appropriate route – from start-up funding to collaborative projects involving small businesses, large companies, universities, and research organisations.

GM Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Team can also provide support with application ideation, reviews, and comments.

Innovation Grants and Vouchers enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Manchester to apply for funding to access expertise, research, and specialist facilities to accelerate the development of innovative products and services for both capital and revenue expenditure.

Innovation Funding for Greater Manchester SMEs

Innovation Vouchers up to £5k are available are available for established SMEs in Greater Manchester subject to eligibility and suitability criteria. And provide an opportunity to commercialise your innovation, accelerate your route to market and realise a rapid return on investment, irrespective of the sector and the technology.

The kind of activities the vouchers can be used to fund include:

●    Access to specialist technical facilities and equipment
●    Product design 
●    Research and development.
●    Knowledge transfer 
●    Consultancy 
●    Testing and validation

Register your interest here

Additional Innovation Grants ranging from £5k up to £25k are available to support R&D and capital expenditure, subject to eligibility and suitability criteria, and for businesses where their innovation has a particular focus on enabling and supporting emerging technologies in the following areas.


•    Sustainable Advanced Materials
•    Diagnostics & Genomics 
•    Artificial Intelligence, Data & Advanced Computing.

For more detailed information and to explore the best options for your business to access innovation funding and support register your interest here

Future Safety – Colin Holmes, Managing Director

"The funding gave us the confidence to drive a big project forward – it was a pivotal factor in our decision to proceed. And I was surprised at how quick and simple the application process was."

Heatsense Cables - Jeremy Kemsley-Pein, Director

"Thanks to this grant, Heatsense can now capitalise on a significant growth opportunity in the aerospace sector. The GM Business Growth Hub Innovation team is outstanding and so committed to supporting SMEs in Greater Manchester – I cannot recommend them highly enough"

Lucid Group Ltd - Alistair Williamson MBA. CPTD, CEng, Managing Director

"The grant enables us to commission subcontract work that accelerates our product’s export potential, leading to growth in jobs, turnover and profit.  All made in Greater Manchester.  Without this funding, our progress would undoubtedly be slower"