Whether you’re planning a shop refurbishment, replacing equipment, improving energy efficiency or investing in new technology, there may be grants, loans and free business support available to help.
At Hello Dorking, we’re often asked whether there is funding available for projects such as new signage, air conditioning, accessibility improvements or digital upgrades. While funding opportunities change throughout the year, there are a number of organisations that regularly offer support to small businesses.
What kinds of projects can receive support?
Depending on the funding programme, support may be available for projects including:
- Shop refurbishments and customer experience improvements
- Digital technology, EPOS systems and e-commerce
- Energy efficiency measures, including LED lighting, refrigeration upgrades and heating or cooling systems
- Accessibility improvements
- Staff training and apprenticeships
- Marketing and business growth
- Innovation and productivity improvements
- Sustainability projects
Every funding programme has different eligibility criteria, so it’s important to check the details before applying.
Funding opportunities worth exploring
Business Surrey
Business Surrey is a good first stop for most Surrey businesses. It provides free one-to-one business advice, workshops, specialist support and signposts businesses to current grants and funding opportunities. Business Surrey also oversees the Surrey Economic Growth Fund and can help identify the most appropriate support for your business. They also do a monthly funding round-up so it is worth getting on their mailing list for that alone.
Start Up Loans
If your business is less than three years old, or you’re planning to open a new retail business, the Government-backed Start Up Loans programme may be worth exploring. Loans of up to £25,000 per director are available, together with free mentoring and business support. While this isn’t a grant, it can provide affordable finance for shop fit-outs, equipment, stock and other start-up costs.
Energy efficiency support
Businesses looking to reduce energy costs should keep an eye on Business Surrey and other Government-backed business support programmes. Funding is regularly available for projects such as LED lighting, heating and cooling upgrades, refrigeration improvements, solar panels and other energy-saving investments.
Government Finance & Support Finder
The Government’s online Finance & Support Finder brings together hundreds of grants, loans and business support programmes from across the UK. Businesses can search by sector, location and business stage to find opportunities that match their needs.
Think beyond grants
Grants can be incredibly valuable, but they’re only one source of support.
Businesses may also benefit from:
- Free specialist business advice
- Leadership and digital training
- Start Up Loans and business finance
- Innovation support
- Apprenticeship funding
- Energy efficiency advice
- Networking and mentoring programmes
Sometimes the right advice or support programme can be just as valuable as financial assistance.
Planning ahead improves your chances
Many grants open for a limited period and can be highly competitive.
Businesses that have already identified their priorities, gathered quotations and prepared a simple project plan are often in a much stronger position when funding opportunities become available.
If you’re considering investing over the next 12–24 months, now is a good time to start planning.
How Hello Dorking can help
Our aim is simple: to help bring more external investment into Dorking, supporting local businesses to grow, improve and thrive.
If you’re planning an investment in your business, whether it’s a shop refurbishment, new equipment, energy efficiency improvements, digital technology or staff training, we’d love to hear from you. While Hello Dorking doesn’t award grants, we can help point you towards funding opportunities, finance and business support that may be available.
