Enhanced Trade Partnership in Greater Manchester, GM Business Growth Hub, Enhanced Trade Partnership
A programme for fast-growing Greater Manchester businesses preparing to expand internationally, with workshops, a 1-2-1 International Trade Adviser and an export grant of up to £2,500. It is run by the Enhanced Trade Partnership and brings together GM Business Growth Hub, Department for Business and Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Amount
Up to £2,500
Deadline
Closes 22 November 2026 (21 days)
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
Invest Manchester offers a free and confidential package of services tailored to individual business needs, including finance and funding guidance, market intelligence, PR and marketing support, property solutions, recruitment and relocation support.
Deadline
Open all year
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
A fully funded support programme for creative businesses in Greater Manchester offering 1:1 business advice, workshops, masterclasses and networking to help businesses grow and scale.
Amount
Fully funded
Deadline
Open all year
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 7/10Local Landscape rating 7 out of 10
A 12-month support programme for founder-led businesses in Greater Manchester with annual turnover of £1m or above, offering workshops, mentoring, networking and access to investment opportunities.
Amount
fully funded (no amount stated)
Deadline
Open all year
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
Free fully funded training and tailored business support to develop workforce skills, address skills gaps and strengthen workforce resilience for Greater Manchester organisations and individuals.
Amount
fully funded (no amount stated)
Deadline
Open all year
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
Invest Manchester offers a free and confidential package of services tailored to individual business needs, including finance and funding guidance, market intelligence, PR and marketing support, property solutions, recruitment and relocation support.
Deadline
Open all year
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 9/10Local Landscape rating 9 out of 10
CCentre for Sustainable Innovation, University of Salford (with GM Business Growth Hub
A free three-day workshop for Greater Manchester SMEs with an innovation or R&D project ready for its next stage, covering market research, design sprints and advice on finding more funding. Businesses that qualify can then get help applying for technical assistance from an expert.
Amount
Fully funded (free to attend)
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 9/10Local Landscape rating 9 out of 10
A six-week scale-up support programme for businesses in Greater Manchester covering strategy, innovation, customer insight, people management, finance and social value.
Deadline
Apply now for a place on a cohort: cohort 8 starts on 28 January 2027 and cohort 9 on 22 April 2027.
Area
Greater ManchesterRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
For all of North West England, or the whole North 7 schemes
Membership of a life science business network in the North of England, giving access to industry knowledge, expertise, business support and member introductions. Open to life science businesses based in the North of England.
Amount
£195 to £955
Deadline
Open all year
Area
The North of EnglandRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
Support for small and medium-sized manufacturing and engineering businesses in the North West to adopt industrial digital technologies, including expert guidance, match funding, digital interns and leadership training.
Amount
Up to £20,000
Deadline
Open all year
Area
North West EnglandRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
RTC North Ltd is a support provider that delivers publicly funded business support, expert advice and innovation programmes across the North of England, for start-ups, scale-ups, manufacturers and supply chains.
Area
The North of EnglandRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
A funded programme for senior leaders and managers in SMEs, mixing online and face-to-face sessions on digital strategy, identifying priorities and where digital tools can help.
Amount
Described as funded; no amount stated.
Deadline
Next cohort: January 2027
Area
North West EnglandRating 7/10Local Landscape rating 7 out of 10
SThe SSE, School for Social Entrepreneurs, Social Enterprise UK
A free 12-month support programme for charities, social enterprises and community organisations preparing for social investment, with a choice of a Match Trading grant or a repayable grant.
Amount
Up to £24,000
Deadline
Closes 6 November 2026 at 12 noon (5 days)
Area
EnglandRating 9/10Local Landscape rating 9 out of 10
Funding of up to €30,000 and a 9-month training programme for early-stage founders with pre-incorporation business concepts in Materials and Built Environment (fashion and architecture). Includes an in-person Startup Sprint and an online Spark Incubation Programme.
Amount
Up to €30k per project (up to €30,000 in funding per selected venture)
Deadline
Closes 16 November 2026 at 5pm (15 days)
Area
United KingdomRating 7/10Local Landscape rating 7 out of 10
A part-funded security review that helps early-stage UK technology businesses identify and manage key security risks, including those linked to state threats. Participating businesses also receive a £300 Cyber Essentials voucher after the report is submitted.
Amount
Up to £2,500
Deadline
Closes 31 January 2027
Area
United KingdomRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
A government information hub for international businesses expanding into the UK, offering guidance on setting up, tax, visas, bank accounts, funding and finding UK experts. It is aimed at overseas businesses looking to set up in the UK.
Deadline
Open all year
Area
United KingdomRating 6/10Local Landscape rating 6 out of 10
A free, fully-funded programme providing tailored training, digital content, templates, events and 1:1 mentoring to help micro businesses, small businesses and VCSEs win public sector work and become Public Sector Supply Ready.
Amount
FREE to use
Deadline
Open all year
Area
United KingdomRating 9/10Local Landscape rating 9 out of 10
Free, confidential and independent debt advice from a charity for small businesses and self-employed people struggling with debt. Advisers have experience of running small businesses.
Amount
Free
Deadline
Open all year
Area
England, WalesRating 9/10Local Landscape rating 9 out of 10
A not for profit trade association that assists franchise businesses and individuals interested in starting a business through franchising. It offers free franchise guides, free franchise training courses and access to franchise events.
Deadline
Open all year
Area
United KingdomRating 7/10Local Landscape rating 7 out of 10
A membership community for directors and leaders, offering networking, learning resources, and advice services. Membership is open to aspiring directors and those with senior responsibilities, with different tiers available.
Deadline
Open all year
Area
United KingdomRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10
AAdvisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)
Acas offers free, impartial advice on employment rights, rules and best practice, free letters, forms and policy templates, help to resolve disputes without an employment tribunal, and courses and tailored support on employment topics. It is for employees and employers.
Deadline
Open all year
Area
England, Scotland, WalesRating 8/10Local Landscape rating 8 out of 10