Digital & tech grants in England
Grants for software, AI, websites and automation open to businesses in England, from national programmes to council funds. Tell us your region to narrow it down.
- 12 open or opening soon
- Every scheme links to its funder
- Free supplier quotes in 72 hours
Find your grant
Many tech grants in England are local. Councils, combined authorities and Growth Hubs run funds for businesses in their own area, usually paying a share of the cost of new software, a website or online shop, or equipment that makes the business more productive. Rules, amounts and deadlines differ from one area to the next, and many funds close early once the money is allocated.
Made Smarter’s adoption programme runs across several English regions. It helps manufacturing SMEs adopt digital technology, and each region has its own page and its own team.
Pick your region below to see what applies where you are. A scheme for one region won’t accept businesses from another.
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12 schemes open or opening soon
Made Smarter Adoption (North West)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereNorth WestFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for North West manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Turnover under £36m or balance sheet under £18m
What it pays for
- Equipment to implement digital technology projects
- Specialist advice to implement projects
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Made Smarter Adoption (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereYorkshire and the HumberFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for Yorkshire and the Humber manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Turnover under £36m or balance sheet under £18m
- Projects must show clear additionality
- Grants are paid retrospectively
What it pays for
- Industry 4.0 technology adoption for projects identified through your digital assessment
- Consultant or academic expertise for targeted projects (up to 50% match funding)
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Made Smarter Adoption (East Midlands)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereEast MidlandsFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for East Midlands manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
What it pays for
- Equipment and/or specialist advice for Industrial Digital Technology projects
- Cognitive computing and AI (machine learning)
- Data and systems integration; big data and analytics
- Internet of Things (sensors, barcode, RFID etc.), mobile devices and wearables
- AR and VR; additive manufacturing; industrial cyber security
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Made Smarter Adoption (West Midlands)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereWest MidlandsFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for West Midlands manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Advanced manufacturing and engineering SMEs
What it pays for
- Digital technology equipment to implement projects
- Specialist advice to implement projects
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Made Smarter Adoption (South East)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereSouth EastFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for South East manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- A limited number of grants up to £50,000
- Annual turnover below £44m; under £315k State aid in last 3 years
- Not part of a larger group or owned by private equity
- Programme runs until end of March 2027
What it pays for
- Equipment (hardware or software)
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Made Smarter Adoption (South West)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereSouth WestFunding£1,000 to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for South West manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Registered or trading in the South West
- Grants between £1,000 and £20,000
What it pays for
- Expert advice from a technology specialist
- Purchase of new software and/or equipment
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- £1,000 to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Made Smarter Adoption (East of England)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereEast of EnglandFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for East of England manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Manufacturing SMEs in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire
- Page says only 10% of 2026-27 roadmaps remain
What it pays for
- Equipment
- Software
- Specialist expertise or services
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Made Smarter Adoption (London)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereLondonFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for London manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Minimum 50% applicant contribution
What it pays for
- New digital tools, systems or equipment
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Bulwell Business Growth Grant 2026-2028
Nottingham City CouncilWhereBulwell, NottinghamFunding£1,000 to £5,000OpenNo closing date given
Capital grant for businesses in Nottingham's Bulwell and Bulwell Forest wards, covering technology, software, web design and development and e-commerce development, at 50% of project cost excluding VAT.
Who can apply
- Located in Bulwell or Bulwell Forest ward, Nottingham
- Trading at least 12 months
- Registered at Companies House or with an HMRC UTR
- Must fund 100% upfront; PayPal, personal credit cards, cash and cheques not accepted
- No arrears or debts with Nottingham City Council
- Capital only; open until all funding is committed
What it pays for
- Capital investment such as machinery, equipment, technology and software
- Web design and development, and e-commerce development
- Research and development, e.g. product development incl. prototypes
What it won’t pay for
- Updating or adding content to existing websites
- Recurring revenue costs such as salaries, rent and subscriptions
- Repairs or maintenance of existing ICT, and like-for-like replacements
- Mobile phones, vehicles and printed marketing
- VAT
- Goods or services bought before the grant agreement
How to apply
- Submit an Expression of Interest form (from the council's Bulwell regeneration page or econdev.grants@nottinghamcity.gov.uk).
- The council checks project and item eligibility.
- If eligible, you're invited to a full application and connected to a Nottingham City Business Growth Hub adviser.
- Submit the full application with supplier quote(s), two years' full accounts and recent management accounts.
- Due diligence, appraisal and a grant panel follow; don't commit to any supplier before the grant agreement is signed.
- Pay 100% upfront, then claim 50% back; all claims by 10 March 2028.
What the quotes must show
- State whether VAT applies and give prices including and excluding VAT
- If the supplier isn't VAT registered, provide email confirmation from them
- Explain why your preferred supplier is best for price and quality (Appendix A of the full form)
- No supplier the business, its directors or agents are connected to
- Funding
- £1,000 to £5,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- 1 under £25,000 net; 3 at £25,000 or more
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Elmbridge Digital High Street Boost
Elmbridge Borough CouncilWhereElmbridgeFundingUp to £2,000OpenNo closing date given
Grant for independent high street retailers in Elmbridge to set up or upgrade an e-commerce website. The first £1,000 is fully funded; funding above that, up to £2,000, needs a 50% match.
Who can apply
- Independent retail business selling goods, with a public-facing shop in Elmbridge
- Normally within primary or secondary town centre or high street frontages
- Professional services businesses not eligible
- One grant per business; not if previously awarded a digital high street grant
- Grants paid retrospectively after completion
- No closing date published
What it pays for
- Establishing or upgrading websites with e-commerce functionality
What it won’t pay for
- Websites without an e-commerce function
- Hardware (e.g. computers or tablets)
- Services such as digital coaching or consultancy, and professional fees
- Maintenance, domain names, or website hosting as a stand-alone cost
- Paid online advertising (e.g. Google AdWords, Facebook)
- Ongoing or annual costs, and projects started before a grant offer
How to apply
- Read the Elmbridge Digital High Street Fund guidance notes.
- Complete the PDF or Word application form and sign it.
- Email it to business@elmbridge.gov.uk with 2 quotes, an outline of your current website and online presence, expected benefits and a sustainability action plan.
- The council checks business rates, licensing and payment history; the decision-making body decides (no appeal).
- Start within 6 months and finish within 12 months of the offer; the grant is paid after completion against verifiable invoices.
What the quotes must show
- Web page: one quote must be from an Elmbridge-based supplier; guidance notes say one preferably from an Elmbridge supplier
- Only UK-based suppliers can be considered
- Itemised and showing the VAT amount; if VAT registered, list costs excluding VAT
- Funding
- Up to £2,000
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- 2 comparable quotes
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Go Digital (Norfolk)
Norfolk County Council (via New Anglia Growth Hub)WhereNorfolkFundingUp to £500OpenNo closing date given
Free digital adviser support for Norfolk businesses, plus a grant to help implement the resulting digital action plan.
Who can apply
- Based in Norfolk; fewer than 250 employees; turnover under £54m
- Trading for the past 6 months
- Already using digital technology in some way (e.g. website or social media)
- Under £315k Minimal Financial Assistance in the last 3 years
- First come, first served
What it pays for
- An item or service that follows your Go Digital adviser's action plan
What it won’t pay for
- Ongoing costs incurred before starting the programme
How to apply
- Apply online for the Go Digital programme and get matched with a digital adviser for an audit and action plan.
- After your adviser submits the approved Audit & Action Plan, you're emailed an invitation to apply for the grant.
- Complete the online grant application describing your project, total cost and how it follows your action plan.
- If approved, accept the grant offer letter and provide bank details.
- Buy the approved product or service, then send proof of payment to godigital@norfolk.gov.uk; payment within 30 days.
- Funding
- Up to £500
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Not asked for
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
Made Smarter Adoption (North East)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereNorth EastFundingSee the official pageOpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for North East manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- SMEs (under 250 employees) in manufacturing and advanced manufacturing in the North East MSA and Tees Valley CA areas
What it pays for
- New technology and software
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- See the official page
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Closed for now 3Between rounds. Worth knowing about for next time.
South Midlands Capital Growth Grant
South Midlands Growth HubWhereBedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, North and West NorthamptonsFunding£5,000 to £25,000Closed for now
Capital grant for innovative projects by businesses in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and North and West Northamptonshire, incl. software and capitalised website development. Up to 50%; the 2026 round has closed.
Who can apply
- SME based in one of the six South Midlands areas (registered in the UK)
- Registered, trading enterprise; not an undertaking in difficulty
- Capital expenditure only; 50% match funding required
- One application per group of linked companies
- Full applications closed 25 Sep 2026; decisions expected from w/c 23 Nov 2026
What it pays for
- Software development: coding, testing, installation and configuration
- Perpetual software licences and hardware directly related to the software project
- Website or web application development that can be capitalised (not just promotion)
- Plant, equipment and machinery for new products or processes
- Equipment to support new product or service development
- Patents and domain names
- Improvements to commercial buildings (with evidence)
What it won’t pay for
- Monthly or annual software licences (e.g. SaaS)
- Software maintenance, training and bug fixing once live; minor updates
- Routine replacement of consumables, laptops, software licences; like-for-like
- Core running or staff costs, working capital
- Stand-alone social media set-up or management; vans; land or buildings
- Costs before the grant offer date or after the scheme end date
How to apply
- Submit an Expression of Interest (2026 deadline was 5pm 23 Jul 2026).
- If invited, submit a full application with documents via the online portal (2026 deadline was 5pm 25 Sep 2026).
- Shortlisted applicants pitch in person to the Grant Investment Panel.
- If approved, a Grant Offer Letter sets the earliest start date; projects must finish by 31 Dec 2027.
What the quotes must show
- At least one quote from a local provider
- From independent, unrelated suppliers and sourced independently (not by a supplier on your behalf)
- Itemised, showing VAT status, business name, address, phone, company number, VAT number and website
- Comparable, dated less than 3 months old, still valid and addressed to your organisation
- £25,000+: provide a procurement specification the quotes respond to
- If awarded, use the named preferred supplier unless changes are approved in writing
- Funding
- £5,000 to £25,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- Next round not announced
- Supplier quote
- 1 up to £4,999; 3 from £5,000 (one local)
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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Business Productivity and Digitisation Grant (Sheffield)
Sheffield City CouncilWhereSheffieldFunding£2,500 to £12,500Closed for now
Sheffield strand of the South Yorkshire Business Productivity grant, for productivity (£5,000-£12,500) and digital (£2,500-£5,000) projects at 50%. Sheffield's budget is fully committed and the scheme is closed to new enquiries.
Who can apply
- Based in commercial premises in Sheffield with a lease or licence (no home-based, virtual or co-working)
- Trading 12+ months for productivity grants
- Must cover the full project cost upfront and pay supplier invoices by January 2027
- Not eligible if funded by the previous UKSPF project (Apr 2025-Mar 2026)
- Closed to new enquiries since September 2026 (budget fully committed)
What it pays for
- Introducing new digital technologies
- Revenue costs such as specialist business support
- Capital investment such as machinery, equipment and fit-out of premises
What it won’t pay for
- Projects with total costs over £125,000
- Any project activity committed before the grant offer letter
How to apply
- Scheme closed to new enquiries (September 2026). When open: email businessproductivityEOI@sheffield.gov.uk to request an eligibility form.
- The team assesses your referral and, if eligible, sends an application form.
- A panel decides; if approved you get a grant offer letter and the project starts within one month.
- Funding
- £2,500 to £12,500
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- Next round not announced
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
Digital Voucher Fund (Lincolnshire)
Lincolnshire County CouncilWhereLincolnshireFunding£1,000 to £5,000Closed for now
Vouchers for Lincolnshire businesses with fewer than 50 employees for specialist digital advice and new technology such as e-commerce, website and software development. Closed early due to demand.
Who can apply
- Lincolnshire businesses with fewer than 50 employees
- One application per business
- Closed at noon on 9 March due to demand (year not stated); no new round published
What it pays for
- 1-2-1 specialist digital advice
- E-commerce platforms and website development
- Software development
- Contactless payment systems
- IT hardware and software, e.g. for remote working or digitising processes
- Funding
- £1,000 to £5,000
- Covers
- Can cover the full cost
- Applications
- Next round not announced
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
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ZeroPixel isn’t connected to any funder. Amounts, deadlines and rules change, so check the official page before you apply. The funder decides who gets funding.
Compare the schemes
Every open and upcoming scheme on one table. The share of costs is the most a grant will pay towards your project, and you fund the rest. Select a scheme to see its details.
| Scheme | Where | Funding | Share of costs | Stage | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Made Smarter Adoption (North West)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | North West | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (Yorkshire and the Humber)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | Yorkshire and the Humber | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (East Midlands)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | East Midlands | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (West Midlands)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | West Midlands | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (South East)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | South East | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (South West)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | South West | £1,000 to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (East of England)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | East of England | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (London)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | London | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Bulwell Business Growth Grant 2026-2028Nottingham City Council | Bulwell, Nottingham | £1,000 to £5,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Elmbridge Digital High Street BoostElmbridge Borough Council | Elmbridge | Up to £2,000 | Not stated | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Go Digital (Norfolk)Norfolk County Council (via New Anglia Growth Hub) | Norfolk | Up to £500 | Not stated | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (North East)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | North East | See the official page | Not stated | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
How many quotes each grant asks for
Some funders want more than one quote so they can compare prices. We write one. If your grant asks for more, the others have to come from other suppliers.
| Scheme | Where | Quotes needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bulwell Business Growth Grant 2026-2028Nottingham City Council | Bulwell, Nottingham | 1 under £25,000 net; 3 at £25,000 or more |
| Elmbridge Digital High Street BoostElmbridge Borough Council | Elmbridge | 2 comparable quotes |
Grants by nation and project
The same list, narrowed to where your business is or what you want to build, each with its own introduction.
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