Business & economy

New grants and loan schemes and the latest news on funding opportunities for businesses in Devon.

  • Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure

    Large-scale funding is available for collaborative, business-led projects to develop innovative clean maritime technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions. The funding comes from the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) fund which is divided across three strands: The funding is for: Proposals must build, deploy and operate innovative clean maritime technologies focussed on on-vessel […]

  • Seafarers’ Charity

    Charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply to the Seafarers’ Charity for funding to support the safety and wellbeing of seafarers. The focus is on the merchant navy (including Royal Fleet Auxiliary) and fishers, with funding available for initiatives that improve the lives of seafarers through: Grants are available through three separate programmes: Main Grant Programme […]

  • StartSmart

    StartSmart is a new business support programme designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and start-up businesses across East Devon. The programme includes: Grants up to £2,500 are available to help with set-up costs for entrepreneurs who are ready to launch their business in the next 3 months and new starts that have commenced trading in the […]

  • AgriScale: Accelerating Agri-tech Manufacturing

    Agri-tech innovators can apply for funding for collaborative projects to advance product performance and reliability, and to develop or advance manufacturing and supply chain capability. The aim is to help get products to market, and to scale-up production in order to improve productivity and sustainability in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and aquaculture. The type of products […]

  • Pub is the Hub: Community Services Fund

    If you run a pub in a rural, remote, or deprived area and you want to offer additional services and/or activities in your pub to help the local community, you may be able to get a grant of up to £6,000 from Pub is the Hub. The Department for Business and Trade has committed £440,000 to help Pub […]

  • Depot Charging Scheme

    The government has launched a £170million multi-year funding programme (2026 to 2030) to help fund the installation of charging infrastructure at fleet depots. The Depot Charging Scheme aims to support the uptake of zero emission vehicles in the road freight and coach industries. Applications are open to UK commercial fleet operators that own or lease […]

  • Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund

    A new multi-year fund with a budget of £360m is launching soon to support fishing and seafood businesses and coastal communities across the UK. The aim of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (FCGF) is to modernise the fishing and seafood sector, build resilience, and support coastal regeneration. The FCGF is still being developed and […]

  • Local Power Plan

    Funding will become available later this year through the Local Power Plan which has been announced by government. The Local Power Plan will support local and community-owned clean energy across the UK. It is being delivered by Great British Energy (GBE) and will bring together grants, loans, advice and expert help to invest in the […]

  • Trading for Good: Community Business

    Trading for Good provides funding, education and support for social entrepreneurs and community businesses across England. Community businesses in the South West can apply to take part in the Trading for Good programme starting 31 March 2026 and running until 30 September 2026. This is an online programme designed to support community businesses to strengthen […]

  • NFU Mutual Charitable Trust

    Grants are available from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for projects and initiatives which: The trust has a particular interest in supporting initiatives which educate young people in rural areas and relieve poverty within rural areas. There is a focus on providing funding to larger initiatives which would have a significant impact on the rural […]