Business support programme - Print version

Coventry Business Support Programme

Coventry City Council is now able to support SMEs within the Coventry area with both non-financial support and financial support, subject to grant availability and meeting the funding criteria

The non-financial support can help, guide and support the SME with:

• Management & People
• Business Planning & Growth Strategy
• Sales
• EU Exit and International Trade
• PESTLE- (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental)
• Marketing
• Branding and Company Presentation
• Operations
• Premises and Planning
• Financials
• Energy and Sustainability
• Social Responsibility & Inclusion
• Legal
• Intellectual Property (IP)

SME Capital Grant specification

The grant funding can be used for the following activities:

• Establishment of new business start-ups
• Relocation, expansion, and growth of existing businesses
• Developing new market opportunities
• Low carbon/energy efficiency/waste management – Green grants (link to decarbonisation)
• Improving systems and processes
• Capital investment, e.g., new plant, machinery and equipment.
• Increase in productive capacity of new and existing premisses through new property builds/refurbishment/extensions.

 We are able to offer capital grants up to a 50% intervention rate:

• Start-up grants - £1,000 - £7,500
• SME Capital grant - £1,000 - £100,00 (average grant amount awarded: £16,000 )

Ineligible costs

Local Authorities and delivery providers should ensure they are aware of the limitations of the UKSPF funding to prevent spend on ineligible costs. The list below provides examples of costs that are not to be included in a UKSPF intervention,

• Political or religious activity
• Statutory or funded activities
• Fines or debt
• Gifts
• Contingencies
• VAT reclaimable from HMRC

Ineligible business sectors

• Charities
• Those of a political or religious persuasion (places of worship)
• Activities involving pornography or clairvoyance.
• Any business activity that is illegal or deemed unsuitable for public support by Coventry City Council.
• Agricultural, fishery & forestry

Speak to a Business Advisor about your enquiry [http://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Business_finance_and_support_enquiry]

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more information, please visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus].

Case studies

The below case studies showcase how a UKSPF grant could help your business grow.

Business Growth West Midlands helps local business move their operations from the kitchen table to their very first office

Suzanne Regan, the director of Harry Joe Property, has successfully secured a grant of £3,000 from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) to facilitate the transition of her business from a home-based operation to a professional office space.

Having operated her business from her home for the past two years, Suzanne recognised the need for expansion as her business continued to grow. When the kitchen table could no longer accommodate her growing business, she made the strategic decision to lease an office space on Allesley Road for the next six years.

The transition to the new office space required renovation and essential equipment. Seeking expert advice and financial support, Suzanne approached the BGWM team at Coventry City Council for assistance. Through their support programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Suzanne was offered a grant of £3,000, covering half the cost of the project, which included expenses such as shutters, computers, and electrical upgrades.

The move to a physical office represents a considerable milestone in Suzanne's business expansion journey, enabling her to enhance service offerings and engage more effectively with her clients. Looking ahead, Suzanne plans to recruit staff and provide hot desk space for complementary service providers like mortgage advisors, further improving the service portfolio of Harry Joe Property.

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: “I was really pleased to see another Coventry business taking the big but important step from home to their very first office. For any small business owner, this is a huge milestone. The BGWM team at Coventry City Council is here to help businesses grow, offering both financial and non-financial support. Get in touch with us to find out how we can assist you!”

Coventry gym grows its membership following support from the Business Growth West Midlands at Coventry City Council

Capitol Gym, based on Longford Road, Coventry, experienced significant growth in its membership following strategic support from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council.

In 2023, Lou Alden-Court, the owner of Capitol Gym, recognised the business's potential for expansion and improvement. Seeking to invest in new equipment and upgrade existing machines, Lou approached the BGWM team at Coventry City Council. The council offers support programmes specifically tailored to assist small and medium-sized businesses in their growth efforts.

After contacting the BGWM team, Lou received guidance regarding available grants and funding opportunities. As a result, Capitol Gym was awarded a grant of £8,569 to invest in new equipment. This grant, facilitated by the council through this programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, covered half of the total project cost, amounting to £17,138.

With the financial backing secured, Capitol Gym proceeded with its improvement project. The funds were utilised to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment and upgrade existing machines. The objective was to not only attract new members but also enhance the overall experience for existing clients.

The investment in the gym's facilities generated excellent results. Since the beginning of 2024, Capitol Gym has experienced a surge in membership, welcoming over 50 new members. The feedback from both new and existing members has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the improved facilities.

Lou Alden-Court says: " We've had an excellent start to the year, and we are delighted with the positive impact this project has had on our business. The feedback from the members has been super positive, with a huge appreciation for us and the BGWM Council team."

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: “I was really pleased to see another small business grow with support from the BGWM team at Coventry City Council. Our team can assist not only with grants but also with non-financial support such as advice and guidance. Get in touch to see how we can help your business grow.”

Successful Coventry business continues its growth with business support from Coventry City Council  

A Coventry business is set to expand its operations further, following expert advice and grant support received from Coventry City Council. 

Bludog Ltd is based in Albion Industrial Estate and for the last ten years they have been producing printed, embroidered, designed and rebranded clothing.  

With its almost million-pound turnover and a dedicated team of 18 employees, Bludog Ltd recognised the need for strategic investments to improve its operational efficiency and increase production capacity. 

In September 2023, Barinder Chahal, the Director of Bludog Ltd, took a proactive step towards business expansion by engaging with the Business Support team at Coventry City Council.  

Barinder was seeking grant support for an initiative aimed at advancing the company's development.  

The company's project, with a total cost of £26,000 and a grant request of £13,100, focused on purchasing a new conveyor dryer and printer which would help to expand the business and create new jobs. This grant funding, amounting to £13,100, was provided by Coventry City Council with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, further supporting the company's growth and economic development initiatives. 

Barinder Chahal said: “We are grateful for the support we have received from Coventry City Council. Our decision to reach out to the Council was driven by our ambition to grow and the need to modernise our equipment. Their support played a critical role in not just meeting our immediate needs but also in laying the groundwork for our future growth. 

“The impact of this support has been multifaceted. It is not just about the financial aid; it is about the confidence placed in our business and the message it sends about the Council's commitment to local enterprises. The efficiency gained from the new machinery has enabled us to meet customer demands more effectively, ensuring a higher level of satisfaction and opening doors to new markets.” 

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council, said: “I’m pleased we were able to support this company’s growth ambitions – a move which will help them to create new jobs and grow the business into new markets. 

“Support and guidance from our expert business team plays a fundamental role in growing a small or medium-sized business and Bludog is a good example of the difference we can make.” 

Other grants and loans

Loans

The Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust [http://www.cwrt.uk.com/] (CWRT) is a "not for profit" specialist financial institution providing loan finance to individuals and businesses which are unable to obtain some or all of their finance from high street banks. They offer:

• Start-up loans of up to £25,000 supported by the government, and
• Commercial loans from £1,000-£100,000

Duplex Investment Fund - "a grant and loan in one easy deal"

A new way to help finance capital investments by local businesses. It combines public sector grants and loans to give you financial flexibility and ensure that your project proceeds successfully. For further details visit the Duplex Investment Fund webpage [https://www.cwrt.uk.com/duplex-investment-fund] or for more information on Loans and Duplex, please contact CWRT on 024 7655 1777.

Support and advice

• General enquiries [/businesssupportenquiry] and to establish if you may be eligible for assistance.
• Business Rates [/businessrates] Your business may be eligible for business rates relief.
• Planning [/planning] For planning and building regulations information.

Delivery partners for start-ups and social enterprises

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber

Start-ups support 

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a contract to deliver start-up support in Coventry. As part of the Start-Up Programme, they offer a range of free fully funded business support to help you start up, build and grow your new venture.

What’s included in the business support?

1. 1:1 Business Coaching -  A team of skilled and experienced business coaches to guide you on every step of growing your new business.
2. Workshops - Covering business planning, financial planning, marketing, and social media so you have business fundamentals in place.

Please note eligibility criteria apply. Visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce website [http://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/business-support] for more details.

Coventry and Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency (CWCDA)

Coventry and Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency (CWCDA) has been awarded a contract to deliver social enterprise support in Coventry until 31 March 2025, this includes support for pre start-up, start-up and existing social enterprises that want to grow.

CWCDA has established an incubator and accelerator hub for local enterprises at their base in Foleshill.

CDA will be offering a range of services including workshops, access to business tools and one-to-one advice and support sessions. They will also be offering a Peer-to-peer scheme where social enterprises can support each other and will also offer opportunities to network.

If you would like to receive free advice and support or want to know more then please contact the Business support team: info@cwcda.co.uk [mailto:info@cwcda.co.uk] / 024 7663 3911 / www.cwcda.co.uk [https://cwcda.co.uk/]

Coventry and Warwickshire food and drink producers

Coventry and Warwickshire is home to an abundance of high-quality produce, artisan makers and irresistible food and drink experiences.

Coventry and Warwickshire’s food and drink sector generates over £650m for the local visitor economy and the Coventry and Warwickshire Food and Drink Network aims to support this important sector, through the creation of strong local peer support networks, industry events and business support.

The Network is aimed at connecting local food and drink producers and buyers across Coventry and Warwickshire who meet regularly to share issues, solutions, and opportunities. Joining the network meetings enables you to seek and offer industry specific support and collaborate with other producers. Sector specific news and opportunities are also emailed to those in the network. All networking meetings run from 9.30am for a 10am start and places are limited, so booking is essential.

The next round of meetings is planned to take place on:

• 22 January 2025, Ryton Pools Country Park, Ryton on Dunsmore [https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/homepage/8/ryton-pools-country-park].& Speaker - David Hope, Economic Strategy, Coventry City Council
• 30 April 2025, Council House, Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/50249/council-house]
• 2 July 2025, Venue TBC
• 8 October 2025, Venue TBC

If you would like to find out more about the network and get involved, please email business@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:business@coventry.gov.uk]