Businesses can apply for grants of between £2,000 and £20,000, towards:
- digital technology and innovation
- research and development
- business growth and exports
Such as:
- grants for the purchase of:
- new equipment
- software development and implementation
- adaptations
- automation
- robotics
- grants to provide support with:
- Intellectual Property (IP)
- patents
- trademarks
- designs
- copyrights or other options for protecting IP
- capital funding for new machinery for new products
- development of new services or products
- grants to facilitate growth, promote innovation and increase productivity
- grants to facilitate and support businesses that either wish to start exporting or are already doing so
Before you apply
Businesses must provide 100% match funding in cash and are required to undertake a business support meeting with our lead business partner, WSX Enterprise prior to making an application.
Following this discussion each business will be given a unique reference number which must be quoted on the application form.
How to apply
Applications open on Monday 29 April and close on Sunday 30 June 2024.
Before you apply, you should read the:
All applicants must create an account to enable access to the application form. Applications do not have to be completed in one visit, there is an option to save and return. However, please note all questions must be answered and all supporting documents submitted as any incomplete applications will not be accepted.
After you apply
This is a competitive grants process. Grant applications will be assessed by a panel made up of Dorset Council Officers and independent reviewers. The grants panel will meet once a month in May, June and July 2024. Applicants will receive a decision no later than 2 weeks after their respective panel meeting.
These grants must be spent and finalised in this financial year (2024/2025), with projects completed, payments undertaken and return submissions completed by 31 December 2024.