Business Grants in Hull – May 2025 Update for Small Businesses
As we move into a new financial year—and await the appointment of the region’s first elected mayor—a fresh wave of business support and funding is building across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Here’s your plain-English roundup of what’s open, what’s coming soon, and where to go if you’re looking for a bit of help to grow, innovate, or simply get started.
1. Growing Places Grant – Up to £250,000 Available
If you’re thinking of investing in equipment or machinery, the Growing Places Fund remains open and active.
- Grants range from £5,000 to £250,000
- Can cover 10% to 50% of eligible costs (pre-VAT)
- Designed to encourage job creation across the region
✅ Ideal for small manufacturers or businesses looking to scale production.
2. Support for Young Entrepreneurs
Two schemes remain available for budding young business owners (under 29):
- MC4C Programme – My City, My City, My Career
- John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank
These offer a mix of start-up funding, mentoring, and training—giving young people a third option besides uni or full-time employment.
✅ If you know a young person with a good business idea, send them this way.
3. Innovate UK & DCMS Growth Programme – Deadline 28 May
If your business is working on innovation, R&D, or developing new products or services, these schemes are worth a serious look.
- Grants between £5,000 and £1 million
- Up to 90% of project costs covered (depending on the scheme)
⚠️ NEW: Hull is one of just 12 regions eligible for the DCMS-backed Create Growth Programme, with 100% funded grants between £20k–£50k and 70% funded grants up to £200k.
🕓 Deadline to apply: 28 May 2025
🔗 Apply for small grants
🔗 Apply for large grants
✅ A great fit for creative, digital, and tech firms in the region.
4. Support from the University of Hull
The University of Hull continues to support SMEs with a broad range of initiatives:
- Aura Innovation Centre (low-carbon solutions)
- Flood Innovation Centre
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (up to £35,000 of collaborative support)
- 12-week internships via the Humber Internship Programme
- Business clinics and “Help to Grow” programmes
✅ If you’ve got a business challenge or project idea, it’s worth exploring a partnership.
5. Grants for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Looking to go green? You could claim support from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles to install workplace EV chargers.
- Available to businesses of all sizes
- Helps future-proof your site for the EV transition
- Works alongside other sustainability efforts in the region
📅 There’s also a free EV showcase event on Saturday 21 June at Priory Park, organised by Hull City Council and the Energy Saving Trust.
Final Thoughts
While May is a bit of a holding month with new regional programmes awaiting approval from the incoming mayor, there’s still real support available right now—especially if your business is innovating, hiring, or investing in equipment.
✅ Want help reviewing eligibility?
✅ Need a plan for your grant application?
✅ Wondering how grants affect tax or VAT?
That’s where we come in.
At Yorkshire Accountancy, we don’t just do numbers—we help small businesses get the support they deserve.
