Funding and Grants

Discover a range of funding and grants available for businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. This page will keep you up to date with the latest grant and incentive schemes.

Innovation and growth funding from Derbyshire Accelerator

Drive growth and innovation with funding from the Derbyshire Accelerator Project, open to businesses of any size or sector until 30th, June 2026.

Eligible businesses can access a range of support including:

1-to-1 advice, mentoring and diagnostic support on areas of relevance to your business
Training and workshops which provide you with the latest learning and tools in areas such as digital skills, marketing, sales, automation and more.
Help to identify potential funding to grow, increase efficiencies and build a successful business for the future
Networking and peer support
Assessment and signposting to other support programmes

Funding is available for:

Existing businesses to adopt new-to-firm technologies that drive innovation and efficiency
New and existing exporters to launch products or services in new international markets, create jobs and increase productivity
High-performing businesses to create jobs, enhance productivity and adopt new or improved products or services

The project is led by the East Midlands Chamber and is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), awarded by East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

There is also an Export Accelerator programme, which supports businesses in navigating the complexities of international trade, alongside Accelerator Workshops that help businesses build skills, knowledge and confidence to take their business to the next level.

Derbyshire Business Support Start-Up Scheme

Residents in Derbyshire can access dedicated 1-2-1 support to help develop and grow their business ideas.

The Derbyshire Business Start-Up Support Scheme provides free, tailored support for new and early-stage businesses across the county.

The programme offers expert guidance from experienced local business advisers, including support with business planning, financial planning, marketing strategy and access to wider sources of support.

Support includes help to develop a business plan and cash flow forecast, alongside guidance from a dedicated adviser throughout the process.

Midlands Engine Investment Fund II

The British Business Bank has launched its £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, unlocking additional funding to help smaller businesses in Derbyshire prosper and thrive.

The fund will drive sustainable economic growth by supporting new and growing businesses across the whole of the Midlands. It does this through investment strategies to meet the needs of these firms. The fund offers a range of finance options, including loans from £25,000 to £2 million. It also provides equity investments of up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up, or stay ahead.

The new fund will help hundreds more businesses to achieve their potential. It will also increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance by providing options to firms that might otherwise be unable to secure investment.

Funding is designed to help smaller businesses with activities including expansion, product or service innovation, new processes, skills development, and capital equipment.

Find out more about the scheme by visiting British Business Bank.

Invest to grow – University of Derby

The Invest to Grow programme provides grants and loans of between £15,000 and £250,000 to support private-sector businesses across the East Midlands to innovate, grow and create jobs.

Successful applicants now fund the programme by repaying through their loan repayments.

For your project to qualify for Invest to Grow funding, you will need to demonstrate that it meets the following criteria:

It will create new jobs or safeguard existing positions in your company
It will increase the scope or scale of your company’s activity
It will improve the company’s performance
It has not commenced and will not be achievable in the timescales proposed without Invest to Grow support

Find out more information on the project by visiting the University of Derby.

British Business Bank

The British Business Bank may well be able to equip you with further ideas around possible funding choices and their impact on the enterprise. The organisation can also provide start-up businesses with funding to help bring your idea to life.

For further ideas, more information can be found by visiting British Business Bank.

Business Finance Support Finder

The Business Finance Support Finder is an HM Government tool to help you access information about funding options in your area.

You may also find the D2N2 website useful for identifying additional potential routes to finance for your enterprise.

Apprenticeship Funding Opportunities

Employers who are looking to take on an apprentice can benefit from funding towards apprenticeship training. See the current apprenticeship funding opportunities available here: Apprenticeship Funding Opportunities – Destination Chesterfield | Destination Chesterfield.

Your accountant or financial advisor may also be able to advise you of funding and grants available to your business. If you are looking for support, you can view our list of financial service businesses here.