Dorset businesses can apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £40,000 to help cover up to half the total cost of a project. For example we would fund up to £15,000 of a £30,000 project. To be eligible, projects must be completed by 28 March 2025.
This round will focus on business productivity and will act as a pilot scheme ahead of the extension to the funding we will receive later in the year for the Shared Prosperity Fund.
This round will close for applications at 11:59pm on 24 February 2025.
Grants will be considered if they facilitate growth, promote innovation and increase productivity, together with the creation of high skilled, high waged jobs in Dorset businesses. Eligible activity could include, but is not limited to:
- investment in new production methods
- new machinery
- staff training programmes/up-skilling staff
- net zero innovation
Businesses who have received funding in previous rounds can apply again for this round of funding.
Application Process:
- Contact Dorset Council Grants – WSX Transformational Business Support for a reference number before applying online.
- Full details about the grant schemes, criteria, and eligibility are on the Dorset Council website.
Dorset Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, Cllr Richard Biggs, said:
“This is a great opportunity for businesses that have schemes ready to go to boost their productivity and just need that extra helping hand to get things off the ground.
“In April, a new round of Shared Prosperity Fund will be launched to help Dorset’s businesses become more competitive.
“This short pilot we are launching now will help us ensure the next major round of grant funding achieves great success for businesses and Dorset’s economy as a whole.”
In the last two years Dorset Council has helped distribute £6.4 million SPF funding, with a further £1.4 million to be available from April.
Dorchester Chamber President Steve Bulley added:
“We know of members who have benefited from these grants in 2024 and would urge any business within the Dorset Council area looking to grow to contact Nick Gregory at Dorset Growth Hub (WSX) for an initial conversation on suitablability.”
For more information please email:
With around 100 members any business in Dorset can join Dorchester Chamber from business for £60p/a (no VAT).
