Twenty five £1000 business resilience grants available for UK small businesses
Running a small business means constantly adapting to new challenges, whether that's improving efficiency, upgrading technology or finding smarter ways to serve customers. That's why EDF Small Business, in partnership with Enterprise Nation, is offering 25 business resilience grants worth £1,000 each to help small businesses invest in practical improvements that support long-term growth and resilience.
If you're looking for business grants to help strengthen your operations, improve systems, help with Making Tax Digital updates or invest in your future, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
This is the second in our series of 2026 small business grant programmes. We’ve just announced our winners of our £5,000 sustainability grant. These new grants offer a lower value, but higher volume so even more small businesses can benefit.
What are the business resilience grants?
The Powering Local Businesses Business Resilience Grant programme will award 25 grants of £1,000 to eligible small businesses across the UK (excluding Northern Ireland).
Unlike a loan, the funding doesn't need to be repaid and can be used to support projects that help your business become more resilient, efficient and better prepared for future challenges.
Applications open on 20 October 2026 and close at 11:59pm on 29 November 2026.
What can the grant be used for?
The grants are designed to support practical investments that improve how your business operates.
Some examples could include:
- New software or digital tools
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Payment system upgrades
- Equipment purchases
- Professional consultancy or specialist advice
- Technology that helps streamline operations
- Productivity and efficiency improvements
But you tell us what will help your business be more resilient. The key requirement is that your proposal demonstrates how the funding will help your business become more resilient.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for this small business grant, you must:
- Be a UK business owner aged 18 or over (excluding Northern Ireland)
- Have been trading for at least 12 months
- Have a UK business bank account
- Employ 50 people or fewer
- Have either a Companies House registration number or be registered as self-employed with a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Not be undergoing insolvency proceedings
Full eligibility and T&C’s can be found here. The grants are open to businesses from a wide range of sectors, provided they can demonstrate how the funding will strengthen the resilience of their business.
How do I apply?
The application process has been designed to be straightforward and accessible for busy business owners.
Applicants simply need to complete the online application form and explain:
- How they would use the £1,000 grant
- Why the investment is important
- What impact it could have on their business
All completed applicants will be signed up for free membership access to Enterprise Nation's business support network.
Key dates
Milestone | Date |
Applications open | 20 October 2026 |
Applications close | 29 November 2026 |
Winners selected | 11 December 2026 |
Winners notified | By 14 December 2026 |
Why EDF is supporting small businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of local communities and play a vital role in driving economic growth. Through the Powering Local Businesses campaign, EDF Small Business continues to support UK businesses by helping them access funding, resources and practical tools that can make a real difference.
Whether you're investing in new technology, upgrading equipment or improving the way your business operates, these grants are designed to help businesses take their next step with confidence.
Apply for a business grant
If you've been searching for business grants for small businesses, small business funding opportunities or UK business grants, this could be your opportunity.
Make sure your application clearly explains how the funding will help make your business more resilient, efficient and ready for future growth.
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