Businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across Staffordshire now have access to several grant schemes currently available through Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
Whether you’re looking to invest in staff development, drive innovation, or start a new venture, there are tailored grants to help move your plans forward.
Here’s an overview of the latest schemes:
1. £1,000 Training Grant for Your Business
Small and medium-sized businesses in parts of Staffordshire now have the opportunity to access training grants of up to £1,000 – but funding is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
This initiative is designed to help businesses invest in staff development, ensuring teams have the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing business environment.
Who Can Apply?
Businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Based in Stoke-on-Trent, East Staffordshire, or the Staffordshire Moorlands
- Classified as an SME (fewer than 250 employees and turnover under £36 million)
- Have been trading for at least 6 months
- Have not previously received a Skills Hub training grant
Eligible businesses can claim:
- £500 towards training for one employee
- £1,000 towards training for two or more employees
What Training Is Covered?
Funding can be used towards a wide range of Chamber-run training courses. Examples include:
- HR Essentials – Gain confidence in managing day-to-day HR matters.
- Content Marketing Strategy for Small Businesses – Learn how to create effective content to attract customers and build brand trust.
- Microsoft Excel Intermediate – Enhance efficiency and decision-making with practical spreadsheet skills.
- LinkedIn for Small Businesses – Discover how to use LinkedIn to raise your business profile, generate leads, and connect with potential clients.
With funding available on a first-come, first-served basis, businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To apply or find out more, email: skillshub@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
2. Skills Training Support – Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire
Businesses based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Moorlands, or East Staffordshire can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to support employee training.
- This funding is specifically for non-accredited training that enhances skills within your business.
- The initiative is part of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
- A brief assessment of your business’s training needs is required to determine suitability.
- Funding must be used by March 2026.
For more information or to apply, email: skillshub@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
3. Innovation Grants – East Staffordshire SMEs
As part of the Promoting Innovation Pathways Programme (PIPP), small and medium-sized enterprises in East Staffordshire can access grants of up to £5,000, fully funded.
These grants can be used to support:
- Development of new products or services
- Streamlining or enhancing business processes
- Adoption of innovative technologies or solutions
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate how their project will contribute to either job creation or job retention.
For details or to apply, contact: pipp@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
4. SWEF Enterprise Fund – Grants for Young Entrepreneurs
The SWEF Enterprise Fund is designed to support 18–30-year-olds who are not currently in education, employment, or training.
There are two levels of support available:
- Up to £500 for individuals starting a new business
- Up to £2,000 for those with an existing business seeking to grow
Funding may be used for:
- Equipment or materials
- Product development
- Training courses
- Website creation or other digital infrastructure
Learn more and apply here: SWEF Enterprise Fund – Staffordshire