Aims/priorities: The Powering Local Businesses programme is delivered through a partnership between Enterprise Nation and EDF Small Business and supported by Square. The Powering Local Businesses Business Resilience Grant provides £25,000 in funding to support 25 small businesses, with each successful applicant receiving a grant to invest in practical improvements that strengthen business resilience.
Funding can be used for activities including purchasing software, improving payment systems, making sustainable upgrades, replacing or upgrading equipment and hiring consultants. The programme aims to help small businesses improve their operations and prepare for future challenges.
Who can apply: Eligible applicants must be UK-based small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and at least 12 months of trading history. Businesses must have a UK business bank account and either a Companies House registration number or self-employed registration with proof of a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
Applicants must be the business owner or have the owner's approval to apply. Businesses must not be undergoing insolvency, examinership, receivership or any related process.
Applicants must not be employees of EDF, Enterprise Nation or Square, or have immediate family or household members who are employees of these organisations.
Successful applicants must be able to explain how the grant will be used to improve business resilience and be willing to share their business story if requested.
Grant amount: Each successful applicant will receive a £1,000 grant to support business development. Funding can be used for software, payment systems, sustainability improvements or new equipment. A total of 25 UK small businesses will receive grants, sharing £25,000 in funding.
Application process: Applications are made online. More information is available at the Enterprise Nation website.
Deadline: The deadline for applications is 29 November 2026 (23:59).
Contact: hello@enterprisenation.com
Website: https://www.enterprisenation.com/poweringlocalbusinesses/cash-grant/