Small Business Grants 2025 – Funding in Ireland, UK, and Malta

Small business grants can play a crucial role in helping founders across Europe access the support they need to build or grow a company. Whether you’re planning a start-up in Dublin, expanding a company in Birmingham, or innovating in Malta, securing the right funding can give your business a much-needed boost at a critical time.

Public funding in 2025 continues to target innovation, digital development, and job creation, with several schemes supporting early-stage ventures, regional growth, and sustainable business practices across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Malta.

We focus on grants that are either open for applications now or expected to reopen during 2025. You’ll find options for start-ups, existing businesses, and digital or innovation-focused enterprises. No jargon, just useful pointers and practical details.

Small Business Grants in Ireland

Ireland offers a wide range of grants for businesses at various stages of development. The majority are administered through Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), Enterprise Ireland, or government-backed schemes.

1. Local Enterprise Office Grants

LEOs operate across Ireland, supporting micro-enterprises, meaning organisations with fewer than 10 employees. In 2025, expect the continuation of three core grants:

• Feasibility Study Grant: Helps assess the viability of a new product or service.
• Priming Grant: For start-ups within the first 18 months.
• Business Expansion Grant: For businesses looking to grow and create employment.

Each grant typically covers a portion of eligible costs, such as equipment, consultancy, and marketing. Applications are handled locally, so the criteria may vary by county.

2. Trading Online Voucher Scheme

Still running in 2025, this scheme offers up to €2,500 to help small businesses build or improve an e-commerce presence. It’s aimed at companies with fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million turnover. One of the main conditions of this Irish small business grant is that you must attend an information session before applying via your local LEO.

3. Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers

These vouchers offer €5,000 to businesses seeking to collaborate with a registered knowledge provider, such as universities or institutes of technology. They’re ideal if you want to explore new product or service ideas with expert help.

Small Business Grants in the United Kingdom

UK grants vary widely across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While national schemes exist, many opportunities are regional or sector-specific.

1. Innovate UK Grants

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), offers funding for research, development, and innovation. In 2025, small businesses can apply for grants through programmes like Smart Grants or the Fast Start Competition. Funding is competitive and usually requires a clear innovation or technology angle.

2. Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Although technically a loan, this initiative offers personal loans of up to £25,000 at a fixed interest rate for new businesses. Each approved applicant receives free mentoring and support. While not a grant, successfully obtaining a Start Up Loan can demonstrate business viability and commitment, two qualities often looked for by grant providers.

It also helps develop core documents like a business plan, which are required for many funding schemes.

3. Local Council and Growth Hub Grants

Many UK local authorities offer small-scale grants for specific purposes, such as hiring staff, reducing carbon emissions, or improving digital infrastructure. Check your local Growth Hub or council business page. Currently, some authorities may also offer funding related to Levelling Up or Shared Prosperity initiatives.

4. Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme

For young entrepreneurs (aged 18–30), the Prince’s Trust continues to support business development through grants, training, and mentoring. It remains one of the few non-repayable funding options for young people starting out.

Small Business Grants in Malta (2025)

Malta’s business funding landscape is shaped by government support and European Union co-funded schemes, with a strong focus on innovation and digitalisation.

1. Business Enhance ERDF Grants

These grants, co-financed by the EU, help small businesses improve productivity, digital skills, and energy efficiency. This year, several calls are expected to reopen under the 2021–2027 funding period. Priority areas include e-commerce development, energy audits, and process automation.

2. Malta Enterprise Schemes

Malta Enterprise runs various programmes that offer financial assistance and small business grants. Key support measures include:

• Start-Up Finance Scheme: Designed for innovative and scalable start-ups.
• MicroInvest: Offers tax credits of up to €50,000 for micro-enterprises investing in business development.
• Business Start Scheme: Provides seed funding to early-stage companies with growth potential.

Applications usually involve a business plan, financial projections, including a cash flow template, and a justification of the investment need. The schemes are especially helpful for tech, manufacturing, and green initiatives.

3. Skills Development Scheme

This scheme supports training initiatives aimed at upskilling employees. It reimburses a portion of training costs, making it useful for companies investing in workforce development.

How to Apply for Small Business Grants

Grant processes vary, but here’s a general roadmap to follow:

1. Identify the right grant: Use trusted sources such as gov.ie, gov.uk, Malta Enterprise, and EU portals.
2. Read the guidelines carefully: Make sure your business type, size, and plans meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Gather your documents: Most grants require a business plan, financial forecasts, and proof of registration.
4. Submit before the deadline: Some grants have rolling applications, others have specific cut-off dates.
5. Follow up: If successful, you may need to submit progress reports or financial evidence of how the money is used.

Don’t overlook free information sessions or webinars provided by enterprise agencies. These can boost your application quality. Moreover, if you’re still in the early planning phase and unsure where to begin, you might benefit from learning how to start a business with little or no money, especially if you’re operating on limited resources while waiting for funding.

Tips for Success

• Tailor your application: Address the specific goals of the grant provider by aligning your proposal with their priorities. For example, if the grant focuses on sustainability, explain how your business reduces emissions or waste.
• Be clear and concise: Avoid jargon and explain how the funding will impact your business in plain terms. A well-structured executive summary can often make the difference when assessors review dozens of applications.
• Get help if needed: Many organisations (like LEOs, Growth Hubs, or business mentors) offer free guidance that could significantly improve your application. You can also explore online business communities where other entrepreneurs share their grant-writing experiences.
• Plan ahead: Start preparing your documents and business plans early, even if the grant hasn’t opened yet. If you’re unsure where to begin, read about how to write a business plan that actually gets read.
• Stay updated: Some grants close quickly when funding runs out. Subscribe to enterprise newsletters or set alerts on your calendar. Our small business blog regularly covers funding announcements and related updates.

Final Thoughts

Navigating small business grants across Ireland, the UK, and Malta doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on your business needs and aligning them with the right schemes, you can increase your chances of success. Keep this guide bookmarked, and revisit it throughout 2025 and future years as new opportunities become available. Your next step might be just one well-written application away.