UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025 to 2026 start up grants

As part of the UKSPF 2025 to 2026 priority to support Enterprise Culture, Dorset Council has allocated £55,000 of funding to enable new and developing enterprises to grow and prosper.

Support is provided in 2 different forms.

Workshops and one to one support

A programme of free events and one to one (1:1) support, available through our partner Evolve. The sessions will allow for development of ideas, plans, business proposals and cash flows. Individual 1:1 support is available both on the day and as a follow up.

Full details available from Evolve, including details of 1:1 support.

How to apply

Read the how to apply guidance.

In the first instance businesses need to contact our business support partner Evolve Advisory for a pre application chat and to obtain a code for an online application.

For full eligibility and criteria see the UKSPF 25-26 Grants Scheme Document.

Apply now

Available grants

Grants between £500 and £4,000 can be applied for in addition to a 30% match fund by the business.

You must have engaged on a Startup course prior to application (other courses attended within the last 2 years may be eligible if evidenced) and receive 1:1 support available free from our business partner Evolve.

Evolve will provide a code which will allow an online application. See full details and eligibility of the grant scheme.

How grants are awarded

All applications will be assessed and verified. Eligible applications will be reviewed by a grants panel who will decide if a grant should be awarded. The panel decision is final.

Projects can only start once the award is made and must be completed by 31 January 2026. 

Payments are made in arrears, with all claims required to be complete by 28 February 2026. Expenditure needs to be by bank transfer and not by credit card.

For further information, email:

• sharedprosperityfund@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
• Evolve: hello@evolveadvisory.co.uk