Businesses in Wellingborough can now bid for a share of growth funding as the South Midlands Growth Grant opens for a second round. The North Northamptonshire Council is urging local firms to submit their expressions of interest before the window closes on 23 July 2026 at 5pm.
Grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 are on offer, covering up to half of eligible project costs. The fund targets innovation, new technology, and decarbonisation, and is open to businesses across Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire. Ruth Roan, South Midlands Growth Hub Manager, said: “The incredible demand we saw in the first-round highlights how vital grant funding is for ambitious businesses across the South Midlands.” That first round drew more than 130 applications, with 22 companies sharing £609,598.93 for projects including bespoke software and production facilities.
At just 22%, the success rate from round one underlines how competitive the programme is. To help applicants prepare, the South Midlands Growth Hub is running live Q&A sessions with Business Advisors on 10 July and 17 July, alongside pre-recorded webinars and guidance documents. Evidence shows that firms who tap into these resources strengthen their chances of securing a grant.
The expression of interest window opened on 1 July, giving companies three weeks to put forward their plans. The Growth Hub will then invite the strongest bids to submit full applications for projects that create new products or services, cut carbon emissions, and safeguard or add jobs.
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