Scale up 4 Growth

Offering £400,000 of grant funding to help the region's SMEs accelerate their growth.

What is Scale up 4 Growth

Scale up 4 Growth (S4G) is a grant funding programme, designed to help small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region to grow their business. It offers targeted support and matched funding for projects that will strengthen operations, create jobs and boost productivity.

S4G is aimed at ambitious businesses with high‑growth potential – that is, those ready to scale, invest in innovation and increase their impact in the region.

What support is available

Eligible businesses can apply for grants of £10,000 to £40,000. You will need to contribute a minimum of 50% match‑funding, so total projects values should be between £20,000 and £80,000*.

Projects should address a specific challenge or opportunity linked to scaling. This may include adopting new technology, developing new products or services, or increasing capacity.

All funded projects must create at least one full‑time equivalent (FTE) role for every £10,000 of grant awarded.

Throughout the process, participating businesses will receive dedicated guidance from us. We will help refine project ideas and support the development of strong applications.

*You can apply for projects larger than £80,000 but your grant will be capped at £40,000 and you will need to demonstrate that this is deliverable within the timescales.

"It was quite a simple application, and it was a huge relief when I found out I’d got it. It felt like a real milestone for me."

"I would say to anyone who wants to work with UWE Bristol, immediately, go for it. The team can help you navigate what can at first glance be a daunting and complex environment, so I would always say push forward, look at those options, and trust in a funding partner to help your onward journey.."

"We are proud to champion SMEs across the region. At such a pivotal moment for the regional economy, this programme is helping businesses unlock their potential and accelerate their growth."

Eligibility

Scale up 4 Growth is open to SMEs with ambitious plans for growth.

To be considered for funding, businesses must:

Have 5 to 249 employees.
Have an annual turnover of ≤ £44 million or a balance sheet total of ≤ £38 million.
Have project activity and outcomes delivered within a 50-mile radius of UWE Bristol.
Fall within the UK Government’s eight high-growth, high-potential sectors – collectively known as the IS-8 (advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services).

Proposals will also ideally link to at least one of the five growth challenges facing scale-up and high growth enterprises:

finding talent/skills
building leadership capacity
increasing sales/access to markets
accessing finance/growth capital
accessing infrastructure.

We may under certain circumstances and where appropriate, be able to support projects that fall outside of these requirements however, we would encourage applicants to discuss these projects with us before applying. Please complete the enquiry form and email S4G@uwe.ac.uk and we will arrange for one of the S4G team to contact you.

If your business doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria but you have an idea you’d like to explore, we may still be able to support. Get in touch at uwebusiness@uwe.ac.uk.

Applications

Scale up 4 Growth opens on Monday 16 February 2026.

Applications for funding close on Thursday 12 March 2026.

If your business meets the eligibility criteria and you’re ready to explore a project, please express your interest by filling in the form.

Enquire now

Meet Ian, Founder of Ethical Addictions

Discover how the Scale up 4 Growth funding came at the right time to help Ethical Addictions make that leap to growth by moving to larger premises, purchasing new equipment and building their own roastery.