Securing funding can transform your business trajectory.
At Phantom Digital, we’ve worked with almost 500 small and medium businesses over the last few years, and we know the impact funding can have.
Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing business, or need support through challenging times, grants offer financial help without repayment or giving up equity.
This guide covers all the grants available to Liverpool businesses in 2026, plus practical advice on applying successfully.
Understanding Liverpool’s Grant Structure
Liverpool business grants operate through several channels.
Liverpool City Council delivers local support programmes. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority provides regional schemes. Growth Platform acts as your central point for finding business funding and support across the region.
The funding landscape changes regularly. Staying informed gives you the best chance of securing support when you need it.
Current Grant Schemes for Liverpool Businesses
Growth Platform Programmes
Growth Platform operates as Liverpool City Region’s central hub for business funding and support.
What they offer:
- Range of funding programmes
- Business support services
- Start, grow, survive and succeed initiatives
- Signposting to appropriate funding
Who can access: Businesses based in Liverpool City Region
Website: growthplatform.org
Liverpool City Council Business Support
Liverpool City Council delivers support designed to assist growth of potential entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
What they provide:
- Business support service
- Growth assistance for entrepreneurs
- Support for existing businesses
- Connections to funding sources
Access through: liverpool.gov.uk/business
Invest Liverpool Financial Incentives
Invest Liverpool provides grants for businesses wanting to expand or relocate in the Liverpool City Region.
Grant amounts: Up to £75,000, or up to 20% of total project cost
Who can apply:
- Businesses expanding in Liverpool
- Businesses relocating to Liverpool
- Demonstrable growth plans
What it covers: Expansion costs, relocation expenses, project development
Website: invest-liverpool.com
The King’s Trust Business Start Up Support
The King’s Trust offers support for young entrepreneurs starting businesses in Liverpool.
What they provide:
- Test My Business Idea grants up to £500
- One to one support for business planning
- Launch support
- Options to apply for larger grants
Who can apply: Young people (typically 18-30) starting businesses
Website: kingstrust.org.uk
Liverpool City Region Funding
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
The Combined Authority manages various funding opportunities for businesses across Merseyside.
Resources:
- Merseyside Funding Information Portal
- Information on funding opportunities
- Regional business support
- Strategic funding programmes
Access: liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk
Community Foundation for Merseyside
The Community Foundation manages variety of funds for businesses and community organisations.
What they offer:
- Various managed funds
- Support for businesses with community impact
- Connections to family and trust funding
- Grant opportunities
Website: cfmerseyside.org.uk
Liverpool Chamber Support
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce provides business support including signposting to funding opportunities.
Services:
- Funding signposting
- Advice and guidance
- Workshops and resources
- Broker solutions for support requests
Who can access: Liverpool-based businesses and residents
Website: liverpoolchamber.org.uk
National Schemes Available in Liverpool
Start Up Loans
Government-backed loans up to £25,000 at 6% fixed interest with no early repayment fees.
Loan amounts:
- Up to £25,000 for sole traders
- Up to £100,000 for partnerships and limited companies
Eligibility: Businesses less than 24 months old
Benefits:
- Free mentoring for 12 months
- Business support and resources
- Fixed interest rate
- No arrangement fees
Website: startuploans.co.uk
Innovate UK Grants
£25,000 to £250,000+ for innovative business projects.
Who should apply:
- Businesses with innovative projects
- Companies developing new technologies
- R&D focused businesses
- Partnerships with universities
Success factors: Clear innovation, strong business case, technical feasibility, experienced team
How to Find More Grants
Monitor these regularly:
- Growth Platform website
- Liverpool City Council business section
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Networking groups (members share opportunities)
- Your accountant (good ones track relevant grants)
- Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
Set up alerts: Google Alerts for “Liverpool business grants” and “Liverpool City Region funding”
Application Success Tips
Before You Apply
✓ Read eligibility criteria carefully ✓ Gather core materials: business plan, financial forecasts, company information ✓ Set aside dedicated time (rushed applications fail)
Strong Applications Include
- Clear project description with specific objectives
- Detailed budget showing exactly how funds will be spent
- Evidence of market demand
- Realistic timeline
- Measurable outcomes
- Team experience and qualifications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ Incomplete applications (instant rejection)
✗ Unrealistic budgets
✗ No supporting evidence
✗ Poor presentation
✗ Missing the funder’s objectives
Professional presentation matters. Quality creative design and web design signal you take your business seriously.
After Securing Funding
Use It Strategically
Strengthen core capabilities through digital marketing, professional photography, or operational improvements.
Track Your Results
Grant funders require impact reports. Track revenue growth, new customers, jobs created, and development milestones.
Stay Compliant
- Meet reporting deadlines
- Get approval before changing project scope
- Acknowledge funders in publicity materials
- Keep detailed spending records
Alternative Funding Options
If grants don’t fit:
- Business loans (traditional or alternative lenders)
- Crowdfunding (validates market demand)
- Angel investment or VC (for high growth potential)
- Invoice financing (improves cash flow)
- Asset finance (for equipment/vehicles)
Getting Started
Your action plan:
- Visit Growth Platform website for current programmes
- Check Liverpool City Council business support options
- Contact Liverpool Chamber for signposting
- Identify grants you’re eligible for
- Prepare core application materials
- Apply for best fit opportunities
- Deliver excellent results
Grants have helped many Liverpool businesses develop new products, enter new markets, and survive challenging periods.
The key is staying informed, applying strategically, and delivering results when you secure funding.
Need help presenting your business professionally for grant applications? Explore our digital marketing services for Liverpool businesses.
Written by Martin Williams — Martin has worked in SEO for 8+ years, building and selling multiple websites that attracted millions of visitors. Now the SEO Lead at Phantom Digital, he shares proven strategies for growing traffic and creating long-term online value. You can check out his author page here.
