Solent Freeport launches new Growth Skills Grant

Solent Freeport has launched a new Business Growth Skills Grant to help small businesses invest in training for their existing workforce and unlock new opportunities for growth. Opening for applications on 13 October 2026, the scheme will offer one-off grants of between £500 and £5,000 towards eligible training costs.

The funding is aimed at growth-focused businesses where skills gaps are holding back their ambitions, but where current cash flow pressures mean the necessary training would otherwise be unable to go ahead.

Support can be used for a wide range of training linked directly to business growth, including technical and engineering skills, digital and software capabilities, AI and data, leadership and management, project management, export and commercial skills, quality and compliance, clean energy technologies, and other specialist business skills. Funding covers direct training costs only and cannot be used for equipment purchases, staff salaries, or associated travel and accommodation costs.

Eligible businesses must employ fewer than 50 people, have been trading for at least 12 months, and have their main trading address in Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, the Isle of Wight, New Forest, Portsmouth, or Southampton local authority areas. Businesses must operate within one of Solent Freeport’s priority sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Maritime, Aerospace, Space, Digital Technologies, Life Sciences, Defence or Clean Energy.

Applications open must be submitted by 20 November 2026.

Find out more, read the applicant guidance and apply: https://solentfreeport.com/business-growth-skills-grant/