Oldham Council

Oldham Council Innovation Grant

A UK Government-funded capital grant from Oldham Council for businesses located in or relocating to Oldham, to support innovation, productivity and job creation. It pays up to 50% of eligible capital costs, to a maximum of £10,000, and each project must create at least one full-time job (at least £2,500 of grant per job). Projects must be completed, paid for and deliver the job before 28 February 2027, and the grant is paid only after the job and works are evidenced.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: Up to £10,000; no fixed round
Deadline: Rolling; apply any time
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Businesses located in or relocating to Oldham, operating primarily business-to-business (business-to-consumer may be considered where strong economic impact is shown), in the priority sectors of manufacturing, construction, digital and creative, or low carbon/green technology
The project must create at least one full-time job (minimum 35 hours a week) before 28 February 2027, and be completed and fully paid for by then
Match funding is required: the grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs
Tenants need landlord consent and at least 5 years left on the lease from project completion
Businesses may face clawback if they stop trading in the borough within two years

What it funds

Capital projects that support innovation and growth, including:

Expansion of existing premises to support innovation
Relocation and refurbishment of larger premises
Purchase of new machinery or equipment linked to innovation, productivity, and job creation

projects should demonstrate entry into new markets, adoption of new technologies or processes, or introduction of new products or services.

What it will not fund

Revenue or ongoing operational costs
Recruitment, staffing, or training costs
Office equipment (e.g. laptops, phones, furniture)
Raw materials or product costs
Routine maintenance or standard building repairs
Professional fees (e.g. planning, architectural, building regulations)
Retrospective projects (already started or completed)
Projects conflicting with Council policies

How to apply

Complete the Oldham Council Innovation Grant expression of interest form
Have the mandatory pre-application discussion with the Business and Investment Team (applications are not accepted without it)
Submit the signed application form with the supporting documents
Officers assess and score the application with Manchester Growth Company, possibly with a site visit and requests for more information
If successful, accept the conditional grant offer before starting any work
Complete the project, then submit evidence of the works, VAT invoices and the job created; a site visit is made before payment

do not start any works before formal written approval. Decisions are discretionary, subject to budget, with no right of appeal.

Have ready

Fully completed and signed application form
At least two itemised quotes for each element of project spend
Project cost breakdown and funding sources (including match funding)
Evidence of property ownership or lease and landlord consent (if applicable)
Relevant statutory approvals (planning, building regulations, licences, etc.)
Supporting financial or business information, where requested

before payment you must also send evidence of completed works or equipment, VAT invoices, evidence of at least one full-time job created, and any statutory completion certificates.

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