Grants for providers Open Call 2 - frequently asked questions

Please see below the FAQs for Grants for Providers Open Call 2

Is there a grant agreement that we could review for the programme?

The draft agreement is being worked on and we hope to upload it in the next few days. As we are working at pace to launch by 1 May 2025 and allow the most amount of time for applicants to consider submissions we are slightly delayed. Please keep an eye on this webpage under Call 2.

Is it permissible to append content to the bid, for instance, a diagrammatical representation of the customer journey?

Applicants can decide if adding a diagram will support their submission, but they must not change the format or content structure of the application documents or add extra sections. Additional appendices or documents beyond what is requested will not be considered in the scoring process.

How strictly will you apply the high-growth definition?

High growth definition is typically businesses growing revenue, jobs, or market share by 20% annually for three years, known for being innovative, agile, and key to economic and job growth.

In order to be eligible for the High Growth project, the enterprises must meet at least one of the criteria included in the definition included in the Invitation to Bid document. i.e. they must have experienced:

  • rapid increases in revenue of at least 20% for three consecutive years or,
  • rapid increases in employment of at least 20% for three consecutive years or,
  • rapid increases in market share of at least 20% for three consecutive years.

Looking at the open call dates, the submission date is bank holiday Monday 21 April. Is this intentional?

Yes, the closing date is the 21 April by 11.59pm. It is recommended to submit in good time in-case of any technical issues at sender side which we have had previously thus missing the submission date.

I have not received a copy of your presentation slides on the SPF Lot Export you presented following the workshop held last week? 

The slides have been available on the webpages since the 7 April and accessible from the webpage where you found the Workshop link and Call 2 information as mentioned at the workshop. All FAQ’s and documents can be accessed directly from this webpage.

In respect of the SPF outcomes, listed in the High Growth opportunity, are you expecting to see some deliverables against each of these outcomes (line 51-56)?

All the listed outputs and outcomes are pertinent to the Lots and will be included in the overall assessment. It is up to the applicant to determine what they consider achievable.

For the Workshops project, can more than one colleague from the same enterprise attend the same workshop or several workshops? 

While there is no limit to the number of colleagues from the same enterprise that can attend workshops over the duration of the project, it should be noted that the UKSPF outputs and outcomes for this lot refer to no. of enterprises accessing the workshops rather than the number of individuals.

A maximum of one output or outcome per enterprise can be achieved over the duration of the project, irrespective of how many individuals from the same enterprise attend a single workshop or how many different workshops they attend.

Is the Lot 1 and Lot 2 funded service ONLY open to SMEs based in the priority  sectors?

The Lot 1 and 2 are focussed on the 3 priority sectors:

  • Manufacturing and engineering
  • Energy and technology
  • Creative and Digital.

This includes enterprises in the supply chains to these sectors.

Although these sectors are the primary focus for these two lots and engagement of enterprises in these sectors should be prioritised, enterprises from other sectors are also eligible to be supported.

Would there be considerations for new companies?

Yes for the export and workshop (Lots 1 & 3)

Please can you expand on the expectation of your 20% growth category for High Growth?

This is best described as: High growth businesses experiencing rapid increases in revenue, employment, or market share, typically achieving annual growth rates of at least 20% for three consecutive years. These businesses are innovative, agile, and quickly capitalise on market opportunities, significantly contributing to economic development and job creation.

Are there any specific requirements around evaluation?

No, just complete the application forms and return by the 21st April.

Can an international organisation apply for the grant?

Yes, if they can evidence, they are operating within the UK legal and financial jurisdiction of 
operation and pass the gateway assessment.

Is the grant meant for zero profit generating businesses only?

Applications are invited by all types of relevant organisations with the ability to meet the project specifications and pass the gateway, whether profit generating or not-for-profit.

Is Lot 3 a continuation of previous UKSPF activity or a new activity?

This Call and Lots are a new regional programme. Businesses that received support under the UKSPF programmes completed in March 2025 can still receive support through the 2025–26 Open Call, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

To claim outputs or outcomes, delivery providers must show these directly resulted from support given after 1 May 2025 and is a new activity of support. Previously used evidence cannot be reused to claim the same outputs or outcomes.

Also, see slide 11 in the UKSPF technical workshop [PDF] presentation.

Is there a word count limit on responses? 

The word count limit is the first bullet point in the application form.

On eligibility – is the 20% growth threshold too restrictive? 

Assuming you are referring to Lot 2 High Growth then the standard definition of high growth has been applied. Not all High Growth businesses will be Scale-up. Applicants will need to decide what is realistically achievable and interpret their understanding accordingly.

Is there any flexibility in the High Growth lot?

The flexibility is in the 20% increase in either revenue, employment or market share in 3 consecutive years. 

Can single company claim financial support/ grant and non-financial support outputs?

Yes, an enterprise can achieve multiple outputs and outcomes.

Please can you confirm whether there is a max or min size for the businesses supported as High Growth?

Enterprise means a sole trader, micro business, small and medium-sized enterprise, or large business. It also includes social enterprises where these engage in economic activity.

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