SKDC Grant FAQs

1. What measures demonstrate growth for this Business Growth Grant?

Growth in business can take many forms, but for projects to be eligible for this fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund identifies the following measures:

• Jobs Created or Safeguarded

Projects that directly result in hiring new staff or retaining jobs that were at risk without the investment.

• Upskilling or Training Outcomes  

Projects that enable staff to complete certified training, gain new qualifications, or significantly enhance their skills.

• Innovation & Modernisation

New or Improved Products/Services

Introducing something new or improving your existing offer to meet customer demand or enter new markets.

2. What the Grant Cannot Fund

❌ Land or building purchases

❌ Vehicles or mobile infrastructure (e.g. food trucks)

❌ Day-to-day running costs (rent, salaries, utilities)

❌ Paying off debts or taxes

❌ Replacing old equipment like-for-like

❌ Buying stock or inventory

3. What defines a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise?

• Micro entity – a micro enterprise or sole trader with no more than 10 employees.

• Small company – a small enterprise of no more than 50 employees.

• Medium sized company– a medium sized enterprise of no more than 250 employees.

4. Can retrospective purchases be funded through this grant?

No, applicants must not begin the project or commit funds until their application is formally approved.

Please note:

• Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee your application will be approved.

• A grant is only confirmed once all necessary checks have been completed and formal approval has been issued.

• Grant payments will only be made upon submission of valid evidence showing that the approved costs have been paid (defrayed expenditure).

5. Can I apply to this grant if I applied to the previous SK Business Growth Grant?

Yes, regardless of whether you were successful or unsuccessful, as long as your business and project meet the eligibility criteria for the SK Business Growth Grant detailed here you are welcome to apply.

6. Can I include VAT in the project costs? 

• If your business is not VAT registered/ cannot claim VAT, you may include VAT within eligible costs, i.e. claim 50% of gross costs rather than net.

• If your business is VAT registered/ can claim back VAT, you may not include VAT as part of any of your project costs.

7. Can I include VAT in the project costs? 

No, you should only submit one project to the SK Business Growth Grant scheme. Applications which include multiple projects (for example, purchasing new equipment and commissioning a new website) will be discounted. Successful applicants will not be able to reapply for further funding from this year’s grant fund. If you would like support with putting the best project forward you can contact Ian Jones to discuss this ian.jones@lincs-chamber.co.uk or reach out to the Economic Development team at South Kesteven District Council for support economicdevelopment@southkesteven.gov.uk

8. If I submit an application and my project is unsuccessful, can I reapply within the same year?

Yes, as long as your business and project meet the eligibility criteria for the SK Business Growth Grant detailed here you are welcome to apply for a different project. We are unable to accept resubmitted applications for projects which have previously been unsuccessful in this round of funding. If you are unsuccessful we would recommend discussing any new projects proposed with Ian Jones or the Economic Development team at South Kesteven District Council for support.