SKDC Project Examples
Below are a series of hypothetical project examples across a range of sectors which demonstrate eligibility and outcomes for a project. The outcomes are critical for the Business Growth Grant.
Example 1: Precision Engineering Firm – Productivity & Job Safeguarding
Sector: Advanced Manufacturing
Grant Use: Investment in CNC equipment and staff training
Funding Request: £12,000
Project Summary:
A small precision engineering company faced the potential loss of two skilled machinists due to a decline in automotive contracts. To pivot, the company sought grant support to purchase a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine and train staff to handle short-run, high-precision aerospace components.
Outcomes Delivered:
2 full-time jobs safeguarded (at risk of redundancy within 6 months)
Adoption of a new CNC process not previously used in-house
Productivity — automation reduced manual hours per unit by 30%, increasing value-added per employee
Example 2: Eco-Packaging Business – New to Market Product & New Markets
Sector: Sustainable Products
Grant Use: Development and launch of biodegradable food packaging
Funding Request: £9,500
Project Summary:
An eco-conscious packaging business sought funding to finalise and launch a new biodegradable food packaging film designed for chilled and takeaway foods. The grant helped complete material testing, develop marketing material and fund the launch of the product at a trade expo. As a result the company secured its first contract in the food and hospitality sector, expanding beyond its original retail packaging customer base.
Outcomes Delivered:
Introduced a new product to market – biodegradable packaging film
Entered a new market — hospitality and catering packaging
Launched a new-to-market product (made from algae-based biopolymer)
Improved productivity through product streamlining – new film allowed for batch production at lower cost and increased unit margin
Example 3: Heritage Attraction – Digital Transformation & Market Expansion
Business Type: Independent Heritage Site & Visitor Attraction
Grant Use: Interactive digital guide system & multi-language website
Funding Request: £10,500
Project Summary:
A family-run heritage attraction featuring a historic manor and gardens sought to increase visitor numbers and extend dwell time. The business applied for funding to develop a digital visitor guide app with interactive storytelling and AR (augmented reality) features, as well as to upgrade their website to include online ticketing and multi-language content to attract overseas and group travel bookings.
The business had experienced falling footfall post-pandemic, and two part-time front-of-house jobs were under threat due to declining income. The digital project helped secure their roles and supported long-term growth by opening up new tourism markets.
Outcomes Delivered:
2 part-time roles safeguarded (at risk within 6 months due to financial pressure)
Introduced an improved visitor experience service (AR-based heritage guide)
Adopted new-to-business technologies (mobile AR, multilingual booking system)
Entered new markets, including inbound group tourism sector (via upgraded digital presence and tour operator partnerships)
Improved productivity — automated booking reduced admin hours and improved staff focus on customer experience
Example 4: Independent Café – Service Innovation & Job Creation
Business Type: Independent Café & Bakery
Grant Use: Installation of an e-commerce platform, click-and-collect system, and kitchen expansion
Funding Request: £7,500
Project Summary:
A café applied for funding to modernise its service model and grow its revenue beyond in-store sales. The business invested in an integrated click-and-collect ordering system, a small website upgrade to support online bakery orders, and equipment for batch baking to supply local businesses.
The project supported business expansion and allowed the café to take on a new part-time bakery assistant to meet growing demand for its handmade products, particularly from local farm shops and delis.
Outcomes Delivered:
1 job safeguarded (a barista role that was at risk due to reduced weekday footfall)
Introduced an improved customer service — click-and-collect and online ordering
Adopted new-to-business digital ordering and payment systems
Entered a new B2B market, supplying baked goods to local retailers
Improved productivity — automation reduced staff time spent on phone orders and improved production planning
Example 5: Creative Agency – Staff Upskilling & Digital Innovation
Business Type: Small Creative & Marketing Agency
Sector: Digital/Creative Industries
Grant Use: Staff training in motion graphics and interactive media
Funding Request: £6,800
Project Summary:
A creative agency specialising in branding and print marketing wanted to expand into motion graphics and interactive digital content to meet growing client demand. They applied for grant support to fund professional training for two staff members in animation software and digital storytelling platforms.
The training allowed the agency to offer new services, take on higher-value contracts, and improve internal workflow for content delivery. Within three months, they secured a contract with a regional tourism board to produce interactive video content, increasing monthly revenue by 22%.
Outcomes Delivered:
Introduced a new service to the market — motion graphics for local businesses
Adopted new-to-business software and creative processes
Improved productivity — staff could now produce short-form digital ads in-house, reducing outsourcing costs and turnaround times
Entered a new market (public sector and tourism contracts)
Bonus: Internal staff retention improved, with both employees reporting increased job satisfaction and progressio
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