In this instalment of our eBay Elevate webinar series, procurement specialist Rachel Hayward shares her top tips and expert advice to help you find grant funding and master your application.

How to find and secure grant funding

Running a small business is tough and sometimes, we could all do with a helping hand.

Fortunately, there are grants and funding options out there - but knowing where to find them and how to create a successful application is the tricky part. In this 25-minute eBay Elevate webinar, procurement specialist Rachel Hayward gives you the knowledge and tools you need to find and secure grant funding.

If you missed it, fear not! You can watch the webinar on demand, which explores:

What are grants? In a nutshell, grants are pots of money typically allocated by development agencies and local and central governments. Unlike other types of business financing, they’re not repayable - but they often come with requirements.

What are grants used for? Grants are often split between capital funding, which can be used to renovate existing assets, or purchase new assets - like equipment, premises, or software. Or revenue funding, which can be used to cover ongoing costs, such as marketing, staffing, or rent.

Where to find grants? Grants aren’t always easy to find, but some good starting points include:

• Local Enterprise Partnerships​

• Growth Hubs​

• Local Authorities

• Innovate UK​

• National Lottery Heritage Fund​

• Arts Council England

• Federation of Small Businesses

• British Chambers of Commerce

• Google

How to ace grant applications? Some key questions to consider include:

• Have I ​answered the question(s)?

• Does my business meet the criteria?​

• Can I deliver what the “funder” wants?

• Have I closely followed any guidelines?

• Is my application clear, concise and free of spelling mistakes?

• Am I willing to wait upwards of 8 weeks for a decision to be made?

Finally, plan ahead by preparing the below in advance:

• Financial info​rmation

• Insurance documents

• Key staff CVs​ (in the same format)

• Company data​

• Company background​

• Up to date policies and procedures

• Client case studies and testimonials

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