Solent Freeport launches business skills grants

Small businesses across the Solent will be able to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to develop workforce skills, improve productivity and support growth under a new funding scheme launched by Solent Freeport.

The Business Growth Skills Grant will open for applications on 13 October 2026, offering one-off awards of between £500 and £5,000 towards eligible training costs. The scheme targets businesses with skills gaps that are restricting growth but face cashflow pressures preventing investment in training.

“Having the right skills in place is fundamental to business growth,” said Brian Johnson, chair of Solent Freeport. “Across the Solent, we have ambitious smaller businesses with opportunities to innovate, improve productivity, win new contracts and enter new markets, but the cost of developing their workforce can be a barrier.”

Funding can support training in technical and engineering skills, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, data, leadership, project management, export development, quality and compliance, clean energy and other specialist business capabilities. Grants cover direct training costs only and cannot be used for equipment, staff salaries, travel or accommodation.

Applicants must employ fewer than 50 people, have traded for at least 12 months and maintain their main trading address in Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, the Isle of Wight, New Forest, Portsmouth or Southampton.

Businesses must also operate in one of Solent Freeport’s priority sectors: advanced manufacturing, maritime, aerospace, space, digital technologies, life sciences, defence or clean energy.

Applications will be assessed on the growth opportunity, expected outcomes and value for money. There is no mandatory match-funding requirement, although a financial contribution from the business will be viewed favourably.

Applicants must explain how training will address an identified skills gap and support measurable outcomes, such as job creation, improved productivity, new contracts, product launches, technology adoption or increased exports.

Training must be delivered by a registered provider. Supporting documents must include a training quotation, course information, latest accounts and a cashflow forecast.

Applications open on 13 October and must be submitted by 20 November 2026. More information can be found at Solent Freeport’s website.