Small Business Adaptation Grants

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Who can apply?

The Business Adaptation Grants are for:

Micro or small businesses.

Adaptation projects costing between £2,500 and £10,000. The project should aim to meet one or more of the following outcomes:

  • reduction in running costs
  • improved use of digital technology
  • new product or service launched
  • energy consumption reduced
  • existing jobs safeguarded
  • new jobs created
  • development of the visitor offer

Businesses in the following sectors

Various sectors; please see the guidance to see further details.

How much grant is available?

Grants of up to 65% are available. Maximum grant £6,500. Please note that applications will be scored and the score will determine the amount of grant that is offered.

The remainder of the funding must be provided by the applicant business.

What is eligible?

Eligible expenditure includes the following costs where it can be demonstrated that the proposed investment will directly support the objectives of the grant scheme. Proposed expenditure needs to be new to the business and not ongoing costs:

  • new equipment or technology required to develop/diversify/grow the business including new to the firm technologies or processes, more efficient production processes and capital expenditure to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the business.
  • digital adoption inc. investment in e-commerce and on-line booking systems
  • buying in specialist consultancy services to develop/diversify/grow the busines
  • buying-in bespoke training necessary to upskill the workforce and address skills shortages inc. training for business owners, employers, managers or employees

For more information and to see the list of excluded costs, please read the guidance.

How to apply

Read the Small Business Adaptation Grant guidance to see if you may be eligible.

If you then wish to apply you must first register your interest. We advise that you first read our Registration Form Guidance before starting your registration and also that you read the Grant Process for Applicants which provides an overview of the process.

When you have completed your registration you will be notified by email if you are eligible to apply for a grant. If so you will be sent a link to submit your application.

For queries on the guidance or any other aspect of the grant scheme, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jobs Safeguarded Form

Case Studies

Learn how funding has helped others

Case Studies

  • Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust HQ
    Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust HQ

    Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust

    This historic building conservation charity received a £10,342 grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council to reduce its carbon footprint and energy costs.

  • Peak UK clothing on TeamGB
    PeakUK clothing

    Peak UK Kayaking Company

    A £4,828 Small Business Adaptation Grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council has improved the online sales process at this clothing company for international kayaking.

  • Bride in dress
    Alexandra Anne Bridal

    Little Bear Bridal (t/a Alexandra Anne)

    Embroidered bridal accessories are available at this bridal boutique due to a £2,817 Small Business Adaptation Grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council.

More Case Studies

Help for Your Business

Starting Your Business

When setting up your own business, preparation is key - we're here to provide guidance and signposting to ensure you are well equipped to deal with the journey ahead. Get the information you may need when starting up and running your business, as well as further advice and useful links.

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Running Your Business

Setting up and running a business can be a challenge but help is on hand from Derbyshire Dales District Council and others to help make the journey as painless as possible. Established businesses can get help directly from our business adviser and many other useful resources.

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Growing Your Business

Once your business is well-established and profitable you may want to grow and expand it further. If you are not satisfied with maintaining your current operation and want to increase your market share, and profits, you'll need to develop a solid strategy for business growth.

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Funding Your Business

Whether you are looking to launch a start-up, expand your current business, or become more resource efficient, you will most likely need some financial support. Business funding can come in many forms and we are ideally placed to advise you on the latest and most suitable options.

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