August 2026 - Business Sheffield Update
Here’s what’s inside this month’s update from Business Sheffield:
News from Business Sheffield
SEGA Returns with Free Support for Sheffield's Social Enterprises
The Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) has returned with a new programme of fully funded support for Sheffield's social enterprises. From expert business advice and practical workshops to networking and tailored one-to-one guidance, SEGA is designed to help organisations build resilience, grow sustainably and maximise their social impact.
Visit the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network website to learn more about SEGA and apply.
Get Up to £30,000 with the Low Carbon Grant
Cut your energy costs with up to £30,000 in grant funding. Eligible Sheffield businesses can apply for grants to install low carbon technologies such as solar panels, insulation, heat pumps and energy-efficient equipment, helping to reduce carbon emissions and lower running costs.
Read more about the grant h on the Low Carbon website.
Small Business Finance Announcement
The Government has announced new measures to improve access to finance for small businesses looking to start, grow or invest.
The package includes an expansion of the British Business Bank's Growth Guarantee Scheme, which is expected to unlock an additional £2 billion of lending each year by 2028/29, supporting around 12,000 more small businesses annually. It also includes £500 million through the ENABLE Guarantee programme to encourage more lending to smaller businesses.
Businesses can access this support through participating banks and accredited lenders.
20% Business Rates Reduction Announced for Eligible Pubs, Social Clubs and Live Music Venues
The Government has announced a 20% reduction in business rates for eligible pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027.
The announcement forms part of the Government's wider plans to reform the business rates system, with further details expected later this year.
Funding to Help SMEs Hire Young Apprentices
Looking for a cost-effective way to recruit new talent and develop the skills your business needs? Apprenticeships can help you build a skilled workforce, with training that may be fully funded or available at little or no cost. Eligible employers may also be able to access additional funding and incentives. The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub offers free advice to help you find the right apprenticeship and funding for your business.
Discover Sheffield's City of Culture Video Series
Sheffield's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 has launched a new seven-part video series celebrating the people, places and businesses that make the city's creative sector so unique. The series shines a spotlight on Sheffield's cultural and creative industries, from makers and performers to grassroots organisations and world-class venues, showcasing why culture is such an important part of the city's economy and identity.
Upcoming Tax Changes for Side Hustles
If you earn extra income alongside your main job, proposed HMRC changes could mean tax on your side hustle is collected monthly through your PAYE tax code from April 2029, rather than through Self Assessment. The proposals are currently under consultation, so businesses and individuals should keep an eye on future updates.
Our FREE business workshops are led by experts, tailored to the needs of Sheffield businesses. Take a look at this month's programme:
Useful Resources
Free Offer
Women in Business
CatalyseHer Women Founders
Top Opportunities
Get Up to £12,500 with the Productivity and Digitisation Grant
Boost productivity with up to £12,500 in grant funding. Sheffield businesses can access funding to invest in new equipment, technology and digital tools that improve efficiency, increase capacity and support business growth. Grants of £5,000 to £12,500 are available for productivity projects, while digitisation projects can receive £2,500 to £5,000 (50% match funding required).
Sheffield Legacy Fund
The Sheffield Legacy Fund, delivered by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, provides small grants to support grassroots community organisations delivering activities that improve health and wellbeing across Sheffield.
Yorkshire MedTech – Secondments Programme
The Yorkshire MedTech Secondments Programme supports collaboration between businesses, universities, healthcare providers and public sector organisations to accelerate innovation in the medical technology sector
Weston Park Cancer Charity
The Small Grants Programme provides flexible funding of up to £1,500 for projects and services that support people affected by cancer across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and Bassetlaw.
Fat Beehive Foundation
A strong digital presence can be transformative for small charities, helping them reach wider audiences, raise funds, and deliver greater impact. However, accessing funding for digital development is often difficult.
South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative
The South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative was launched in March 2026 to help protect rural communities and provide practical support to residents, farmers and businesses across South Yorkshire.
Oli Bennett Trust Grants
The Oli Bennett Charitable Trust supports young UK residents aged 18 to 30 who need help turning business ideas into sustainable ventures. The fund offers financial support and advice where other fundraising routes have been unsuccessful, with grants typically of up to £2,000 for business assets and start-up costs. Applicants must submit a business plan alongside their application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline.
Advanced Connectivity SME Grants
UK micro and small businesses can apply for grants of £25,000 to £50,000 to develop innovative advanced connectivity technologies. The programme supports ambitious SMEs creating new products, services or business models with strong commercial potential. A total of £500,000 is available through Innovate UK and DSIT. Deadline: 5 August 2026.
NatWest Accelerator Pitch Competition
NatWest’s Accelerator Pitch competition gives early-stage UK businesses the chance to win a share of a £100,000 prize fund. Prizes include £70,000 for first place, £20,000 for second and £10,000 for third. Applicants submit a 60-second video pitch with finalists pitching live to judges. Deadline: 12 August 2026.
North LAC Community Fund
The North Local Area Committee (LAC) is offering grants of up to £5,000 to support community projects delivering local benefits in North Sheffield. A total fund of £40,000 is available for activities running until March 2027. Open to community and voluntary organisations seeking to improve local wellbeing, engagement and neighbourhood outcomes. Deadline: 28 August 2026. Any questions and an application pack please email northlac@sheffield.gov.uk.
Charity Hub: King's Award & Funding Opportunities
Discover funding opportunities, learn how the King's Award for Voluntary Service can raise your organisation's profile, hear from the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, and enjoy networking over coffee with charities, social enterprises and public sector organisations.
Date: Wednesday 21 October
Time: 9.30am to 12.45pm
Venue: Electric Works, 3 Concourse Way, Sheffield, S1 2BJ
From Foundations to Skylines
Interested in a career in construction? This event brings together students, graduates and industry professionals for inspiring talks, panel discussions and networking. Hear real career journeys, explore opportunities in the built environment and connect with employers and peers. Lunch and refreshments are included.
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