Businesses across Powys are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to help them invest, expand and create jobs.

The new round of Powys Business Growth Grants opened for expressions of interest on September 3, with applications closing on September 28.

The scheme is being delivered by Powys County Council and funded by the UK Government through the Local Growth Fund.

Grants will cover 50 per cent of eligible project costs, up to a maximum award of £25,000. Businesses will need to provide match funding from private sources and pay the full cost of their project before receiving the grant as a reimbursement.

The funding is aimed at businesses with high growth potential and can be used for a range of investments.

These include new or second-hand equipment and machinery, improvements to commercial premises, IT and digital equipment, and green factory vehicles for businesses in industrial or manufacturing settings.

Specialist costs linked to capital investment can also be covered, including technical training, machinery installation and commissioning, specialist software, delivery costs and the development of websites and e-commerce platforms.

Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said the grants could help ambitious businesses invest and grow.

“We are committed to supporting ambitious businesses that want to invest, innovate and create opportunities within Powys,” he said.

“These grants will help businesses accelerate their growth plans, improve productivity, reach new markets and strengthen their long-term resilience.”

The scheme is open to start-ups, micro businesses and small and medium-sized businesses employing fewer than 250 people.

Applicants must have a registered address in Powys and the investment must support business operations within the county.

Priority will be given to projects in sectors including advanced manufacturing and engineering, agriculture, horticulture and forestry, construction, digital, energy, food and drink, retail, and tourism and leisure.

However, businesses from all sectors can apply.

A Brecon business which received previous support said the funding had made a significant difference.

EV Sales and Repairs received a Business Capital Grant worth just over £10,000 from Powys County Council last year, which it used to buy new equipment and increase its service capacity.

Arvydas Kazlauskas and Zoe Powell said the funding had enabled the business to work more quickly and increase the number of vehicles going through its workshop.

“Since purchasing the new equipment, we have been able to work much quicker and increase the number of cars coming in and out of the workshop,” they said.

They added that the investment had also allowed the business to carry out more battery upgrades, which they described as a major part of its income and future growth.

Businesses applying for the new grants are being encouraged to seek advice from a recognised business support provider. Free advice is available through Business Wales.

All projects supported through the scheme must be completed and claimed by February 26, 2027.

Further information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available at: https://en.powys.gov.uk/Powys-Business-Growth-Grant