Oldham Council has launched the innovation grant scheme to support business growth, encourage inward investment, and drive productivity through innovation. The scheme is funded by UK Government and is intended to:
- Support the growth of businesses in Oldham
- Encourage innovation and increased productivity
- Promote investment in priority sectors
- Create new employment opportunities in the borough
The grant is available to businesses located in or relocating to Oldham, particularly those operating in priority sectors including manufacturing, construction, digital and creative industries, and low carbon/green technology.
Applications are assessed on a discretionary basis and subject to eligibility and available budget.
All funded projects must be completed, paid for, and deliver at least one full-time job before 28 February 2027. Grant payments will only be made upon evidence of job creation.
Contact
Please read the guidance below. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your project, contact the Business and Investment Team:
Before you apply
- You must discuss your project with the Business and Investment Team before applying. Applications will not be accepted without this.
- Ensure your project meets the eligibility criteria and aligns with the grant objectives.
- Confirm your project will complete, be fully paid, and create at least one full-time job before 28 February 2027.
- Obtain all necessary statutory consents (e.g. planning permission, building regulations, licences).
- If you are a tenant, ensure you have landlord consent and a minimum of 5 years remaining on your lease from project completion.
- Do not start any works before receiving formal written approval from the Council.
What you need to submit
Please submit copies of the following (retain originals for your records):
- A fully completed and signed application form
- At least two itemised quotes for each element of project spend
- Project cost breakdown and funding sources (including match funding)
- Evidence of property ownership or lease and landlord consent (if applicable)
- Relevant statutory approvals (planning, building regulations, licences, etc.)
- Supporting financial or business information, where requested
Assessment process
Applications will be reviewed by Oldham Council officers in consultation with Manchester Growth Company.
Assessment of applications may include:
- Eligibility checks and scoring against criteria
- Review of business rates and compliance history
- A site visit (where required)
- Requests for additional information
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Innovation and productivity impact
- Business growth potential
- Job creation and economic benefit
- Value for money
Additional consideration will be given to business who engage with:
- BREE-Building Relationships with Employers and Educators (Employers) – Fill out form
- Get Oldham Working - Get Oldham Working | Oldham Council
Decisions are discretionary, with no right of appeal, and subject to budget availability.
If your application is successful
- You will receive a conditional grant offer outlining requirements
- You must formally accept the offer before starting work
- You must complete the project as agreed
Before payment is made, you must submit:
- Evidence of completed works or purchased equipment
- VAT invoices
- Evidence of at least one full-time job created (e.g. job advert, employment confirmation)
- Any required statutory completion certificates
A site visit will be carried out prior to payment.
Businesses may be subject to clawback if they cease trading in the borough within two years of receiving funding.
Scope and eligibility criteria
The innovation grant supports capital investment projects that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth in Oldham.
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Be a business located in or relocating to Oldham
- Operate primarily on a business-to-business (B2B) basis (although B2C, business-to-consumer, may be considered where strong economic impact is demonstrated)
- Operate within priority sectors:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Digital and creative
- Low carbon/green technology
- Deliver at least one full-time job (minimum 35 hours per week) before 28 February 2027
What the grant covers (eligible projects)
Capital projects that support innovation and growth, including:
- Expansion of existing premises to support innovation
- Relocation and refurbishment of larger premises
- Purchase of new machinery or equipment linked to innovation, productivity, and job creation
Projects should demonstrate:
- Entry into new markets
- Adoption of new technologies or processes
- Introduction of new products or services
What the grant does not cover
- Revenue or ongoing operational costs
- Recruitment, staffing, or training costs
- Office equipment (e.g. laptops, phones, furniture)
- Raw materials or product costs
- Routine maintenance or standard building repairs
- Professional fees (e.g. planning, architectural, building regulations)
- Retrospective projects (already started or completed)
- Projects conflicting with Council policies
Grant offer
- Up to 50% of eligible project costs
- Maximum grant: £10,000
- Minimum job creation threshold: £2,500 grant per job created
- Match funding is required from the applicant
All grants are discretionary and subject to budget availability.
How to apply
Please complete the expression of interest form and once submitted we will be in touch to arrange a mandatory pre-application discussion.
What happens next
After submission:
- You will receive an acknowledgement email
- Your application will be assessed and scored
- A site visit may be arranged
- You may be asked for additional information
- A decision will be made and communicated by email
If successful:
- You will receive a conditional offer
- You must accept the offer before starting work
- You must complete the project and meet all conditions before payment
Additional information
- Grants are discretionary and subject to funding availability
- There is no appeals process
- Payments are made after completion of the project and verification of outputs
- Evidence of job creation is required before payment
- Applicants must disclose all other funding sources
- Projects must not begin before written approval is given
- Oldham Council reserves the right to amend eligibility or criteria at any time