Better Business Grant Payment process

Every Better Business Grant is paid in a slightly different way, depending on the type and value of the grant. This guide explains when payments are made, what you'll need to do before funding can be released, and how the process works from approval through to final payment.

This guide covers:

• When you can start spending on your project
• How minor and major grant payments work
• What happens if your project costs change
• How apprenticeship grant payments are made
• Key steps from approval to payment

Once you've completed your project and paid for the approved costs, you'll need to submit your evidence through the Grant Portal. This guide walks you through the process step by step and explains exactly what documents you'll need to provide to avoid delays.

This guide covers:

• How to submit your claim through the Grant Portal
• What invoices and payment evidence we accept
• How to upload supporting documents
• Common mistakes that can delay payment
• What to check before submitting your claim

Before you begin any spending, make sure you:

• Understand which payment model applies to your grant
• Know what evidence you will need
• Have read and signed your Grant Terms and Conditions
• Wait for the email confirming you are authorised to begin your project (for minor and major grants)

This helps ensure your project runs smoothly and avoids delays in payment.

Up to £5,000 for Productivity, Visitor Economy Development and Skills

Minor grants are paid after your project is completed and your receipts have been uploaded and verified.

You’ll receive an email confirming your grant is approved. This email will ask you to sign the Grant Terms and Conditions within 30 days and provide your bank details.

Once you sign the Terms and Conditions, you will receive an email telling you that you may begin your project.

You fund the project yourself from your own resources, using the approved project budget.

When your project is complete, upload all receipts through the Better Business Grant Portal.

We compare your receipts with your approved application.

You receive the grant in one instalment to the bank account provided in your application.

• If your receipts are higher than the approved amount, you will receive only the approved amount.
• If your receipts are lower than the approved amount, you will receive 50% of the verified receipts.
• If your receipts match your approved application, you will receive the full authorized grant amount.

£5,000 to £75,000 for Productivity, Visitor Economy Development and Skills

Major grants are paid in two instalments.

You’ll receive an email confirming your grant is approved and directing you to sign the Grant Terms and Conditions within 30 days.

Once you sign the Terms and Conditions, you will receive a second email confirming you may begin project spending.

After you sign the Terms and Conditions, 50% of your approved grant amount will be paid into your nominated bank account.

You may now proceed with spending according to your approved application.

Apply for the final payment within 12 months of signing the Terms and Conditions.

When the project is complete, upload your receipts through the Better Business Grant Portal.

We verify receipts against your approved project.

The remaining 50% is paid to your nominated bank account.

• If receipts exceed your approved project costs, you will receive the remaining 50% of your approved grant.
• If receipts are lower than approved project costs, your final payment is adjusted to reflect 50% of the verified costs minus the first instalment already paid.
• If receipts match the approved project, you receive the remaining 50% in full.

Up to £2,000 for Apprenticeship Grants

Apprenticeship grants are scheduled for payment twice per calendar year.

Upon approval of your grant application, you will receive an email notification detailing the approval along with the apprenticeship grant payment dates, which are scheduled twice per calendar year.