SFL Enterprise Competition

SFL Enterprise Competition: funding to help your business take its next step

Starting a business or ready to grow an existing one? The Step Forward Luton Enterprise Competition offers grant funding to support businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Luton.

Delivered by Luton Council, the competition offers grants towards equipment and other eligible capital investments that can help you start trading, introduce new products or services, improve productivity or reduce your carbon footprint.

There are three funding routes, with an award of up to £10,000 for an established business, up to £2,500 for start-ups and pre-starts with a business idea, and up to £2,500 for eligible NEET and care leaver entrepreneurs.

Applications open: 12 noon Monday 16th November 2026

Applications close: 12 noon Thursday 24th December 2026

Successful applicants notified: February 2027

Grant funding distribution: March 2027 onwards

How to apply

  1. Read the guidance. Check which funding option you qualify for, what you can purchase and what evidence you need.
  2. Complete the relevant application form. Explain your proposed investment, expected outcomes, business case, delivery plan and how the benefit will continue beyond the grant. Applications can be found below.
  3. Email your application and supporting evidence to invest@stepforwardluton.co.uk by 12 noon on Friday 24th December 2026.

Find the right funding for you

Apply for up to £10,000.

For Luton-based businesses established for at least three years and operating in one of the competition’s eligible growth sectors.

The eligible growth sectors are: Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation, Construction, Creative, Digital, Logistics, Healthcare & Sports, Professional Services, and the Visitor Economy. Please get in touch with the team via invest@stepforwardluton.co.uk if you are unsure if your business is eligible.

Apply for the established business pot here

Apply for up to £2,500.

For Luton-based businesses established for less than three years, and Luton residents preparing to start a business and trade in the town.

You can apply before registering your business however successful pre-start applicants will need to meet the registration and business bank-account requirements explained in the guidance before receiving funding.

Start-ups and pre-starts from any sector may apply to this funding pot.

Apply for the start-up and pre-start pot here

Apply for up to £2,500.

Dedicated funding for eligible care leavers and people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), looking to start or develop a business in Luton.

This funding pot supports pre-starts and businesses established for less than three years. Applicants can qualify through either the NEET or care leaver route; you do not need to meet both.

Read the funding guidance for the full age, location and elibility requirements.

Apply for the NEET and care leaver funding pot here

FAQ

The funding is for capitl investment – such as equipment, machinery, computer hardware, or fixtures and fittings used in your business.

Your proposal should what you want to buy and how it will help your business start trading or develop.

The grant cannot cover everyday running costs such as wages, rent or general bills. Full expenditure rules, including VAT treatment and purchase deadlines, are explained in the application guidance.

No match funding is required. You will need to cover any costs above your grant award and any costs that are not eligible.

Eligible applications will be assessed against four criteria:

  • Expected business outcomes – 30% weighted
  • Business case – 25% weighted
  • Ability to deliver – 20% weighted
  • Long-term sustainability – 25% weighted

Applications will be assessed proportionately to the stage of the business. If you are preparing to start trading, you will not be expected to provide the same supporting evidence as an established business.

Funding is competitive and therefore meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their proposal nd answer questions from a panel. Both the shortlisting and panel phase will use the same assessment criteria. The panel will take place from late January 2027 to early February 2027.

Funding is competitive and therefore being invited to pitch does not guarantee an award.

If you are unsure which funding option to choose, have a question about eligibility or need reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact invest@stepforwardluton.co.uk.

Please send enquiries by 5pm on Friday 18th December 2026. The enquiry deadline is earlier than the application deadline, so please allow time to get the information you need.