Small Business Grants You Can Use to Fund a Website Redesign

A modern, user-friendly website is often the cornerstone of a small business’s online presence. However, the cost of redesigning or rebuilding a website can be significant—an expense that many small business owners hesitate to take on. The good news is that a variety of grants and funding schemes exist specifically to help small businesses upgrade their digital infrastructure, including their websites.

This blog post explores some of the key small business grants that you can use to fund a website redesign, with a focus on options available in the UK and, where relevant, in other countries. You’ll learn about different grant types, their eligibility criteria, how to apply, and best practices to maximise your chances of success.

Why Invest in a Website Redesign?

Before diving into funding sources, it’s worth considering why investing in a website redesign is important for your business:

• Improved User Experience: A fresh, intuitive design keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to take action, such as making a purchase or contacting you.
• Mobile Responsiveness: With most web traffic coming from smartphones, a site that looks great on all devices is essential.
• SEO Benefits: Modern redesigns typically improve search engine optimisation, helping you get found by potential customers.
• Accessibility: Ensuring your site is usable for everyone is both good business and, in many cases, a legal requirement.
• Brand Reputation: Your website is your digital shop window—a dated or broken site can hurt customer trust in your brand.

The cost for a professional website redesign can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on your needs. Let’s explore how grants can help you cover (or reduce) these costs.

Types of Grants for Website Redesigns

Grants are non-repayable funds awarded by governments, councils, or private organisations to help businesses grow and innovate. When considering grants for website redesign, you’ll typically encounter the following types:

• Digital Transformation or Technology Grants: These are designed to help small businesses adopt new technology and improve online operations—including website upgrades.
• Growth or Business Development Grants: More general grants to support activities that drive business expansion, such as marketing, e-commerce, or online sales.
• Sector-Specific Grants: Some funds target certain industries (retail, tourism, manufacturing) or priority business types (social enterprises, creative sectors).
• Regional or Local Authority Grants: Many regions or councils offer digital support to promote local economic development.

Key Grants in the UK for Funding a Website Redesign

Below are some of the major grant programmes in the UK that you can use toward a website redesign. Please note that availability and criteria vary and change frequently—always check the latest details with the providers.

1. Growth Hubs’ Digital Grants

Regional Growth Hubs often offer digital grants to SMEs looking to upgrade their technology. Eligibility, match funding requirements, and application timelines differ by area.

• Amount: Typically £1,000 – £5,000 (commonly requires match funding, e.g., 50% of project costs)
• Purpose: Can be used for digital tools, technology adoption, and website development
• Eligibility: Businesses must generally be registered and trading within the local area

Examples include the Leeds City Region Digital Enterprise grant and the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub Digital Innovation grant, among many others.

2. UK Government’s Innovate UK SMART Grants

While Innovate UK SMART grants primarily support ambitious R&D and innovation projects, they sometimes cover digital transformation, particularly if your website redesign is part of a wider innovation plan (such as building a new online service or integrating e-commerce).

• Amount: Up to £2 million (for high-impact innovation; smaller amounts for digital projects)
• Purpose: Innovation in processes, services, or customer experience — includes digital upgrades
• Eligibility: UK-based business, project must show significant innovation and potential for impact

3. Local Authority and Council Grants

Many councils offer periodic digital support grants aimed at improving business resilience, growth, and online capabilities. Eligibility and scope vary but website redesign usually qualifies.

• Amount: £500 – £5,000 (typically requires some matched investment)
• Purpose: Digital marketing, website development, e-commerce features, and more
• Eligibility: Check your local council’s business support or economic development departments

Examples: Cornwall Council Digital Transformation grants, Glasgow City Council SME Digital Enablement grant, etc.

4. Digital Boost (Scotland)

For Scottish businesses, Digital Boost—coordinated by Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway—offers grants and advice for digital improvements.

• Amount: Up to £25,000 (dependent on business size and project scope)
• Purpose: Digital marketing, e-commerce, website upgrades, and bespoke systems
• Eligibility: Based in Scotland, trading for at least 6–12 months, turning over less than £50 million

5. Heritage Digital Grants

For charities, social enterprises, or cultural organisations, dedicated funds such as Heritage Digital support digital capacity building—including website enhancement to improve accessibility, user experience, and online engagement.

• Amount: Varies; often £1,000+ as part of a larger digital development scheme
• Eligibility: Non-profit status, delivering public benefit (arts, culture, heritage, community)

6. Prince’s Trust Enterprise Grants (Young Entrepreneurs)

If you are a young entrepreneur (aged 18 to 30), The Prince’s Trust offers both mentorship and small start-up grants, including support for building a business website.

• Amount: £250 – £2,500 (for start-up and digital costs)
• Purpose: Any start-up need, with digital presence strongly supported
• Eligibility: UK residents, 18–30 years old, planning/founding a business

Other Useful Grant Sources

If you are outside of the UK, or your business is in a minority or creative sector, consider these options:

• European Union Funds (EU and EEA businesses): Programmes like the Digital Europe Programme or local ERDF grants can support digitalisation projects
• Local Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement Districts: Many run micro-grants for digital adoption
• Women in Business Grants: Many charities and government bodies run small funds specifically for women-led enterprises looking to grow their digital presence
• Cultural, Creative, and Tourism Funds: If your business is in a creative field or tourism, dedicated funds often cover website and online marketing improvements

How to Apply for Website Redesign Grants

Winning grant funding takes planning, attention to detail, and an understanding of what funders are looking for. Here are some practical steps to improve your odds:

• 1. Identify Relevant Grants:

  Start by researching grants suitable in your region and sector. Subscribe to local business support newsletters, check your council website, or use online databases like gov.uk/business-finance-support.

• 2. Check Criteria Carefully:

  Read all the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and deadlines. Make sure a website redesign is an eligible cost.

• 3. Prepare a Clear Project Plan and Budget:

  Have quotes from web designers or agencies ready, and outline the full cost of the project. Most grants require a clear breakdown of how the money will be spent.

• 4. Highlight the Impact:

  Demonstrate how the website redesign will lead to business growth—such as attracting new customers, increasing sales, creating jobs, or improving accessibility.

• 5. Get Guidance:

  If available, talk to business advisors at your local growth hub, council, or chamber of commerce. They can help review your application or suggest funding options you might have missed.

Tips for a Successful Website Redesign Project

To ensure you get the best value from your grant—and your website delivers real business results—keep these best practices in mind:

• Set Clear Objectives: What do you want your new website to achieve? Define key goals (online sales, bookings, leads, etc.) at the start.
• Work with Experienced Professionals: Choose web designers with a track record of delivering user-friendly, accessible websites for small businesses.
• Prioritise Mobile and Accessibility: Ensure your site is optimised for phones and complies with accessibility guidelines.
• Integrate Analytics: Use Google Analytics or similar tools to measure your progress and see what’s working.
• Plan for Ongoing Maintenance: A website is never “finished”—plan for updates, security, and evolving content after launch.

Conclusion

Funding a website redesign doesn’t have to fall entirely on your shoulders. With the right grant, you can achieve a professional, future-proof online presence that drives your business forward—without breaking the bank. While the application process requires time and effort, the rewards of a modern, effective website can be transformative for your growth.

Stay informed about grants in your area, get expert advice, and make the most of the opportunities available. A savvy combination of grant funding and strategic website investment can set the foundation for your next phase of digital success.

If you need help with your website, app, or digital marketing — get in touch today at info@webmatter.co.uk or call 07546 289 419.