Manufacturing funding and support for SMEs
Helping manufacturing SMEs innovate, scale and improve productivity with expert support and funding opportunities.
Unlocking the funds to power innovation
Funding can be a vital enabler for SME manufacturers looking to innovate, improve productivity, scale production or invest in new technology. However, understanding what support is available, and whether your business is eligible, can be difficult.
At MTC, we help manufacturing SMEs navigate the funding landscape and identify the most appropriate route for their business. This may include fully funded support, part-funded programmes, grant-funded innovation projects, regional initiatives or commercial support where funding is not available.
Whether you are developing a new product, scaling up production, improving factory performance or exploring automation and digital technologies, our experts can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
What is an SME?
An SME (small or medium-sized enterprise) is typically a business with fewer than 250 employees and either annual turnover below £50 million or a balance sheet total below £43 million.
However, funding eligibility isn't always based on the company alone. If your business is owned by, or linked to, other organisations, group turnover, employee numbers and ownership structures may also be considered. As a result, some businesses that appear to be SMEs in their own right may not qualify for certain funding programmes.
If you're unsure of your SME status, MTC can help assess your eligibility and identify the most appropriate support routes for your business.
SME support programmes
Innovation programmes
Innovation support helps SMEs turn ideas into reality. Whether you're developing a new product, exploring a new technology, improving an existing process or seeking funding for R&D, MTC can help reduce risk and accelerate progress. Our experts can support with feasibility studies, prototyping, technology validation, manufacturing readiness and collaborative innovation projects, helping you move confidently from concept to implementation.
Best for SMEs looking to develop, test or prove a new product, process or technology.
Scale-up programmes
Moving from a successful prototype or pilot to full-scale production can be challenging. Our scale-up support helps SMEs develop robust manufacturing processes, improve product manufacturability, increase production capacity and prepare for commercial growth. We work with businesses to overcome the challenges associated with scaling production while maintaining quality, efficiency and profitability.
Best for SMEs preparing to increase production volumes, launch new products or grow their manufacturing capability.
Productivity programmes
Productivity support helps SMEs improve efficiency, reduce waste and increase competitiveness. Whether you're looking to adopt automation, optimise processes, improve factory performance or make better use of digital technologies, MTC can help identify practical opportunities for improvement and support implementation. The result is a more productive, resilient and future-ready business.
Best for SMEs looking to improve operational performance, reduce costs and increase productivity.
MTC Reach
Access expert manufacturing support at a reduced cost
MTC Reach is a part-funded support route designed to help eligible SMEs access MTC’s manufacturing expertise at a reduced cost.
It can help businesses take the next step when they have a clear manufacturing challenge but may not yet be ready for a fully commercial project. This could include exploring a new idea, improving a process, validating a technology, developing a scale-up plan or identifying practical routes to improve productivity.
Through MTC Reach, eligible SMEs can access expert-led support from MTC engineers, technology specialists and manufacturing experts to help de-risk decisions, accelerate progress and identify the right next steps.
Connected to a wider innovation ecosystem
MTC is a trusted delivery partner for a range of regional and national business support programmes, giving SMEs access to expertise, funding opportunities and specialist support beyond our own portfolio. Whether you're looking to adopt new technology, develop an innovative product, access grant funding or accelerate business growth, we can help you identify the most appropriate route and connect you with the right programme at the right time.
Innovate UK & UKRI Funding
Funding innovation, research and product development
Innovate UK and UKRI provide funding opportunities to help businesses develop innovative products, processes and services. MTC supports companies throughout the innovation journey, helping organisations shape funding applications, access specialist facilities and expertise, and deliver ambitious R&D projects with greater confidence.
Made Smarter
Digital transformation support for manufacturing SMEs
Made Smarter helps manufacturing and engineering SMEs adopt digital technologies to improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. Through digital transformation support, technology roadmapping and access to match-funded grants, MTC works with eligible businesses to identify opportunities, evaluate technologies and accelerate their digital adoption journey.
Business Growth Service & Growth Hubs
Business advice, funding opportunities and local support
Business Growth Services and regional Growth Hubs provide access to business advice, events, grants and funding opportunities. MTC works closely with these networks to help businesses identify the most appropriate innovation and growth support, connecting them with specialist manufacturing expertise and programmes where additional technical support is needed.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
Embedding expertise to deliver long-term innovation
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships enable businesses to collaborate with universities and innovation organisations on strategic innovation projects. MTC supports the delivery of KTPs by providing engineering expertise, project guidance and innovation capability, helping businesses bring new ideas, technologies and processes into their operations.
Not sure which route is right for you?
MTC can help you understand which routes may be relevant, what eligibility requirements apply, and how to shape a project that aligns with the right funding opportunity.
If you are unsure whether your business is eligible for funding, or which type of support is most relevant, we can help you take the first step.
Our team can help assess:
- whether your business may qualify as an SME for funding purposes;
- what stage your project is at;
- whether innovation, scale-up or productivity support is the best fit;
- which funding routes may be available;
- whether a fully funded, part-funded or commercial project is most appropriate.