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Growth Hub network saved after funding approval

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Gloucestershire’s network of Growth Hubs will continue to provide free business support in every district after funding was approved to keep the countywide service open.

The Gloucestershire City Region Board has agreed to fund the Growth Hub network for the next two years, following a successful bid to the Board’s Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF). This means the district based Growth Hubs network will remain open and continue supporting local businesses after its existing funding ends in March 2026.

The City Region Board approved £252,000 for the 2026/27 financial year and a further £282,600 for 2027/28, subject to confirmation of national funding. The funding comes from a ring-fenced pot generated through the county’s business rates pool and is designed to support projects that drive economic growth across Gloucestershire.

Growth Hubs provide free, practical support to start-ups, small businesses and growing firms, offering expert advice, training, mentoring and access to workspaces. Since 2014, the Gloucestershire Growth Hub network has supported around 16,000 businesses, welcomed more than 45,000 visitors and delivered over 1,700 training events. Since 2023 alone, the hubs have helped create and safeguard hundreds of jobs and supported new businesses to launch.

The funding bid was submitted by the county council on behalf of the county’s districts and assessed by senior economic growth officers, before being approved by the City Region Board. The Board brings together council leaders and partners to make decisions on strategic investment that supports jobs, businesses and long term growth.

Cllr Julian Tooke, chair of the City Region Board and cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This is very welcome news and a real boost for Gloucestershire’s business community. Our Growth Hubs play a vital role in helping local businesses start up, grow and adapt, and they have a proven track record of creating jobs and supporting innovation.

“Securing this funding means the hubs can stay open in every district, providing trusted, face-to-face support where it is needed most. I’m pleased the City Region Board recognised the value of this work and approved the full funding request.”