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Support for SMEs

This is a university of energy and enterprise. We offer modern and friendly business services to SMEs of all shapes and sizes. We can help you secure funding for growth and innovation, and connect you with our in-house expertise, facilities, support networks and learning programmes.

Although our range of support is vast, you only need to talk to one team initially – they will explain everything that's on offer to you.

How can we help you?

We currently run a number of part-funded or fully-funded schemes that are focused on helping SMEs in the East Midlands with R&D, innovation and growth.

There is also the part-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Scheme, which can help you address a specific business need by connecting your organisation with one of our academics and a recent graduate.

We run three hi-spec 'incubation units' for start-ups: two in Derby and one in Chesterfield. These provide affordable studio/office space and a range of business support services and events. 

More about space and support for start-ups

We have a great range of affordable work-related education and training packages.

From heavily subsidised higher-level or degree apprenticeships, to shorter courses and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), or traditional degrees and qualifications that can be studied part-time.

Education and training for businesses

Our dedicated Employer Engagement team will help you find fresh talent for your business. They can recruit students or recent graduates for:

  • Work experience, volunteering and projects
  • Internships and longer placements
  • Graduate jobs or part-time/casual work

Recruiting students and graduates

David Smith, The National Forest Spring Water Company

Our turnover is set to increase by 35-40% by the end of the year. The funding has enabled us to increase production, become more efficient, and ‘step up a level’.

David Smith
MD, The National Forest Spring Water Company

A university for SMEs

Universities can be daunting to SMEs, but not ours. Our track record of working with smaller organisations and our down-to-earth, practical approach means we’re the ideal partner for your expanding business.

200businesses helped**Invest to Grow, March 2019
£23mfunding awarded**Invest to Grow, March 2019
Orange machinery in a factory with a blue floor

They direct you to the right places, the right information. They help fill paperwork out. All the things that would normally stop an SME applying for funding.

Phil Mason
Tidyco

Part-funded and fully-funded schemes

Conducting research
Enabling Innovation

Our expertise in research and innovation could help you develop and grow your business through the Enabling Innovation programme, a collaboration between the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent...

transport equipment manufacturing
Catalysing Growth

The Catalysing Growth project delivers free support for eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who wish to improve existing products or develop new products, processes and services in the ...

Interactive workshops
ENSCITE

ENSCITE is a support organisation for companies in the transport equipment manufacturing supply chain. It is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Product Design student working at computer
Creative & Digital

Businesses in the creative and digital industry can receive free support from The Big House project to expand and bring new products and services to market and create new jobs. Thi...

Student working in the lab
Invest to Grow Funding

Our Invest to Grow programme provides grants and loans of between £15,000 and £250,000 to support private-sector businesses across the East Midlands to innovate, grow and create jobs.

Wind turbines on University of Derby roof
Low Carbon Projects

The Low Carbon Energy Efficiency Grants project has been created to help your small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) to save money and reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The project is a colla...

A stocky white male stands in front of crates of drinking water in blue plastic bottles

Access our Invest to Grow funding for your business

Our Invest to Grow programme provides grants and loans of between £15,000 and £250,000 to support private-sector businesses across the East Midlands to innovate, grow and create jobs.

Learn more about Invest to GrowLearn more about Invest to Grow