Shared Prosperity Fund - Investing in the Night-time Economy - Call For Proposals

Overview

The UK government has set out an ambitious plan for change, focused on five national Missions: ambitious, measurable, long-term objectives that provide a driving sense of purpose for the country. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) proactively supports Mission-delivery: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a focus to kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, please visit UKSPF website.

Investing in the Night-time Economy Fund Overview

As part of Birmingham City Council’s allocation under the Business Support pillar of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this programme supports the growth, diversification, and sustainability of Birmingham businesses within the evening and night-time economy. It focuses on strengthening the hospitality, entertainment, creative, and cultural sectors, while also exploring what types of support businesses in this space need to thrive and remain resilient.

The fund is targeted at businesses operating between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, or those looking to diversify into evening and night-time activity. Applications are invited from businesses based in the following local centres identified in Birmingham’s Local Plan: the Balti Triangle, Harborne, the Jewellery Quarter, Moseley, and Sutton Coldfield.

The fund will open for applications on Friday 22nd August 2025 and will remain open until 9:00 AM on Monday 15th September 2025.

A total of £200,000 in revenue funding is available for 2025/26, with individual grants ranging from £2500 up to £29,999 per business. The fund supports a range of eligible investment activities, including but not limited to capital works (such as furniture, fittings, and minor refurbishments), staff training, marketing and promotion, and business development or diversification. Please note that recoverable VAT is not eligible for funding.

As part of the UKSPF’s requirement for funding, all shortlisted businesses will participate in a pre-funding project review with the Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub. This process is designed to assess best value, economic impact, and establish a baseline pre-investment. Projects that proceed to investment will receive a grant agreement and take part in a post-funding project review later in the programme.

All funding must be spent and evidenced by 31^st March 2026. This is a non-negotiable deadline, and any spend or activity beyond this date will be ineligible. Projects must also comply with Birmingham City Council’s procurement, spend, and monitoring rules to ensure appropriate use of UKSPF funds.

Finally, branding and publicity are a mandatory part of the programme. All funded projects must follow UKSPF branding guidelines, including the use of logos and acknowledgements. Guidance will be issued upon award.

Application Process and Indicative Timeline

Developing and Submitting your Application

We are inviting businesses to submit an application to outline their ideas and needs. This is a short-form application designed to help us understand what support is required and how the funding will be used. The application window opens Friday 22nd August 2025.

The application should include:

• A brief description of your business and its role in the evening and night-time economy
• What you want to do or need to do to grow, diversify, or sustain your business
• How the funding would help you achieve this
• Any anticipated outcomes or long-term impact

The level of information provided by applicants should be proportionate to the size and complexity of the project proposed.

The deadline for submitting an application is 9:00 AM on Monday 15^th September 2025.

Pre-Funding Project Review and Recommendations

Applicants will be invited to participate in a pre-funding project review with the Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub. This session will assess the proposal’s eligibility and viability and explore sustainability and exit planning, thinking about how your business will continue to benefit from the investment after the funding ends in March 2026. Reviews are expected to take place in September following application submission.

The Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub will provide a list of eligible and viable projects to the Neighbourhood Development and Support Unit (NDSU). These recommendations will inform the appraisal process, during which funding decisions will be made by NDSU.

Inclusion in the Growth Hub’s recommendations does not guarantee funding; all proposals will be appraised against programme criteria.

Project Appraisal and Decision

Eligible projects will be assessed by an Appraisal Panel, which will evaluate proposals against the following criteria:

• Viability and potential impact 
• Likelihood of completion by March 2026 
• Value for money
• Sustainability beyond the funding period
• Location of proposed activity 

Final funding decisions will be made by NDSU, considering the above criteria, location, balance across areas, and overall programme aims. The panel will also consider balance across the five local centres and diversity of project types to ensure a representative mix of investments.

Grant Agreement 

Successful projects will proceed to the grant agreement stage. A Conditions of Grant Aid document and Subsidy Control form will be issued. Once signed and returned, with any required documentation, businesses will be set up on the payments system and the grant will be released.

We aim to issue first payments in October, or sooner if possible. Timelines may vary depending on the completeness of submitted documentation and internal processing times.

Between 50 and 75% of the grant will be paid upfront, with the remainder issued towards the end of the programme, subject to project review and evidence of delivery.

Project Launch and Delivery

Businesses may begin delivery once the Conditions of Grant Aid has been signed by the Council. Preliminary planning or readiness activity may commence earlier, but only after confirmation that the pre-funding project review has been successfully completed. 

Project visits may be arranged during delivery to monitor progress, verify spend, and support evaluation.

Post-Funding Project Review and Programme Close 

The programme will conclude on 31st March 2026. All funding must be spent and evidenced by this date. This deadline is non-negotiable, and any expenditure beyond it will be ineligible. Businesses will be invited to attend a post-funding project review ahead of programme closure to reflect on delivery, impact, and sustainability. 

For more information or to discuss your proposal, please contact the Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub. When making your enquiry, please reference the Investing in the Night-time Economy Fund.