Skills & Innovation Capital Fund
Apply Now
Register your bid by downloading the bid response pack and submitting it below.
Applications open Friday 10 July to Friday 14 August.
What is it?
With £900,000 capital funding available, the Skills and Innovation fund invests in modern equipment, digital innovation, and immersive learning for post-16 training providers, to help build a future-ready workforce and ensure Essex’s economic growth.
Skills provision is Essex is under pressure due to rising costs, limited investment capacity, and shortages in key sectors like engineering, construction and digital. Without action, skills gaps will widen, employer demand will go unmet, and growth across the county will stall.
The fund focuses on outcomes that deliver real economic value and meet employer needs. It invests in innovative learning and teaching to help build a skilled workforce forEssex, supporting long-term growth and preparing for future devolved skills responsibilities.
What does the fund support?
Capital investment in:
- Industry-standard training equipment
- Digital, AI-powered and immersive learning
- Employer-led provision in priority sectors
- Expanded access to flexible, high-quality training
Full criteria for fund outlined in the Skills and Innovation Fund Prospectus.
What funding is available?
- Total fund: £900,000
- Grant sizes available: £10,000 – £250,000
- Capital funding only
This is the primary funding round - we encourage organisations to apply early to maximise their chances of securing support.
A second phase may open if funding remains available, however this cannot be guaranteed.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from:
Post-16 education and training providers, including FE colleges, ITPs, universities,
Institutes of Technology, local authorities and specialist providers.
- Organisations can apply individually or as a consortium
- Employer collaboration is strongly encouraged to ensure delivery proposals are industry-led
Assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed competitively by a panel of subject matter experts,
based on:
- Strategic fit
- Deliverability
- Value for money and capital impact
- Essex County Council scrutiny of capital criteria
Funding will be awarded to proposals that deliver the strongest strategic, economic,
and delivery outcomes.
Application process
Step 1: Review guidance
Review the Skills and Innovation Fund Prospectus and download the bid response pack.
Step 2: Develop your proposal
Applications must show:
- Clear need and skills gap addressed
- Employer demand and engagement
- Impact on learners, employers, productivity and growth impact
- Value for money, return on investment (ROI) and GVA uplift
- Deliverable, scalable plans
Step 3: Submit
Register your interest and submit your application by Friday 14 August 2026.
Apply to the Skills and Innovation Capital Fund today in the link below.
Key information
- Capital funding only
- Grant conditions apply, including spend eligibility criteria, monitoring and reporting requirements, and clawback provisions
- Bids must be aligned with Local Skills Improvement Plan, Essex Growth Agency priorities and Everyone’s Essex commitments
- Single funding round will run unless advised otherwise. A second funding phase may be launched if sufficient funds remain unallocated, however, organisations are strongly advised to apply in the current round.
Stories of progress
Don't just take our word for it, hear from the local individuals who are scaling faster and thinking bigger.
“The Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme didn’t just help us write a stronger grant application, it changed how we tell KIGO’s story. That is the kind of support every early-stage founder needs and almost none can find.”
Innovation Grant Mentoring
“The support was incredibly helpful. I was able to step back, really look at where the business was going, and understand the financial side more clearly. It also made me realise the true value of what I was delivering - something I hadn’t fully recognised before.”
Ambitious Essex
“The Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service has been invaluable in helping us enable apprenticeship employers to secure funding quickly and easily, ensuring smaller employers and apprentices have the same opportunities as other learners.”
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service
“The team have been very supportive throughout the process and guided us through each step. Every question was answered in detail, and we would highly recommend the service to other businesses.”
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service
“It’s a valuable way to invest in our team and support business growth. The process was straightforward, and the support helped us up skill our team without the usual financial pressures. We’d highly recommend it to others looking to develop their workforce.”
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service
“Pitching to companies was the best, from a commercial and learning perspective. Secondly the other cohort members, I feel I've met like minded people going through or have been through similar challenges.”
Grow Essex Global
“My experience with the Essex Growth Agency through Ambitious Women in Essex has been transformational for my business. May it continue as an incubator of talent, driving growth and prosperity across the county.”
Ambitious Women in Essex
"From start to finish, the process was seamless. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, guiding me through every step. I felt valued as a customer, and the results were fantastic. Thank you for a wonderful experience!"
Ambitious Women in Essex