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Grant Advance Funding for Innovation

Unlock capital before your grant arrives.

Access up to 80% of your confirmed award from bodies like Innovate UK or Horizon Europe, quickly and without giving up equity.

Grant Advance Funding

What is the main benefit of comparing loans?

The main benefit of grant advance funding is that it allows you to access funds immediately, rather than waiting weeks or months for the grant body to disburse the money. This ensures your project can start on time, resources can be secured early, and momentum isn’t lost due to delayed cash flow. It's a powerful way to maintain financial stability while staying on track with grant deliverables.

Am I Eligible for Grant Advance Funding?

Grant advance funding is typically available to businesses or organisations that have been awarded a grant but are waiting for disbursement. Eligibility depends on having a confirmed grant award letter or contract. Funders will assess your organisation’s financial history, the grant terms, and the reliability of the grant provider. You do not need to factor in your credit score, and there are usually no long-term obligations.

How Much Can I Access Through Grant Advance Funding?

The amount available through grant advance funding is directly linked to the value of your awarded grant. Funders generally advance up to 80–90% of the grant amount, helping you to cover project costs before the actual grant funds are released. The final balance is released once the grant body pays.

How Fast Can I Get Funded Through Grant Advance Funding?

Once your grant documentation is verified, funding can typically be released within 48 to 72 hours. The speed depends on the completeness of your paperwork and the responsiveness of the grant provider. This type of funding is designed for rapid turnaround to help you begin project execution without delay.

What Can Grant Advance Funding Be Used For?

Grant advance funding can be used to bridge the gap between grant award and payment. This includes covering essential project costs such as staff wages, equipment purchases, working capital, and supplier payments. It ensures your programme remains on schedule, even if official grant funds are delayed.

What Are the Costs & Terms for Grant Advance Funding?

Costs for grant advance funding usually include a flat service fee or interest rate ranging between 2% and 6%, depending on the grant value, provider reliability, and duration of the advance. Terms are typically short, aligned with the grant’s expected payment schedule. There are usually no early repayment penalties and minimal administrative requirements.

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Please note the minimum requirement is £5,000.

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Journey

Submit your enquiry

Complete our quick online form with a few details about your business and what you need funding for. No commitment, no jargon.

Speak to a specialist

A dedicated finance expert will get in touch to understand your needs and tailor options that work for your business.

Get matched with a lender

We’ll match you with trusted lenders from our panel, offering competitive rates and flexible terms suited to your sector.

Choose your finance offer

Review your finance offers with full transparency. We’ll guide you through the details so you can make a confident decision.

Receive your funds

Once approved, your funds are released quickly — often within 24–48 hours — so you can get back to growing your business.

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Industries

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Technology & Telecommunications

Education & Non-profit

Entertainment & Media

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FAQs

What is Grant Advance Funding and How Does It Work?

Grant advance funding allows you to receive a portion of your awarded grant before official disbursement. A finance provider fronts the capital, which you repay once the grant body issues payment. It's a smart way to improve cash flow without taking on debt.

Can Startups Apply for Grant Advance Funding?

Yes, startups can qualify if they’ve secured a confirmed grant from a recognised organisation. This type of funding helps startups kickstart projects immediately, without waiting months for the grant to come through.

Is Grant Advance Funding Considered a Loan?

No. Grant advance funding is not a traditional loan. It’s a short-term advance based on confirmed grant income, meaning no assets are required as security, and it won’t negatively affect your credit profile.

How Do I Apply for Grant Advance Funding?

You typically need to provide a copy of the grant award letter or contract, project budget, and some basic financial information. Many funders offer a quick online application, with approval possible in 1–2 days.

Why Choose Grant Advance Funding Over Waiting for Grant Disbursement?

Choosing grant advance funding over waiting for traditional grant disbursement allows your organisation to stay agile and responsive. Delays in receiving grant money can stall important projects, affect partnerships, or lead to missed opportunities. With an advance, you can immediately secure resources, hire staff, or launch time-sensitive initiatives - without compromising your timeline. It's an ideal solution for organisations that rely on grants but can’t afford the financial slowdown caused by long administrative processing times.

Jamie Davies

Head of Lending

"Grant advance funding allows businesses and organisations to access approved grant money before it is formally disbursed, improving cash flow and enabling projects to begin without delay. By bridging the gap between approval and payment, grant advances help maintain momentum and deliver outcomes on schedule."
Disclaimer: Spark Finance Ltd (Registered office - 18 John Stow House, London, England, EC3A 7JB, Registered Number 10128297) helps UK firms access business finance. Spark is a credit broker, not a lender. Any quotes provided are for information purposes only and subject to status and separate lender terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 and over.  Guarantees and Indemnities may be required.  Spark Finance may receive commission from lenders  which may vary depending on the lender, product, or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed.

Spark Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK (FRN 958123).