Public funding is a crucial lifeline for innovative SMEs in the UK and Europe. But navigating complex eligibility rules, structuring a competitive proposal, and meeting funder expectations can be a challenge. That is why we created the Grant Application Guide — a clear, structured resource to help your business succeed.
Whether you are applying to Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, or the EIC Accelerator, this guide walks you through every stage of building a fundable, technically sound, and commercially convincing bid. Written by the innovation funding experts at FI Group, it reflects years of hands-on experience supporting SMEs in advanced manufacturing, AI, life sciences, clean tech, software, and more.
The Grant Application Guide is a six-part resource designed to simplify the grant application process for innovation-led organisations. Each step reflects the real structure of a funder’s application process, with practical advice, examples, and tools to help you write a competitive proposal from start to finish.
You can follow the guide end-to-end, or skip directly to the stage that matches your current progress. Each section includes checklists, tables, and formatting advice to help you build a strong, funder-ready submission.
This guide is ideal for:
SMEs in technical sectors such as automotive, aerospace, AI, biotech, medical devices, FinTech, and clean energy
UK or European businesses targeting innovation grants from Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, or similar bodies
R&D, engineering, and commercial leaders looking for structured, strategic bid support
Whether you are writing your first application or refining your tenth, this guide helps you avoid common mistakes and improve your odds of success.
Below are the six key stages of the grant application journey – click through to read each in detail.
The FI Group’s International Grants Guide 2025 is a comprehensive reference for businesses and institutions looking to leverage public funding opportunities worldwide. Covering over a dozen countries, the guide breaks down national and regional schemes that support R&D, innovation, energy efficiency, sustainability, and industrial transformation.
The FI Group’s International Grants Guide 2025 is a comprehensive reference for businesses and institutions looking to leverage public funding opportunities worldwide. Covering over a dozen countries, the guide breaks down national and regional schemes that support R&D, innovation, energy efficiency, sustainability, and industrial transformation.
What sets this guide apart is its focus on the real mechanics of grant writing. It avoids generic advice and instead provides structured, actionable guidance for companies working on high-stakes, technically advanced projects. Each step is informed by real funder expectations and the kinds of mistakes we have seen even well-resourced applicants make.
FI Group’s consultants have helped secure millions in public funding. This guide distils that experience into a self-serve tool for innovation-focused SMEs; whether you want to do it in-house or understand what to expect from external support.
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