Business support programmes
Creative Lewisham Enterprise Workspace Grants
We are administering one-off grants to support local businesses to transform underused or empty spaces in the borough into affordable workspaces or new high street enterprises.
The grants are key to helping build a thriving local economy in Lewisham and there are three types available – Strategic Workspace, Small Workspace and Lewisham Empty Property.
How to apply for a grant
You will need to fill out a form and send supporting documents to Business@lewisham.gov.uk to support your request. Once we receive your completed application, we will review it, in line with the eligibility criteria, before deciding on whether your grant request is approved.
Please note there is no right to object the final decision. However, if you are unsatisfied with the outcome of your application you can submit an online complaint.
Be advised that we do not provide an estate agent service. Applicants are expected to come to us with site proposals. Grants will only be paid once we have received signed copies of lease agreements.
If you would like to discuss any of the above grant schemes or applications process, please contact Business@lewisham.gov.uk.
Strategic Workspace Grant - Expression of Interest
This grant will provide businesses with up to £200,000.00 of funding to deliver high quality, new, affordable workspace across the borough. The minimum new floorspace required to be eligible for this grant is 2,000 sq. ft and minimum lease term of 24 months.
There are two phases to the application process:
- stage one – Complete expression of interest (EOI) form
- stage two – If EOI is approved, applicant will be invited to complete a formal application
Eligibility criteria:
- unit must be in London Borough of Lewisham
- applicant must not be in or going through the process of administration, insolvency or striking off proceedings
- amount requested must not take applicants over maximum level of Business Grant Subsidy
- no arrears on Business Rates account without a payment plan agreed
- must agree to use the London Borough of Lewisham and UK Levelling Up Fund logo on any signage for new workspace
- minimum five-year lease
Funding available
| Amount of space created | Maximum grant fund |
| 2000-9000 sq ft | £100,000 |
| 10,000 sq ft + | £200,000 |
Please note, the Council reserves the right to award grant funds below the requested amount.
Apply for a Strategic Workspace Grant.
Small Workspace Grant
This grant will provide businesses with up to £5,000.00 of funding to deliver new affordable workspace within the Creative Enterprise Zone of Deptford and New Cross.
Eligibility criteria:
- unit must be based in the Creative Enterprise Zone of Deptford and New Cross
- applicant must not be in or going through the process of administration, insolvency or striking off proceedings
- amount requested must not take applicant over maximum level of Business Grant Subsidy
- no arrears on Business Rates account without a payment plan agreed
- must agree to use the London Borough of Lewisham and UK Levelling Up Fund logo on any signage for new workspace
- minimum two-year lease
- workspace must support the Creative sector
Apply for a Small Workspace Grant.
Lewisham Empty Property Grant
We are now administering one-off grants of up £10,000 to support businesses to revamp and reopen empty shop units in the borough.
In order for your business to qualify for the Empty Property Grant, you must meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria:
- unit must be based in London Borough of Lewisham
- applicant must not be in or going through the process of administration, insolvency or striking off proceedings
- amount requested must not take applicants over maximum level of Business Grant Subsidy
- no arrears on Business Rates account without a payment plan agreed
- must agree to use the London Borough of Lewisham and UK Levelling Up fund logo on any signage for new workspace
- minimum 12-month lease
Funding available
| Length of lease | Maximum grant fund |
| 1 year | £2,500 |
| 2 - 4 years | £5,000 |
| 5 - 9 years | £7,500 |
| 10 years + | £10,000 |
Apply for a Lewisham Empty Property Grant.
Changes to energy support announced by the Government
On 9 January the Government announced a new Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) for 2023/24 to support businesses with rising energy costs. This replaces the time limited Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) which was introduced for non-domestic energy customers, including the public sector, from October 2022 to March 2023.
Some details about the new scheme are yet to be published by the Government, such as what they define as an energy intensive industry. The EBDS will be managed by utility companies, so they are best placed to offer advice on the new scheme in the first instance if you have any queries.
Business support for entrepreneurs with BIPC Lewisham
BIPC Lewisham aims to extend the provision of business support in the Borough of Lewisham, by helping aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses to increase their entrepreneurial skills and confidence, as well as providing access to business information and resources.
BIPC Lewisham will also facilitate a variety of expert led workshops, one to ones, and networking events within the local business community. Lewisham Libraries card holders will be able to access the following Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) services locally:
- business information and resources, for example free access to high quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights, and company data
- intellectual property advice and guidance
- free one-to-one support and training
- topical business networking events
- access to the latest business books and eBooks, digital newspapers, magazines and journals
- business databases: COBRA, IBIS World and Grant Finder
- conference equipment and room hire
Business databases
COBRA (Complete Business Reference Advisor)
COBRA contains all the information you need to turn your idea into a business. Access remotely or in any library branch and find more than 4,000 factsheets, market reports, contacts, and sources of funding and support plus hundreds of practical guides to starting up more than 350 types of business. Access through the link above with your library card number and PIN.
Grant Finder
GrantFinder is the leading funding database in the UK covering local, national, and international sources of funding. Thousands of funding sources are included such as charitable trusts, societies, research councils, national government, the EU and corporate sponsors. Access at Lewisham Libraries' hubs: Catford Library, The Library at Deptford Lounge, Downham Library and Lewisham Library.
IBIS World
Trusted industry research covering thousands of global industries. Get a quick and intelligent overview of any industry. In every report, you’ll find actionable insights, comprehensive data and in-depth analysis. For any queries relating to the BIPC Lewisham, please email BIPC@lewisham.gov.uk.
Enterprise Nation
Whether you’re launching a new business or developing an existing one, Enterprise Nation connects you to the resources and expertise to help you succeed. Enterprise Nation exists to shortcut your route to trusted business support. With a business community of over 120,000 people it is a great way to network. Business support services include:
- funding hub
- business advice from industry experts
- workshops, training and e-learning
- guides and templates
- networking events online and in person
- opportunities to showcase services.
London Business Hub
London Business Hub provides a number of options for businesses to explore further support with the Cost of Living, this includes practical guides on managing cash flow and unpaid debts, and insurance cover for businesses.
Energy bill relief scheme
Find out about the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) for non-domestic customers and how you can get support this winter.
Business Debtline
Business Debtline offer a number of services to help businesses during the cost of living crisis, these include specialist advisers and a cost of living hub that will help you to:
- find out how to make the most of your money
- understand how the cost of living can affect how you deal with your debts
- get advice about dealing with high gas and electricity bills
- find out about help from other organisations
- understand what to do if you can't afford your living costs.
British Business Bank
The British business bank is a government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses. There are a number of business loan options available:
- find out more on the British Business Bank website
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Business membership organisation offering a wide range of products, services, advice, information as well as resources and tools that will help you grow your business and save money.
Benefits include: legal advice, tax protection insurance, health and safety, HR online support, pension planning, business banking, as well as networking opportunities:
South East London Chamber of Commerce
Business membership organisation offering a wide range of products, services, advice, information as well as resources and tools that will help you grow your business and save money.
Benefits include: practical business support, training, excellent networking opportunities and access to new markets and services.
Support for Lewisham Businesses
If you need support for your business, we may be able to help. Please complete our form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Lewisham Business Newsletter
For current news about businesses in Lewisham and to keep up to date on current and emerging business support sign up for our business newsletter.