Funding for Norfolk-based farms and businesses

For businesses and farmers in the Norfolk area there are a number of grants and funding programmes available – including nutrient mitigation and innovation grant mentoring.

Crowdfund Norfolk: Supporting environmental, sustainability and net zero projects in Norfolk

The types of projects we would expect to see could include but not exhaustive to:

• Local wildlife training and monitoring schemes
• Nature – works to improve habitats or conserve species, as well as helping people to connect to nature in their daily lives
• Designed landscapes – improving and conserving historic landscapes such as public parks, historic gardens and botanical gardens
• Improving landscapes for people and nature by, for example, restoring habitats and celebrating the cultural traditions of the land
• Replacing community infrastructure structure fossil fuel reliance – for example air or ground source heat pump upgrades to oil heating systems
• Innovative carbon reduction aspects of new build community buildings like cobbauge, strawbuild or insulation techniques

There is currently no closing date for this fund, full information is available on Crowdfunder.

Norfolk Water Strategy Programme

This round of funding supports early-stage studies that lay the groundwork for impactful, well-informed Nature-based Solution (NbS) projects—helping to create deliverable solutions for Norfolk’s water challenges.

The Norfolk Water Fund (NWF) is a financial mechanism established under the Norfolk Water Strategy Programme (NWSP) to support the development, and delivery, of NbS projects that address water challenges in the region (specifically, at present, the catchments of Ant, Bure, Wensum and Yare).

With thanks to TNC’s Go Fund, NWF is currently accepting applications from those seeking funding to carry out a feasibility study to help design an effective NbS project or to monitor its impact.

Norfolk Nutrient Mitigation Fund

The Norfolk Nutrient Mitigation Fund offers grants and repayable loans to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen levels in the Wensum, Bure, and Yare catchments. This supports much-needed housing and helps restore river conditions through nutrient neutrality.

Where can the fund help?

Feasibility Support: If you have an idea but need scientific advice or funding to explore it further, a grant could help.
Loan Funding: If you have a project ready to go but need funding to make it a reality, a loan could be the solution.

What projects qualify?

Here are some examples:

• Crop changes: Planting low-fertiliser crops or those that absorb nutrients.
• Fertiliser reduction: Applying less or switching to alternatives.
• Riparian buffers: Installing or expanding natural buffers near waterways.
• Livestock changes: Reducing or ceasing livestock levels.
• Septic tank upgrades: Modernising or combining multiple systems.
• Nature-based solutions: Creating wetlands or similar ecosystems.
• Business adaptations: Installing new equipment or changing operations.

There is currently no closing date for this fund. You can see full eligibility information and how to apply on the NMF Norfolk website.

Norfolk and Suffolk: Innovation grant mentoring project

Do you have an idea worthy of Innovate UK funding, or need help with your application? Get mentoring and bid writing support to help you secure the funding you need to develop your project or idea from Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.

Innovation funding can help you take your business to the next level, whether you’re looking to develop a new product or expand into a new market.

But getting the funding can be a complicated process and take a lot of time, especially if you have a smaller business. The programme is here to help you submit a strong application and increase your chances of getting funding.

If you’ve applied for Innovate UK funding before but didn’t get it, apply today and they can help you in your next bid. They can also help support you work on an early concept idea.

Businesses must be based in Norfolk or Suffolk.

How it works

Explore your business aims and ambitions so you can be matched with mentors or bid writing coaches. They will help you to develop your ideas and reach the stage where you’re ready to apply for innovation funding.

The project helps a variety of business types, from sole traders to micro, small and medium businesses. If you have an idea that could be worthy of innovation funding, the programme can help you!

The mentors and bid writing coaches can help identify appropriate grants for you. Then, coach your business in the art of bid writing, helping you develop your funding application.

Alongside mentors and coaches, there are expert project partners on hand to give you specialist sector advice or academic expertise for your project.

Your business ideas will be treated in strict confidence. Applicants, mentors and coaches all sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) at the start of the project.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Norfolk County Council website.

You can see more open funding calls in our Funding Finder; these are open to other specific regions and UK wide.