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  • Ascend

Ascend

In this section

  1. What is Ascend?
  2. Who can apply and what do you get?
  3. Ascend Growth Grants
  4. Ascend Growth Loans
  5. Vacant to Vibrant Grants
  6. Ascend application process

What is Ascend?


Thank you for your interest in the Ascend Programme.  As part of the Council’s annual Medium Term Financial Planning, all uncommitted budgets are being reviewed and we are not able to accept any new applications until the budget has been set.


Ascend offers grants and loans to eligible small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) that are based within or relocating to Derby. 

Ascend is managed by the Economic Growth team at Derby City Council and has been allocated £5m of funding to help businesses grow and stay successful for years to come. The objectives of the Ascend fund are to:

  • Bring more investment into the area to help businesses grow and create new jobs.
  • Provide financial help for businesses to overcome challenges that might stop them from creating jobs or expanding.
  • Help businesses to introduce new technology and increase turnover and profitability.

Ascend has three programmes for businesses to apply for:

  1. Growth Grants (up to £35k grant 35% intervention rate)
  2. Debt Fund (up to £200k of loan funding)
  3. Reactivation of empty units (up to £100k grant 50% intervention rate)
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Who can apply and what do you get?
  • Derby Enterprise Growth Fund
  • Ascend
  • Apprenticeship levy transfer
  • Derby Jobs: Business recruitment support
  • Skills support
  • Redundancy support
  • Connect Derby
  • Wider business support
  • D2N2 Growth Hub
  • Enterprise Growth Strategy
  • International trade
  • UK Shared Prosperity Fund
  • Make and Trade Grant Fund
  • Derby City Centre Mural Artwork Commission Opportunity

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