FUNDING is available for small businesses looking to employ people with learning disabilities and autism.

Essex County Council has opened applications for the third round of its learning disabilities and autism business grants.

A total of £195,000 is available for Small and Medium Sized businesses, with £150,000 of it coming from the county council. The pot has been further boosted by Chelmsford City Council and Epping Forest District Council via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available to successful applicants. The aim is to break down barriers and create meaningful jobs for people with additional needs.

The funding can be used to support a range of business needs. This includes salaries, business start-up costs or equipment and training.

The scheme has run twice before. It won the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award 2023 from The British Association for Supported Employment.

This funding opportunity is for a business that:

has a new, creative innovative business proposal
has a proposal that is both viable and sustainable
wants to open or expand and employ adults with learning disabilities and/or autism
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity said: “I’m delighted to open applications for the third round of our small business grants to support Essex Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) with inclusive employment.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating employment opportunities for everyone within our communities.

“If you have a unique or innovative business proposal that can break down barriers and create jobs for adults with learning disabilities or autism, we’d love to hear from you.”

A previous recipient of the business grant was Circles Alternative Education in Stock. The business applied for funding to bridge the gap between work experience and employment for people with learning disabilities, autism or ADHD.

Alex Stone, Director of Circles Alternative Education said: “We used the funding to launch a new side to our business called ‘Branching Out’. The application process was so simple and we received great support from Essex County Council that was much more than just providing us with a business grant. They also provided support, information and networking to help grow this business idea further.

“The funding has had a huge impact, allowing us to take on new commercial contracts and employ motivated young people with learning disabilities. These are all paid employment positions and are real working projects, based within local communities, such as developing and improving woodland areas.

“The funding has been so important to allow us to fully support our young people to grow and develop their skills and also receive emotional and social support, as they learn to engage with the workplace environment. We hope this will lead to greater career aspirations for them and a brilliant future either within our company or elsewhere.”

To find out more information and request an application pack email [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 12 August 2025.