The Department for Business and Trade has launched Round 1 of the Hospitality Support Fund (HSF), supporting delivery-ready projects that can be implemented quickly and complete funded activity within the 2026/27 financial year. Applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 13 October 2026. Applicants must have well-developed proposals, clear delivery plans, realistic milestones, and the ability to begin activity shortly after funding is awarded.
The fund is open to charities, social enterprises, not-for-profit organisations, SMEs acting as delivery partners, local authorities, public bodies, and consortia led by a single accountable organisation. Projects should have a minimum total value of £100,000, although smaller projects may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Funding typically covers 50% to 60% of project costs, assessed on a case-by-case basis, with payments made in arrears against eligible expenditure. Match-funded projects are more likely to be supported.
Available across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the fund aims to strengthen the hospitality sector through projects that support employment access and skills development, business resilience, high street regeneration, evening economy growth, sustainability improvements, productivity and innovation, and the creation of new hospitality enterprises.
Examples include employer-led training programmes, business diversification projects, town centre and community activation initiatives, sustainability investments that reduce operating costs, technology adoption to improve productivity, and incubator or accelerator programmes supporting new or underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Successful applications must demonstrate clear additionality, value for money and deliverability, while aligning with one or more of the fund’s strategic objectives. Funding is limited and may be fully committed before all applications are assessed. Organisations wishing to discuss future opportunities can submit expressions of interest to the programme team for consideration in later funding rounds.
Location: UK
Value: Min £100k
Grant Deadline: 13-10-2026