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Apply Now: £1.3M in Cyber Grants for SMEs - Fleximize

Apply Now: £1.3M in Cyber Grants for SMEs

Protect your business with expert cybersecurity support

11th July 2025

By Kate Josselyn

Cybercrime isn’t just a big business problem. From email scams to ransomware, SMEs are now prime targets – often without the time, tools or budget to fight back.

But this summer, the UK government is stepping in with £1.3 million in funding. Eligible SMEs can now get expert cybersecurity reviews worth £2,500 to help protect their systems, data, and customers – for just a £500 contribution.

Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme, why it matters, and how to apply.

Cybercrime is no longer just a “big business problem”

It’s easy to assume cyberattacks only happen to banks, tech giants, or large retailers. But the reality is that SMEs are now prime targets.

According to the UK government’s latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 43% of UK businesses reported a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months. Among medium-sized firms, that figure jumps to 67%. And most worryingly, SMEs often lack the resources to recover.

A single breach can lead to:

The average cost of the most disruptive breach for a UK business is now £7,960 and can take months to recover from. That’s a big hit – especially for small businesses already juggling rising costs, inflation, and tight margins.

What is the security review scheme?

The programme, announced in July 2025, is part of a wider government initiative to help UK businesses build digital resilience across critical sectors.

The scheme sets aside £1.3 million to fund new “Secure Innovation Security Reviews” for 500 SMEs. For each review, £2,500 is covered by the government, while participating SMEs contribute £500 toward the cost. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and they need security to thrive.

With 98% of businesses reporting a lack of knowledge to identify security threats, it is crucial they are equipped with the tools necessary to protect themselves against increasingly volatile threats.

This initiative, spearheaded by the National Protective Security Authority and the National Cyber Security Centre, supports businesses to build the skills and the confidence they need to grow.”

These reviews involve accredited cybersecurity experts helping SMEs assess vulnerabilities and strengthen defences to build thriving businesses which create jobs and support the economy.

The support includes:

While the audit itself is fully funded, businesses may need to invest separately to implement the recommended changes.

With 98% of businesses reporting a lack of knowledge to identify security threats, it is crucial they are equipped with the tools necessary to protect themselves against increasingly volatile threats.

Dan Jarvis, Security Minister

Who can access the scheme?

The programme targets UK SMEs operating in one of the following high-risk and innovation-led sectors:

To qualify, you’ll need to:

Applications are being managed by partners of the Cyber Essentials programme, with oversight from Innovate UK, NCSC, MI5, and GCHQ to ensure the chosen 500 applicants meet national security criteria.

Why this support matters more than ever

Digital transformation is no longer optional. Whether you're running an e-commerce site, taking card payments, or managing customer data in the cloud, you’re exposed to risk – even if you’re not in a “techy” industry.

And those risks are growing.

In 2025, there has been a spike in ransomware attacks against small firms, especially those in supply chain and retail sectors. Phishing emails are becoming more convincing. Criminals are using AI to write scam messages that look legitimate and are harder to spot.

Here’s what that means for SMEs:

And if that wasn’t enough, customer expectations are changing too. People want to know their data is safe. So investing in cybersecurity is more than simply preventing disaster it’s also about building trust and credibility.

As Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, puts it: improving security across the business community is “no longer optional”. “It’s essential for business growth and survival.”

How to apply

Start by visiting the Innovate UK website. You’ll need to:

Once approved, you’ll be contacted to schedule your audit. Some providers may request documentation or pre-assessment info.

How to use the support effectively

Even a small investment can go a long way when it comes to digital security. Here are a few ways you can get the most value from it:

Prep before the experts arrive

Ask for actionable priorities

Involve your team

Implement and document changes

Use it to plan next steps

Final thoughts

Security might not be the most exciting item on your to-do list. But it’s one of the most important. And with support now available, there’s no reason to put it off.

If you’re planning to grow your business this year – whether that’s hiring, launching a new product, or expanding online – make sure cybersecurity is part of the plan.

Because growth should feel exciting, not risky.

Want to make sure your systems are ready for scale? We can help with funding for digital upgrades, tools, and team training.