Funding Status – Updated: May 2026

The Digital Enterprise programme is not currently open to new registrations. If your Wakefield-based business meets our eligibility criteria and you are considering a digital investment, we encourage you to register your interest. This ensures you will be among the first to hear if further funding becomes available.

To register your interest, email: digitalenterprise@leeds.gov.uk


Wakefield lies at the heart of West Yorkshire’s evolving business ecosystem. Supported by Wakefield Council’s ongoing investment in regeneration and enterprise zones, the city is transforming, blending traditional industries with growing digital, creative and service-led enterprises.

Find out about the grants Digital Enterprise has offered to Wakefield SMEs through our Digital Accelerator Grant and High Impact Grant.

The Need for Support in Wakefield

As Wakefield’s economy evolves, local businesses are realising the importance of digital transformation, from adopting ecommerce platforms to automating operations and using data more effectively. However, many lack the resources or in-house expertise to make these changes at speed. This is where business grants for Wakefield SMEs have played a crucial role, providing the funding and guidance needed to invest in modern technology, boost efficiency, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

How We Helped Group Rhodes: A Business Transformation Story

A strong example of how business grants for Wakefield SMEs can unlock long-term organisational impact comes from Group Rhodes, a leading manufacturer with deep roots in the region. The business secured grant support to help modernise its internal systems, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, and enable more efficient customer relationship management.

With support from Digital Enterprise, Group Rhodes modernised its systems and strengthened its cybersecurity, helping the business operate more efficiently and securely.

The funding supported two key areas of investment:

  • Implementation of a new CRM system to centralise sales activity and customer engagement
  • Infrastructure and cybersecurity upgrades to move toward Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation

 

While introducing new digital processes always involves some adjustment, the CRM system has now been widely adopted across the team. Staff are using it to track customer interactions, schedule follow-ups, and tailor communications more effectively, ensuring opportunities don’t slip through the gaps.

This case demonstrates the real-world value of Wakefield business grants, they don’t just fund technology; they support capability, confidence, and competitiveness. For companies looking to scale, strengthen processes, and access new markets, the right digital investment can be transformational.

What Digital Enterprise Has Offered Wakefield SMEs

Digital Enterprise has offered two matched-fund grants to help Wakefield and West Yorkshire businesses make real progress with digital transformation. Each has been paired with expert support from a dedicated Digital Advisor to guide businesses through planning, procurement, and execution.

High Impact Grant

  • For ambitious projects, this grant supported projects ranging from £25,000 to £100,000, with up to 50% match-funding, and a maximum grant value of £35,000.
  • It is intended for transformational digital projects that can reshape how a business operates, for example, large-scale system integrations, new digital platforms, or major automation/AI implementation.
  • Because of the scale, the application must undergo more rigorous procurement and appraisal process. Your Digital Growth Advisor will provide impartial support and advice throughout your application.
  • Important caveat: a business cannot apply for a High Impact Grant if it has already received one previously (though receiving an Accelerator Grant does not disqualify you).

Digital Accelerator Grant

  • Designed for projects costing up to £25,000, with up to 50% match-funding (maximum grant value of £10,000).
  • Ideal for investments such as CRM systems, enhanced e-commerce, or efficient automation systems.
  • Applicants must be West Yorkshire based, trading for at least 3 years, employing 5–100 FTEs, operating predominantly in B2B sectors, and meet turnover thresholds.
  • Note: a business that has previously received a Digital Accelerator Grant under the earlier DE3 programme may not be eligible for a second one.

Who Can Apply for Our Business Grants in Wakefield?

The following eligibility criteria reflect the requirements of the Digital Enterprise programme. While registrations are currently closed, businesses that meet these criteria are encouraged to register their interest for future funding rounds.

Your business must be based in the West Yorkshire region and have been operational for at least three consecutive years. Only organisations that mainly trade business-to-business (B2B) are eligible; those that focus on business-to-consumer (B2C) activities will not be considered. In addition, your company should have a minimum of five full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, and up to approx. 100 employees, with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate active engagement in digital adoption, showing how technology is being integrated to boost efficiency, productivity, and growth. Proposals must include specific project aims with measurable deliverables, and applicants must also be able to contribute match funding to support the project.

If you wish to apply for a High Impact Grant, you cannot have previously been awarded one, although past recipients of an Accelerator Grant remain eligible. For those applying for an Accelerator Grant, your business must not have received any prior grant funding from DE3 which ran from 1st July 2023 to 31st March 2025.

Register Your Interest in Future Wakefield Business Grants

The Digital Enterprise programme is not currently open to new registrations. However, if your Wakefield-based business is planning a digital investment and meets our eligibility criteria, we encourage you to register your interest.

Registering costs nothing and commits you to nothing – but it helps us demonstrate the level of demand for this programme across Wakefield and West Yorkshire, and ensures you will be among the first to hear if further funding is confirmed.

To register your interest, email: digitalenterprise@leeds.gov.uk

In the meantime, find out more about the types of digital projects that have been eligible for funding, or read about the businesses across West Yorkshire that have already benefited from Digital Enterprise grant support.

Our Success Stories

West Yorkshire SMEs are already transforming their businesses with Digital Enterprise grant funding and support. Here's how.

Parable Global

Innovation is the key to business transformation. That’s the belief of Lee Carter, Director of Parable Global, a company which helps its clients change the way they work through the power of engineering projects. Here, Lee shares how the company leveraged strategic funding ...

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LFH Regulatory

The ever-changing world of regulations and requirements can be complex, especially for highly controlled industries like those creating medical devices. Luckily for those businesses, LFH Regulatory is here to help make sense of the mind-boggling intricacies that come with their trade. Here, Laura Friedl-Hirst, ...

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Haley Studios

Like a stunning butterfly, hand-painted mural brand, By Haleys, is spreading its wings and showing the world what its talented team can do. We sat down with Haley Studios’ Managing Director, Richard Haley, to hear how the company’s new custom Shopify tool ...

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Yarwood Leather

It’s hard to overstate the importance of the right technology infrastructure for your business. Although it may feel like a luxury at times, the benefits are far-reaching, from efficiency gains to peace of mind. Here, Kate Dixon, Managing Director of Yarwood Leather, shares ...

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FYI

Mixing business with pleasure, FYI is embracing digital change to better connect with its cool clients. Here, we talk to Katie McAfee, one of FYI’s Directors, about how its new client portal will help elevate the company’s service. When FYI started out over a ...

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Eden Repair Centre

In a world filled with technology it can be easy to lose sight of what it’s all for. But this hasn’t been the case for Directors of Eden Repair Centre, Andy Payne and Richard Kennedy, who have built their business on human connection ...

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Applelec Group

Applelec Group has been serving the signage and architectural lighting industry for over two decades, but now it’s changing the way it operates and does business. Here, Marketing Manager, Rachel Gould, shares how the recent introduction of a new digital system marks more ...

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Digital Enterprise Top 30

Over the past 16 months, DE3 has awarded grant funding to more than 450 businesses, and committed all of its allocated budget for the current programme phase (DE3), which is scheduled to conclude in March 2025. Since launching in 2016, DE has provided over ...

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Xerogrid

From farms in Spain to factories in Ghana, Xerogrid helps people harness solar, wind, and battery technology to power their off-grid lives and businesses. Using traditional methods to manage and optimise their renewable energy systems the business recognised the need for digital innovation ...

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TimberTight

Kirklees-based Timber Frame Construction company, TimberTight is experiencing a surge of growth, as demand increases for residential and commercial timber frame buildings. After recording 38 percent growth during October 2022 to 2023 - an increase from £3.75m to £5.2m - they have their ...

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TF Automation

TF Automation, a leading manufacturer of custom automation equipment in Bradford, is experiencing a surge in efficiency and positioning itself for significant growth thanks to a recent technology investment. The company caters to diverse industries like automotive, aerospace, and textiles, designing and building ...

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Powerrun

Powerrun Pipe-Mech, a company specialising in bespoke water industry pipework systems, has seen its growth plans accelerate after adopting 3D scanning technology. Since launching in 2017, Powerrun has relied on traditional, time-consuming site surveys involving tape measures and manual data collection. This not only ...

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VTR North

The development and improved capabilities of digital devices such as smart phones and tablets have, in recent years, removed the barriers to producing a range of media content, from photos to videos and voice recordings. Yet according to Spencer Bain, Managing Director at Leeds-based

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Involution

Digital transformation brings different benefits to businesses. One of the things that is almost universal is the time savings that come from introducing technology and building systems that automate day-to-day business processes. Having made some serious progress on its own journey into the digital ...

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Livewell

Digital technologies have broken down the barriers to innovation and enabled businesses of all shapes and sizes to reinvent themselves. For just a fraction of what it would cost without these tech tools, SMEs are now developing new products and services, accessing new markets, ...

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ShopAppy

Pre-pandemic, ShopAppy spent years promoting the importance of shopping local and supporting independent businesses. But as of 23 March 2020, their digital offering went from being optional to essential for retailers across the country. Huge numbers of businesses were forced to close their shops completely, ...

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XR Games

As a young boy, creating video games as a career seemed near-impossible for Bobby Thandi. But now, as the Founder of XR Games, he is bringing those dreams to reality for himself and others. Here, he discusses how the business now occupies a coveted ...

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Richard Haley, MD, is wearing a green jumper and standing next to a white easel in the business's art studio. Clipped to the easel is two pieces of artwork, the first and most prominent painting depicts a tropical scene with palm trees and lush foliage.
Katie McAfee, Director of FYI, sitting on cardboard boxes next to large white panels with a printed black stylized wave design. The panels are stacked on a trolley at one of FYI's warehouses.
Man with black jumper standing by a work surface. On the work surface is a laptop with its back cover off. Man is using a screwdriver to tighten screws.
Man in black with protective face mask using yellow spray paint to paint light encasings
Business owner standing in front of TV screen giving a presentation to audience at Digital Enterprise's Top 30 celebration event
Building Strong Foundations. Director Tamsyn Williamson stands in TimberTight's warehouse in front of pallets of cut timber.
Photo of Powerrun team
Our Partners and Funders

Digital Enterprise is funded by the UK Government and supported by the following organisations