Norfolk SMEs with ambitions to grow are reminded to apply for the £100,000 Jarrold Growth Fund before applications close on 31 March 2025.

Multiple Norfolk businesses will receive support through investment and grants, with successful applicants being able to demonstrate how their plans for growth will positively impact Norfolk and the local community.

The 2025 Jarrold Growth Fund is a partnership between Jarrold Group and Norfolk County Council. The Jarrold Group has offered up £50,000 in investment, while £50,000 worth of grants have been put up by Norfolk County Council.

First launching in March 2024, as part of Jarrolds’ ongoing commitment to nurturing Norfolk’s business community, growth funding will be released each year. It aims to support Norfolk businesses that are looking to propel their growth. In addition to investment and grants, successful applicants also get access to specialist expertise from within Jarrold Group and partner organisations.

Norfolk SME businesses operating in any sector can apply for the 2025 fund, but time is running out. Whether a well-established company, or a start-up, the deadline to apply is 31 March 2025. 

72 Norfolk businesses applied in 2024, with six successfully getting a share of the fund. Support was awarded to a wide range of businesses, from those in the cosmetics sector, to gaming and food. 

One year on, the investment and mentorship they each received has enabled these home-grown brands to propel their growth and expand beyond the county.

Caroline Ellis is group business development manager at the Jarrold Group and explains why they want to continue being cheerleaders for other Norfolk brands.

“There is huge growth potential in the county, and last year’s successful applicants convinced us they had brilliant ideas and passionate ambitions to grow.

“We are a family business firmly rooted in the county and know that by supporting and collaborating with other local firms, we can collectively thrive.  For example, our Jarrold Training business wouldn’t be what it is without the community of organisations seeking to develop their staff. Our food hall on London Street in Norwich wouldn’t be the same without our talented suppliers of Norfolk produce. And Jarrolds Logistics wouldn’t have the predicted growth without the high-quality goods leaving the county to other parts of the UK.

“We’re so incredibly proud of our Norfolk roots and want to see Norfolk businesses and entrepreneurs succeed. Jarrold Group, which now encompasses Training, Marketing, Facilities Management, Logistics, and Retail. At its core, it remains a family business and with this fund enables us to play a part in supporting businesses to grow and succeed, , by making a tangible commitment to the local economy, through practical investment and hands-on support using our business services within Jarrold Group. ”

This year, Jarrolds is looking to support local businesses with creative, innovative thinking at the heart of their ambitions for growth.

Caroline adds; “We’ve already received exciting applications from HR, tech, event and retail businesses, but this fund is open to SMEs operating in any sector. We want to see innovative ideas, and an application that clearly explains how the investment or grant will spark growth and deliver a positive impact for the local community.”

The 2025 Jarrold Growth Fund, in partnership with Norfolk County Council, is open for applications until 31 March 2025.  Apply online at here.

All submissions will be reviewed by the CEO of the Jarrold Group, Nick Steven-Jones.  Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in April, before funds are released.