Foundational Economy Innovation Fund

The Foundational Economy Innovation Fund sits under Greater Manchester Combined Authority and supports innovation in the everyday economy. It backs adult social care, early education and childcare, retail, and leisure and hospitality, with a focus on productivity and working conditions. The fund uses competitive grants and has already run two rounds, backing 40 projects in Round 1 and 25 in Round 2. A Scale-Up Phase ran from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2027 for 22 Round 2 grantees. The public page does not publish individual award bands, so the finance detail is limited to the scale-up support already awarded. The fit is strongest for operators improving service delivery or workplace practice in sectors people use every day. It is not an open perpetual window; the existing rounds are closed and no Round 3 has been announced. Applicants should watch GMCA for the next call rather than assuming continuous availability.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.