Understanding the West of England Combined Authority (WECA)

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is a partnership between Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire councils, established in February 2017 to drive economic growth and improve lives across the region. WECA focuses on delivering reliable transport, affordable homes, and pathways into green jobs, whereas also supporting business growth, and innovation.

What Does WECA Do?

Led by the West of England Mayor, currently Helen Godwin, WECA invests in the region’s future. Its key areas of focus include:

• Employment and Skills: Developing programs to enhance the skills of the local workforce.
• Transport: Improving regional transport networks.
• Planning and Housing: Delivering affordable homes in suitable locations.
• Business Support: Providing resources to help businesses grow and adapt.
• Environment: Taking action to address the climate emergency.

WECA aims to transform the West of England over the next decade, delivering tangible change and improving the lives of its residents.

Funding Opportunities for SMEs

WECA provides funding opportunities, particularly for slight and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in the West of England region. The Business Growth and Adaptations Grant offers funding between £6,000 and £30,000 to businesses that invest in equipment to increase physical production.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Businesses must be registered and operating in Bristol, Bath, or South Gloucestershire.
• Funding is geographically restricted to the West of England.
• Projects must focus on increasing physical production capacity.

Priority sectors include advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and creative industries.

Investment Conditions

The Business Growth and Adaptations Grant is a non-refundable grant intended for the purchase of equipment to enhance physical production. Some programs may require match funding from the business. In addition to financial support, WECA offers access to the Growth Hub, providing advice, guidance, and support via email and phone.

Recent WECA Investments and Successes

WECA has invested in a range of projects, including:

• Clean Growth R&D: Funding innovative projects contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
• Creative Industries: Supporting SMEs and freelancers in the creative sector.
• Manufacturing Upscaling: Providing grants for equipment to enhance manufacturing capabilities.
• PropTech and Energy Efficiency: Investing in projects focused on sustainable technologies.

While direct investment in Spain or Latin America is not available, WECA’s European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) model has inspired similar funds in Europe.

How to Apply

Information on funding schemes and application guidance can be found on the WECA website. Currently, the Business Growth and Adaptations Grant scheme is closed, but fresh rounds are expected to be announced via email alerts.

Contact Information:

• Email: growthhub@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
• Phone: 0117 456 6955

WECA’s Recent History

In March 2024, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) was removed from special measures after concerns raised by external auditors.