Grants of up to £15,000 on offer for healthy food brands

Small businesses with a focus on healthier food and snacks are being encouraged to apply for a support programme that includes up to £15,000 of equity free funding.

The Good Food Programme from Mission Ventures and Impact on Urban Health is aimed at new products that are healthier than existing options or solutions that can help make existing products healthier for families and children. The scheme is particularly focused on improving accessibility of healthier food for low income families.

To apply, food or drink businesses must be registered in the UK or Europe.

Successful applicants will take part in an intensive three-month support programme followed by 18 months of further business support. In addition to the grant funding, they will also be connected to retailers, universities and corporate food manufacturers.

All eligible entrepreneurs can apply, but the scheme is particularly interested in hearing from those who may be from groups underrepresented in entrepreneurship.

Brands that have previously taking part in the programme include Jim Jams, a chocolate spread with 83% less sugar than Nutella, and Snackzilla, a lower-sugar cookie brand.

Louis Bedwell, managing director of Mission Ventures, said:

"Start-ups can reshape our food and drink industry and make healthier food more accessible for everyone. The Good Food Programme is a free, industry-leading support package aiming to speed up early-stage businesses' success and help them get further, faster.

"Through the two-year programme, businesses will benefit from working alongside entrepreneurs who have started category-defining companies such as New Covent Garden Soup, Little Dish, Ape Snacks and Plum Baby. We're excited about speaking to ambitious businesses ready for the challenge."

Find full eligibility details and apply for the Good Food Programme here.