Our Small Grants Programme is designed to fund projects that strengthen the concept of Commercial Ability, covering one or some of the five key components:
Basics for Life: Foundational skills everyone needs.
Sector-Specific Know-How: Knowledge tailored to different industries.
Essential Transferable Skills: Skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Workplace Attitudes & Behaviours: Developing a productive and positive approach to work.
Organisational Know-How: Understanding how businesses operate and succeed.
This fund supports initiatives in schools, communities, and workplaces, helping young people thrive in productive, fulfilling roles and deepening the understanding of Commercial Ability across the UK.
To be eligible for our Small Grants Programme, applicants must:
Be a registered charity, charitable community group, or another not-for-profit organisation.
Work with young people.
Focus on projects that support young people in later stages of education or the early stages of their careers.
Operate within the UK, with a focus on UK-based beneficiaries.
Not currently be in receipt of a CET grant, nor have previously been awarded a CET Small Grant.
Organisations who have previously applied for a Small Grant but were unsuccessful are free to reapply this year.
We’re looking for projects that directly support the development of Commercial Ability, such as:
Educational content or training programmes designed around the five components of Commercial Ability.
Workshops, seminars, or mentorship programmes that build critical skills in young people.
Research studies that provide insights to improve Commercial Ability education and training.
Programmes that integrate Commercial Ability into school curricula or workplace training.
Partnerships between schools, employers, and community organisations to enhance the understanding and practice of Commercial Ability.
Note: This fund also supports core or standard activities that align with these goals, even if they aren’t brand new initiatives, and can run for up to 2 years.
Our funding cannot support:
Capital costs like building renovations or vehicle purchases.
Projects that are primarily faith based.
Commercial organisations or non-UK-based projects.
Initiatives that do not focus on enhancing Commercial Ability.
Non-project specific organisational costs
Applications must be completed through our online application form.
You will be asked to provide information about:
• Your organisation and its work
• The project you are seeking funding for
• Target audience and project location
• Project objectives and delivery plan
• Project timeline
• Project budget and funding request
• Confirmation of safeguarding arrangements and organisational policies
Please ensure all sections of the form are completed before submitting your application.
Grant Range: £500 to £10,000
Application Window: 15th January – 20th March 2026
Successful grants will be notified on or around 12th May 2026.
Note: If awarded a large grant, applicants are not eligible for a small grant within the same period.
Successful applicants will be required to:
Share insights through a blog or case study on their project.
Attend an end-of-project meeting with CET.
Complete a brief end-of-project report
After applications close, applicants will be notified in May 2026.
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