DCMS is providing grant funding for delivery partner(s) to test an innovative three-year ‘Connections through Gaming’ pilot that will use gaming as a route to engage boys aged 11–16 who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or low wellbeing.
The pilot will combine gaming-based activities, structured wellbeing and confidence-building support; opportunities to build friendships, confidence and positive social connections, both online and in person.
The pilot is particularly focused on boys aged 11-16 who:
- may be becoming withdrawn or isolated;
- are struggling to build or maintain social connections;
- are not currently engaging with existing youth services; and
- would benefit from additional support before challenges become more entrenched.
£120k – £648kCloses in 19 days (11 September 2026)England
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) invites applications for funding to strengthen the UK’s role in digital technical standards, which are essential to the economy and society and developed through global multistakeholder collaboration in organisations such as the European Telecommunication Standardization Institution (ETSI), Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The goal is to support innovative initiatives that embed standards teaching in higher education, inspire career interest, enhance academic–industry collaboration and strengthen the UK talent pipeline for participation in international standards development.
£2,500 – £40kCloses in 15 days (7 September 2026)UK-wide
The Youth Jobs Grant is part of the Youth Guarantee and provides financial support to employers to encourage the recruitment of young people who may otherwise find it difficult to enter the labour market. It is intended to complement, not replace, existing recruitment activity. Eligible employers may receive up to £3,000 per job outcome, paid in stages and subject to meeting all scheme conditions.
£3,000 – £25mCloses 1 November 2028England, Wales, Scotland
Funding to be used towards a variety of business start up activates including: research and development, installing clean technologies, premises, equipment and product/service launch.
Loans of between £50,000 and £400,000, for projects such as premises refurbishment, building works and equipment purchases that will lead to increased productivity, job creation and business growth.
Part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, flexible loans to SMEs looking to grow and help drive their expansion plans across the Midlands Engine area.