The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has opened its Autumn 2025 Investment Fund, making up to £25m available to support projects that will drive growth, create jobs, and improve lives across the region.
The fund will back strategic, deliverable projects that align with the region’s ambition to build a fairer, greener, and more prosperous East Midlands.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a major milestone for the East Midlands. By launching this £25m fund, we are backing the brilliant ideas that deliver real results for local people.”
This funding round follows the EMCCA Board’s approval in September of a new “twin-tracked” investment approach – supporting both short-term deliverable projects and longer-term strategic programmes that can make a lasting difference.
About 75 project proposals were received though the expression of interest call, representing about £160m of investment opportunities – demonstrating strong demand and ambition across the East Midlands.
A shortlist of projects will now be invited to bring forward full business cases to secure investment.
Mayor Claire said: “We want to see bold, practical projects that will shape the future of our places and our people. This is about supporting businesses to grow, improving skills, and investing in the places we’re proud to call home.”
Alongside this funding round, EMCCA is evolving its investment approach. Future funding rounds will move towards a thematic, place-based approach. EMCCA will work closely with public and private partners to develop project portfolios that focus on shared priorities rather than traditional open competitions.
