UK Seed Corn Grants Return to Back Innovative Garden Product Launches

Grant and in-kind package targets first-time Glee exhibitors with market-ready innovations

The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA), in partnership with Glee, has opened its Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund to support new entrants developing products for the UK gardening market.

The annual scheme is intended to help bring innovative, never before seen items to market and to assist inventors and early-stage businesses in navigating the sector. It offers a combined grant and in-kind support package valued at up to £6,000.

Support includes free exhibition space at Glee, billed as the UK’s leading garden retail trade show, alongside assistance with design, development, consultancy, manufacturing or marketing costs. Up to £4,000 is allocated for these activities. Successful applicants will also receive a free half-page advert in the GIMA New Product Digest publication, free GIMA membership for 12 months and one year of ACID (Anti Copying In Design) membership. The package also includes free PR support around the Glee trade show.

The scheme is open to inventors, small businesses and start-up businesses in the UK that have not previously exhibited at Glee. Products must be developed to a sufficient stage to be suitable and ready for market. Applicants are also required to ensure that reasonable design protection is in place before submitting an entry.

Applications should include relevant pictures and videos to help the judging panel understand the product. Winning entries are announced at the annual Glee trade show, which attracts garden industry buyers and decision makers.