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Last update 19/07/2025

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2025 Government-Backed Grants and Loans for Start-Ups and Small Businesses in Lewisham, UK

If you're launching or growing a start-up, small business, or market stall in Lewisham, here’s an updated guide to government-backed funding and local support available in 2025.

🏛 Government-Backed Loans (UK-Wide)

Start-Up Loans

What it offers: Unsecured loans of up to £25,000 for new or early-stage businesses
Benefits: Fixed interest rate, 12 months of mentoring and support (Lewisham Council, Start Up Loans, Start Up Loans)
👉 Start-Up Loans

Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) / Growth Guarantee Scheme

Info: Government-backed loans up to £2 million via banks and accredited lenders; scheme closed to new RLS but rolled into the Growth Guarantee Scheme through March 2026 (Start Up Loans, British Business Bank)
👉 Recovery Loan Scheme – GOV.UK (GOV.UK)

🏢 Local Support and Grants in Lewisham

Lewisham Council – Business Support & Grants

Includes local grant schemes and advice, such as a £10,000 Empty Property Grant for refurbishing vacant shops (7 July–4 August 2025) (Lewisham Council)
👉 Business Support Programmes – Lewisham Council (Lewisham Council)

Eco-Business & Project Funding

Grants for local businesses focused on recycling, reuse, and eco-friendly improvements (Lewisham Council)
👉 Lewisham Funding Opportunities (Lewisham Council)

💡 Additional Support Tips

Network locally: Building connections can help uncover funding and collaboration
Use online resources:
- British Library Business & IP Centre
- Federation of Small Businesses
Seek a mentor: Government schemes like Start-Up Loans include mentoring; you can also apply separately (Start Up Loans)
👉 Growing your business: Work with a mentor – GOV.UK (assuming correct link)

📝 Important Considerations

Eligibility: Each fund has specific criteria (e.g. location, sector, business age)
Application requirements: Business plan, financials, registration proof are usually needed
👉 What To Prepare When Applying For A Business Startup Grant – GrantUp (external resource)
Deadlines: Important—some grants (e.g. Empty Property) are available only for short windows

📞 How to Get More Help

Contact Lewisham Council for tailored business support:
👉 Business Support Programmes – Lewisham Council (Lewisham Council, Lewisham Council)
Explore national options via the GOV.UK funding search tool

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of support does Lewisham Council provide?
Local grants, mentoring, training, networking, and high-street/business site improvement schemes.

Are there government-backed loans for Lewisham businesses?
Yes — nationwide schemes like Start-Up Loans and the Growth Guarantee Scheme are available.

How do I apply for a Start-Up Loan?
Visit Start-Up Loans — includes free mentoring and support (Start Up Loans, Start Up Loans)

Is the Recovery Loan Scheme still operating?
The RLS is now closed, but successor schemes like the Growth Guarantee Scheme run until March 2026 (British Business Bank)

What grants are available locally?
Lewisham offers small grants (like £10k for shop refurbishments) and eco-business funding. Refer to the Council’s funding pages.

What documents do I need to apply for?
Typically: business plan, financial records, proof of registration, and a detailed project outline.

Can I apply for multiple funding options?
Yes—as long as you meet each scheme’s criteria and manage the admin/workload.

Are there grants for specific sectors?
Yes. Lewisham targets sustainability, high-street renewal, and creative/tech sectors via specific programmes.

Where can I find help with my application?
Council advisers, Start-Up Loans mentors, and business support networks like FSB can assist.

Value AD

2025

100% FREE

BUSINESS TOOl

What is Value Ad?

Value Ad is an innovative policy designed to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between two key groups: new businesses and service providers. This policy helps startups save significantly on essential services while enabling service providers to gain valuable traction and growth opportunities.

How is it a Win-Win Deal?

For New Businesses:

Cost Savings: Startups can save 50% to 80% on essential services such as website development and marketing. This means they don’t need to invest heavily upfront, making it easier to launch and grow their business.

Alternative Investment: The money saved through these discounts can be reinvested into other critical areas of the business, acting as an alternative investment that fuels further growth and development.

For Service Providers:

Initial Customer Base: Service providers, often tech startups themselves, can attract a significant number of initial customers by offering their services at a discounted rate. This helps them build traction and demonstrate value, which is crucial for attracting venture capital (VC) funding and other opportunities.

Marketing Efficiency: By providing affordable services, service providers do not need to spend heavily on marketing to acquire new customers. The discounted services themselves become a powerful marketing tool, bringing in customers who can spread the word and enhance the provider’s reputation.

Growth and Expansion: Attracting more customers through Value Ad helps service providers expand their client base and build long-term relationships, which can lead to increased revenue and business growth.

Alternative Investment for New Businesses:

For new businesses, the significant cost savings achieved through the Value Ad policy effectively serve as an alternative investment. Instead of spending large amounts on website development and marketing, they can leverage the affordable services provided by service providers. The saved funds can be redirected into other strategic areas of the business, enhancing overall growth and sustainability.

Benefits for Service Providers:

Service providers benefit from the Value Ad policy by gaining access to a ready pool of new customers who are drawn by the discounted rates. This initial customer base is crucial for:

Building Traction: Demonstrating product or service viability to potential investors.

Securing Funding: Enhanced customer traction and a growing user base can make the service provider more attractive to venture capitalists and other funding sources.

Market Penetration: Establishing a presence in the market quickly and efficiently without heavy marketing expenditures.

In Summary:

Value Ad is a strategic policy designed to create a win-win scenario for both new businesses and service providers. By offering significant discounts on essential services, startups can save and reinvest those savings, while service providers gain crucial initial customers and market traction. This mutually beneficial arrangement supports the growth and success of both groups, making Value Ad a powerful tool for business development and investment.

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