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02/08/2025
2025 Grants & Loans for Startups, Small Businesses & New Enterprises in Sedgemoor (Somerset), UK
Introduction
Sedgemoor District is now under the Somerset Council. If you're looking to start or grow a business in the area, you can access several official grant schemes, government-backed loans, and regional support services throughout 2025. This guide includes verified funding options, eligibility criteria, application steps, and essential contact details.
Available Grants
🔹 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)
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Purpose: Capital grants to boost productivity and improve rural business or community infrastructure in Sedgemoor and wider Somerset.
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Funding: £5,000 to £75,000, with applicants required to provide 50% match funding.
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Eligibility: Micro or small businesses or community groups located in designated rural areas of Somerset (somerset.gov.uk, somerset.gov.uk, somerset.gov.uk).
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Timeline: Applications accepted until 19 September 2025; projects must be completed by 31 March 2026 (somerset.gov.uk, somerset.gov.uk).
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Apply via: Somerset Council’s Funding & Grants page (somerset.gov.uk).
🔹 Somerset Business Growth Grant (UKSPF)
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Purpose: Support businesses creating jobs and economic value in Sedgemoor through capital investment.
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Funding: Grants worth up to £5,000, typically covering 50% of the cost .
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Eligibility: Somerset-based micro/small enterprises focused on economic growth and job creation.
🔹 Hinkley Supply Chain Suppliers’ Support Grant
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Purpose: Helps SMEs meet procurement or contracting standards for Hinkley Point C supply opportunities.
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Funding: Grants of up to £5,000, intended for training, certification, equipment or processes (Hinkley Supply Chain, somerset.gov.uk).
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Eligibility: Must be registered on the Hinkley Supply Chain portal, have fewer than 200 employees, and operate in Sedgemoor (Hinkley Supply Chain).
🔹 Somerset Social Enterprise Funding & Blended Finance (SWEF / Social Investment Programme)
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Purpose: Financial support to social enterprises intending to grow income via trade or services.
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Funding: Combined unsecured loan and grant packages up to £40,000 (e.g. 50% loan / 50% grant) (Somerset Community Foundation).
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Eligibility: Social enterprises, CICs, or registered charities actively trading and operating in Somerset.
Government‑Backed Loans
🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)
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Loan Amount: £500 to £25,000 per founder, fixed interest (~6% APR), repayable over up to five years.
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Support Included: 12 months of mentoring and business planning support.
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Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, trading for under 36 months, with a proven business idea.
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Apply via: GOV.UK portal, with local support available via regional Growth Hub providers.
Regional Business Support
🔹 Heart of the South West Growth Hub (Somerset Region)
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A one-stop advisory service offering free guidance, workshops, funding signposting, and support for loan and grant applications (Somerset Community Foundation, Somerset Chamber).
🔹 Somerset Council – Business & Economy Page
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Provides comprehensive information on grant schemes (REPF, UKSPF), Somerset Business Growth Grant, and Hinkley‑related opportunities (In North Somerset).
Eligibility & Application Guidance
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Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder for national funding access.
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Confirm eligibility via council boundaries for REPF, UKSPF, business type, and grant-specific criteria.
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Required documentation varies by grant but typically includes a business plan, cost quotes, bank statements, match funding evidence, and compliance certifications.
Application Process
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Select a grant or loan that fits your stage and sector.
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Verify you meet eligibility criteria.
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Prepare supporting documents.
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Apply via the relevant portal or via the council email contact.
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Complete full applications if invited.
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On award, execute your project and meet reporting obligations.
Additional Tips
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Subscribe to newsletters from the Growth Hub for alerts on funding deadlines and events.
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Join workshops or diagnostic sessions to refine your grant or business proposal.
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Use https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to connect with peers and mentors in the Somerset business community.
Contact & Further Information
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Somerset Council – Business Grants & UKSPF Programmes:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and-licences/funding-and-grants-for-business/ (somerset.gov.uk) -
Heart of the South West Growth Hub:
https://www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk or via Somerset Council links. -
GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
FAQs
🔹 Which grants are available for Sedgemoor businesses in 2025?
Options include Somerset Business Growth Grant (up to £5,000), REPF capital grants (£5k–£75k), Hinkley Supply Chain grant (£5k), and SWEF blended support up to £40k.
🔹 Can rural enterprises apply too?
Yes — the REPF is designed specifically for rural areas across Somerset (including Sedgemoor) (Somerset Chamber, startupgrant.co.uk, Somerset Community Foundation, somerset.gov.uk).
🔹 Is support available if I want to get into the Hinkley Point C supply?
Yes — SMEs can apply for the Suppliers’ Support Grant to prepare for Hinkley opportunities (Hinkley Supply Chain).
🔹 Are loans accessible for new businesses?
Yes — Start-Up Loans of up to £25,000 per founder are available nationally (with mentoring included).
🔹 Can I combine grant and loan funding?
Absolutely — many businesses succeed by combining grants for capital with Start-Up Loans or blended finance schemes.
🔹 Where can I get help applying?
Support is available via Heart of the South West Growth Hub, Somerset Council’s business team, or specialist advisors for social enterprise funding.
