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Last update 01/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups in South Somerset, UK

🏢 Local Business Support & Grant Schemes

South Somerset District Council provides information on current business grants and funding opportunities via its Business Hub.

🔗 Somerset Business Support
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and-licences/funding-and-grants-for-business/

💰 Available Grants

🔹 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)

Purpose: Capital grants for rural SMEs and community infrastructure in South Somerset.
Funding Window: Open from 1 May to 19 September 2025 or until funds are allocated.
Match Requirement: 50% match funding.
Apply via: Heart of the South West Growth Hub system.
(content.govdelivery.com, somerset.gov.uk, somerset.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk)

🔹 UKSPF Community Fund (Somerset Council)

Purpose: Supports community capital or revenue projects, business support, and skills development.
Funding Range: Typically £1,500 to £25,000 with match funding.
Deadlines: Projects must be completed by 30 September 2026; reporting due December 2026.
Apply via: South Somerset District Council UKSPF portal.
(GOV.UK)

🔹 Somerset Social Investment Programme (SSIP)

Purpose: Blended finance (loan plus grant) for social enterprises and charities.
Amount: £10,000–£40,000.
Next deadline: 27 August 2025.
(Somerset Community Foundation)

🔹 SWEF Enterprise Fund (Somerset Community Foundation)

Purpose: Grants for young entrepreneurs aged 18–30.
Amounts:
- Start-Up Grant: up to £500 at pre-revenue phase.
- Business Development Grant: up to £2,000 for early-stage trading businesses.
Apply via: Somerset Community Foundation’s online portal.
(Somerset Community Foundation, content.govdelivery.com)

💸 Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Offer: Loans up to £25,000 with mentoring.
Eligibility: Businesses trading for under 24 months.
Apply via: startuploans.co.uk

🔹 Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK)

Tool: Matches your business profile to national grants, loans, and support options.
Explore: gov.uk/business-finance-support

🌍 Regional Business Support

🔹 Heart of the South West Growth Hub

Support offered: Grant applications, mentoring, networking, and digital business reviews.
Contact: 03456 047 047 or via website.
(bathnes.gov.uk, somerset.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk, theisleofwedmore.net)

📝 How to Apply – Quick Guide

Identify suitable scheme(s): REPF, UKSPF, SSIP, or SWEF.
Visit the Growth Hub or council pages to check eligibility and apply.
Prepare key documents: business or project plan, cost breakdowns, match funding evidence.
Submit formal applications via council or grant portals.
Ensure project timelines meet completion/reporting deadlines.
Use mentoring and advisory support where available.

💡 Top Tips

Clearly define business purpose and expected outcomes.
Align your proposal with fund priorities: rural growth, community impact, and skills development.
Attend Growth Hub sessions to refine your planning.
Stay informed via newsletters and local networks.
Use digital tools such as:
Gmax Card Business Networking

📬 Contact & Resources

Somerset Council – Business Funding & Grants: somerset.gov.uk/business‑economy‑and‑licences/funding‑and‑grants‑for‑business
Heart of the South West Growth Hub: heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk
Somerset Community Foundation – Social Investment & SWEF Enterprise Fund: somersetcf.org.uk

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(Extra spacing for readability)

🔹 Are grants available for rural businesses?
Yes — REPF offers matched capital support until 19 Sept 2025. somerset.gov.uk

🔹 What is the UKSPF Community Fund?
It funds business, community and skills projects via Somerset until Sept 2026, with applications accepted now.

🔹 Can young people apply for business grants?
Yes — Somerset CF’s SWEF Enterprise Fund offers grants up to £2,000 for 18–30-year-olds.

🔹 How do I finance a social enterprise?
SSIP offers blended finance (£10k–£40k) for community-led ventures until Aug 2025.

🔹 Are national loan schemes available?
Yes — Start‑Up Loans (up to £25k) and other business finance matched through GOV.UK tools.

🔹 Where can I get help applying for funding?
Heart of the South West Growth Hub provides free support, guidance, and grant applications. growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk

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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