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🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
Last update
19/07/2025
2025 Comprehensive Guide to Grants and Loans for Start‑Ups and Small Businesses in Merton, UK
Starting or expanding a business in Merton can be greatly aided by government-backed grants and loans. This guide covers funding options, eligibility, the application process, and answers common questions.
🏢 Available Grants in Merton & Greater London
Innovate UK
Provides funding competitions for UK small businesses to develop and commercialise new ideas, varying from feasibility grants to larger R&D awards.
👉 Innovate UK Funding Competitions (merton.gov.uk, apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk, apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk)
👉 Innovate UK – UKRI (ukri.org)
National Lottery Community Fund
Offers community and business-backed project grants, typically from £300 to £100,000.
👉 National Lottery Community Fund (National Lottery Good Causes, tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)
Additionally, funding streams like “Reaching Communities” support long-term community projects. (actiontogether.org.uk)
Prince’s Trust Development Awards
Grants available to young entrepreneurs (aged 18–30) to start or build a business.
👉 Prince’s Trust (Note: link checked manually)
Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
Offers grants primarily for arts, education, and heritage projects—occasionally partnering on business-related schemes.
👉 Trusthouse Charitable Foundation (Note: link checked manually)
Arts Council England – National Lottery Project Grants
Funding from £1,000 to £100,000 for projects across arts, libraries, museums, and cultural organisations.
👉 Arts Council England Project Grants (directories.merton.gov.uk, grantify.io, Wikipedia)
New Enterprise Allowance
Support package including weekly allowance (up to 26 weeks) and mentoring for unemployed individuals starting businesses.
👉 New Enterprise Allowance – GOV.UK (Note: link checked manually)
🔎 How to Check Eligibility
GOV.UK Grant Finder
Search for grants and funding schemes you match via government portal.
👉 GOV.UK Grant Finder (Note: general service link)
Merton Council – Business Support
Local advice, funding lists, and business guidance tailored to Merton.
👉 Merton Council Business Support (merton.gov.uk)
📝 Application Process Overview
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Research – Identify grants aligning with your business goals
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Prepare Documents – Including business plan, financials, proof of registration
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Apply Carefully – Follow the application process and provide complete info
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Track – Monitor your submission and respond promptly if contacted
📄 Commonly Required Documents
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Business plan (objectives, market, financials)
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Financial statements or projections
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Proof of business registration
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Project proposal (purpose, impact)
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Identification and legal paperwork
💼 Business Loan Options
If grants fall short, consider these government-backed loans:
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Start-Up Loans – Loans up to £25,000 plus mentoring
👉 Start-Up Loans Company -
Funding Circle – Peer-to-peer loans for established small businesses
👉 Funding Circle (Note: link checked manually) -
Better Business Finance – Platform to access multiple providers
👉 Better Business Finance (Note: link checked manually)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What businesses are eligible for grants?
SMEs, startups, creative ventures, and community groups—eligibility varies by scheme.
How do I find suitable grants?
Start with the GOV.UK Grant Finder and Merton Council’s support pages.
How much funding is available?
Ranges from a few hundred pounds to over £100,000 depending on the grant.
What is the application timeframe?
Grant cycles vary—anywhere from weeks to several months.
Do I need to repay grants?
No—as long as you use the funds within grant rules.
Can I apply for multiple grants?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements of each.
Are there sector‐specific grants?
Yes—creative projects, green enterprise, heritage, tech and more have targeted funding.
What documents are essential?
Strong business plan, registration proof, financial forecasts, and project details.
Is there support for COVID-19-impacted businesses?
Some recovery grants may still be available—check local updates via Merton Council.
Can I get support for an online business?
Yes—digital innovation grants and start-up support are available.
Where do I find help or advice?
Contact Merton Council or visit the support hubs listed above.
What support is available for young entrepreneurs?
Programmes like the Prince’s Trust and Business Launchpad offer mentorship and funding. (grantnav.threesixtygiving.org, apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk, directories.merton.gov.uk)
