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Last update 01/08/2025

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2025 Grants & Government‑Backed Support for Start‑ups in South Kesteven, UK

🏛️ Local Business Support & Grants

South Kesteven District Council provides funding via the South Kesteven Business Growth Grant and the Rural Fund, supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

South Kesteven Business Growth Grant (UKSPF-funded): capital or revenue projects, grants from £1,000–£5,000, at 35% intervention rate.
- Eligibility: micro‑small enterprises, trading 12+ months, less than 250 employees, turnover ≤ £40m.
- Status: Applications closed mid‑2025, but future rounds may open depending on funding availability.(southkesteven.gov.uk)

South Kesteven Rural Fund (REPF / UKSPF): supports rural businesses with capital grants up to £25,000 for innovation, productivity, or low-carbon projects.
- Rural is defined as towns under 30,000 population.
- Projects must be completed by March 2025.(southkesteven.gov.uk, lincolnshire.gov.uk)

💼 Government‑Backed Loan Schemes

🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Up to £25,000/per founder, includes 12 months mentoring.
Eligibility: trading under 36 months.
🔗 Apply: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

🔹 Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK)

Official tool to match your business to grants, loans, and support schemes.
🔗 Explore: https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

🌐 Regional Support – Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub

Offers free expert advice, grant and loan signposting, business clinics, and mentoring.
Services include Start-Up Academy (with possible £500 grant, subject to match funding), scale-up programmes, and sector-specific support.(businesslincolnshire.com, businesslincolnshire.com)
🔗 Visit: Business Lincolnshire

✅ Active Supportive Schemes (2025)

Growth Grant and Rural Fund rounds concluded but may reopen with future funding.
Start‑Up Loans and GOV.UK Finder is open year-round.
Business Lincolnshire Hub programmes remain active, including Start-Up Academy and Next Level Scale-Up.

📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Identify relevant options: Growth Grant, Rural Fund, Start‑Up Loan, or Growth Hub support.
Check eligibility: location, trading period, turnover/employee size (for Growth Grant).
Gather key documents: business plan/project outline, three cost quotes, match‑funding evidence, bank/account info.
Apply via Growth Hub or council portals when rounds open.
If working with an adviser, ask about the Business Lincolnshire Start-Up Grant (requires at least £500 match).
Meet the spending and reporting deadlines if awarded.
Use Growth Hub clinics or workshops to strengthen your application.

💡 Additional Tips

Clearly outline how grant use supports growth, innovation, or productivity gains.
Emphasise value‑added outcomes and alignment with SKDC economic priorities.
Attend business events or online mentoring via the Growth Hub.
Subscribe to SKDC or Growth Hub newsletters for alerts.
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📞 Contact & Resources

**South Kesteven District Council – Growth Grants & Economic Development**
🔗 southkesteven.gov.uk/business-grants-funding
📞 01476 406080
Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub
🔗 business.visitlincolnshire.com
📧 businesslincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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🔹 Are there current grants available for small businesses in South Kesteven?
Not at the moment — the Business Growth Grant round has closed. Monitor council updates for future opportunities.

🔹 Can rural businesses still apply for support?
The Rural Fund closed in March 2025. Any further activity depends on future UKSPF or local fund allocation.

🔹 Can I still borrow if I miss the grant rounds?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans are available year-round. Growth Hub advisers can help access alternative finance.

🔹 What support is available for early-stage ventures?
Register with the Start-Up Academy, which may provide a £500 mini-grant and tailored advice.(business.visitlincolnshire.com, southkesteven.gov.uk, business.visitlincolnshire.com, businesslincolnshire.com, facebook.com, southkesteven.gov.uk, n-kesteven.gov.uk)

🔹 Who can apply for the entrepreneurial grants?
Businesses must be established in South Kesteven, trading for at least one year with a turnover under £40m and fewer than 250 employees.

🔹 How do I hear about new funding when it opens?
Subscribe to newsletters from SKDC and Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub and engage with local business events.

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.

FREE BUSINESS TOOLS