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    Last update 01/08/2025

    Grants & Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in South Lakeland, UK (2025)


    🏢 Local Business Support

    Westmorland & Furness Council (covering South Lakeland) provides grants via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), delivered through Cumbria Business Growth Hub and the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.(Cumbria Growth Hub)

     

    đź”— Grant overview: [Grant Funding – Westmorland & Furness UK SPF & REPF](Cumbria Growth Hub)
    đź”— Business support portal: [Invest in Westmorland & Furness – Business Support](Invest in Westmorland and Furness)


     

    đź’° Available Grant Schemes

    🔹 SME Capital Grants (UKSPF / REPF)

    • Purpose: Support rural SMEs with capital investment (equipment, productivity, innovation).

    • Grant Size: £1,000–£25,000 (typically ~£12,000 average), up to 50% of project cost.

    • Deadline: EOI by 11 August 2025, full application by 16 September 2025, spend complete by 31 January 2026.(Cumbria Growth Hub, cumbriachamber.co.uk)

    • Apply via: Cumbria Business Growth Hub (info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk).

    • Included support: Vouchers (£500–£1,000) for consultancy (e.g., marketing, websites, legal, sustainability).(cumbriachamber.co.uk)

    🔹 Green Enterprise Hub Grants

    • Purpose: Facilitate decarbonisation support via Cumbria Action for Sustainability and Green Small Business.

    • Grant Size: £200–£10,000 for green business improvements and certification.

    • Funding Cap: £200,000 available; delivered via Green Enterprise Hub through March 2025.(groups.friendsoftheearth.uk)

    🔹 Social Enterprise Zone Support

    • Purpose: Provides advisory services and funding for social enterprises and community businesses.

    • Offerings: Start-up cost grants, product/service investment support, premises improvement via UIKSPF.(westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)


    💼 Government‑Backed and Regional Loans

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    • Up to £25,000 per founder, with 12 months of mentoring.

    • Eligibility: UK-based businesses trading for under 36 months.

    🔹 Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK)


    🌍 Business Support Services

    🔹 Cumbria Business Growth Hub / Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

    🔹 Enterprising Cumbria – Cumbria Accelerator programme

    • Fully funded support for startups and existing businesses, offering tailored growth guidance, innovation mentoring, and access to grants up to March 2026.(Invest in Westmorland and Furness)

    🔹 BIPC Norfolk (Cumbria access)

    • Provides market research tools, workshops, and planning support for business development. (UKSPF-funded support linked to wider Cumbrian services.)


    âś… What’s Active (2025)

    • Open capital grant rounds via Cumbria Growth Hub until August 2025.

    • Green Enterprise Hub grants continue through early 2025.

    • Start‑Up Loans and GOV.UK finance finder remains available year‑round.

    • Cumbria Accelerator and Social Enterprise initiatives are active until March 2026.(westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk, Cumbria Growth Hub)


    📝 How to Apply – Quick Guide

    1. Identify a suitable funding stream: capital, green, social enterprise, or loan.

    2. Check your eligibility: business size, location, project scope.

    3. Prepare key documents: project/business plan, cost breakdown, evidence of match‑funding or rural location.

    4. Submit an Expression of Interest via the Cumbria Hub for the capital grant.

    5. Engage with Cumbria Hub or the Accelerator for advisory support.

    6. Complete all work and claim funding by 31 January 2026.

    7. Maintain records for grant compliance.


    đź’ˇ Additional Business Tips

    • Link grant use to business growth, innovation, or environmental objectives.

    • Use vouchers for external advice services to strengthen proposals.

    • Attend grant information sessions and workshops.

    • Subscribe to newsletters from the Cumbria Hub or the council for updates.

    • Expand networking digitally at: Gmax Card Business Networking (https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking)


    📞 Contact & Resources


    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    (Extra spacing for clarity)

    🔹 Can online businesses access grants?
    Yes—if their plans include capital investment or green credentials, they may qualify under SME or green grant streams.

    🔹 How large are capital grants?
    Typically range £1,000–£25,000, average ~£12,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

    🔹 Can small consultancies access voucher support?
    Yes—they can claim £500–£1,000 vouchers for consultancy services (marketing, website, legal, sustainability) via Growth Hub vouchers.

    🔹 What support is available for social enterprises?
    The Social Enterprise Zone offers start-up funding and tailored advice to community or social businesses until March 2026.

    🔹 What if I need a loan instead?
    Use Start‑Up Loans up to £25k or access finance via GOV.UK support finder.

    🔹 How can I stay informed of funding rounds?
    Subscribe to the Cumbria Business Growth Hub or Westmorland & Furness Council newsletters and attend their business events.

     

     

     

     

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