2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Reigate & Banstead, UK

Introduction

Whether you're launching a startup, looking to grow, or running a small business in Reigate, Redhill, Horley or Banstead, this guide outlines current grant schemes, government-backed loans, and local support services for 2025. All links are live and connect to official council or national resources.

Available Grants

🔹 Business Support Grant (Reigate & Banstead Borough Council)

• Purpose: Help micro businesses (1–4 employees) start, develop or grow.

• Funding: Up to £1,000 per business, one-off award, with opportunity for a second grant if growth is demonstrated.

• Eligibility:

  • Based in the Reigate & Banstead borough

  • Fewer than 5 employees

  • Able to match spend and provide basic financial forecasts

• Use cases: Equipment, training, marketing (excluding laptops/prototypes unless a brand new startup)

• Application: Submit the form with business plan and forecasts, followed by a short interview.

• Source and guidance:
  [Reigate & Banstead Business Support Grants – guidance and criteria](reigate-banstead.gov.uk, reigate-banstead.gov.uk)

🔹 Town Centre Vitality Fund

• Purpose: Support events and projects that increase footfall and community engagement in Redhill or Horley town centres.

• Funding: Discretionary grants accessed via community groups or town centre stakeholders, previously totalling £100k (£2,000–£10,000 per project).

• Eligibility: Businesses or community groups with strong local engagement and support.

• Status: Open until funds are exhausted or March 2025. Further rounds may follow.(reigate-banstead.gov.uk, Business Surrey)

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

• Loan range: £500 to £25,000

• Interest: Fixed 6%, including 12 months of mentoring and training

• Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, pre‑start or trading for under 3 years

• Apply via:
  https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

🔹 Growth Guarantee Scheme & Enterprise Finance Guarantee

• Purpose: Allows SMEs to access finance (loans, overdrafts, invoice/asset finance) even if limited security is available.

• Loan limits: Up to £1 million.

• Apply via: Accredited providers—details available on the British Business Bank site.

Local Business Support

🔹 Reigate & Banstead Economic Prosperity Team

• Offers advice and guidance on business funding, mentoring, grants and council-led programmes.

• Hosts networking events and workshops to support local entrepreneurs.

• Visit:
  https://www.reigate‑banstead.gov.uk/info/20052/business_support/1528/business_support_grants(VASE, reigate-banstead.gov.uk, Business Surrey, Facebook, reigate-banstead.gov.uk)

Eligibility Guidance

• Use the Reigate & Banstead Business Support Grant page to confirm eligibility.

• For broader national finance options, use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support tool.

• Community or event funding may be covered under Surrey or neighbourhood small community project funds if applicable.

Application Process

1. Select the appropriate programme (e.g. Business Support Grant, Start Up Loan).

2. Prepare documents:

   • Simple business plan & forecast (1–3 years)

   • Evidence of location and employee count

   • Quotes and match-funding details

3. Submit application for grant (via council form/email) or loan (via GOV.UK provider).

4. Attend the interview if shortlisted for grant support.

5. Await decision—grants often operate on a fund-limited basis.

6. Complete work and provide evidence (receipts/photos) for reimbursement. Loan repayments follow the lender's terms.

Additional Tips

• Businesses can apply for a second support grant if they show proven growth after the first award.(reigate-banstead.gov.uk, surreycc.gov.uk, reigate-banstead.gov.uk)

• Apply early while grant funds are available; some programmes close quickly.

• Use match funding wisely—councils expect you to spend before reclaiming.

• Record keeping is essential: save invoices, plans, correspondence, and before/after photos.

• Explore county-level support, including live events and cross-borough growth opportunities via the Surrey hub.

Contact & Further Information

• Reigate & Banstead Business Support Grants:
  https://www.reigate‑banstead.gov.uk/info/20052/business_support/1528/business_support_grants(reigate-banstead.gov.uk)

• Start Up Loans (British Business Bank):
  https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

• Community Town Centre Vitality Fund: Managed via council business news updates(Business Surrey, reigate-banstead.gov.uk)

FAQs – Grants & Loans in Reigate & Banstead (2025)

🔹
Are grants available for digital or online-only businesses?
The Business Support Grant supports marketing or web upgrades. Town Centre Vitality Fund targets place-based initiatives but occasionally digital-led campaigns may qualify if locally impactful.

🔹
How much funding can I get?

• Business Support Grant: up to £1,000 (with potential for a second grant)(reigate-banstead.gov.uk)

• Start Up Loans: up to £25,000

• Town Centre projects: £2,000–£10,000 (if community-led)

🔹
Can pre-start businesses apply?
Yes—for Start Up Loans. Business Support Grants require trading status and evidence of business activity.

🔹
Is a business plan needed?
Yes—for both grants and loans (a simple summary is acceptable, but financial forecasts are expected).

🔹
What is the decision timeline?
Support grants typically have a rolling review. Start-up loans decisions are often delivered within about 4 weeks.

🔹
Can I combine schemes?
Yes—as long as eligibility and usage conditions are respected. For example, use a Start Up Loan alongside match-funded grant funding.

🔹
Are there application fees?
No, for council grants and Start Up Loans. Private lenders may charge arrangement or interest fees under other schemes.

🔹
Does my business need to be high-growth?
No grants in this borough support micro-businesses with credible business plans. Loans are accessible to a wide range of sectors.

🔹
Can funding be used for marketing or training?
Yes—for marketing, website build, equipment, or training, depending on the scheme's allowable uses.

🔹
Where can I get additional help?
Contact the Reigate & Banstead Economic Prosperity Team or use the Start Up Loans mentoring service for expert support.