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Last update 29/07/2025

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2025 Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups in Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK

🌟 Introduction

If you’re launching or growing a business in the Stroud District, this guide provides the latest local, regional, and national support available. It covers active grant schemes, government-backed loan options, local support contacts, and practical advice for start-ups and early-stage businesses.

💰 Available Grants

🔹 Stroud Funding Community Crowdfunding Programme

Purpose: Community-led projects crowdfunded via Spacehive, with council pledges.
Amount: Up to £10,000 (up to 50% of the crowdfunding target), from a total of £135,000 available across 2025–26.
Eligibility: Community groups, charities, schools, CICs, parish councils with projects aligned to council priorities (climate, wellbeing, regeneration).
Apply via:
Stroud District Council – Stroud Funding (spacehive) (stroud.gov.uk, Spacehive)

🔹 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) & UKSPF Capital Grants

Purpose: Capital support for eligible rural businesses and community infrastructure projects.
Amount: £5,000–£20,000 (60% match) or £5,000–£10,000 (no match); total fund ~£120k (REPF) and £40k (UKSPF).
Eligibility: Businesses or community groups in designated rural wards across Stroud.
Status: Round 1 deadline was 23 June 2025; Round 2 is closed, but applications may join the reserve list.

🔹 Small Grants Fund – Community Health & Wellbeing

Purpose: Small grants (up to £1,000) supporting local voluntary/community groups engaging in wellbeing, skills and cultural activities.
Operate: Quarterly application panels (next deadline mid-March 2025).
Apply via: Email completed form to community.grants@stroud.gov.uk (stroud.gov.uk)

🔹 Grant Finder Support

What it is: Stroud District Council offers a bespoke online grant search tool for community and business funding opportunities.
Use: Email hwb@stroud.gov.uk to arrange a tailored search.

💼 Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans – British Business Bank

Details: Loans up to £25,000 for businesses trading under 24 months, with 12 months of mentoring included.
Apply via: GOV.UK Start‑Up Loans scheme.

🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS)

Details: Loans for growth, cash flow, or export up to £2 million via accredited lenders.
Apply via: British Business Bank’s Recovery Loan Scheme portal.

🏛️ Local & Regional Business Support

🔹 Stroud District Council – Business Support

Offers general business advice, signposting to local and rural grants, and hosts Stroud Funding events.
Contact: economic.development@stroud.gov.uk
Visit: Stroud District Council Business Support section (stroud.gov.uk, stroud.gov.uk, stroud.gov.uk)

🔹 The Growth Hub Stroud

Located at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College, offers free advice, mentoring, hot-desking, workshops and upskilling for local businesses.
Perfect for emerging businesses seeking guidance and connections.
Visit: The Growth Hub Stroud website (The Growth Hub Gloucestershire, sgscol.ac.uk)

✅ Eligibility Guidance

Use GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder for national schemes.
Refer to Stroud District Council pages for Stroud‑specific grant criteria.
Contact Growth Hub Stroud for one-to-one advice, mentoring, or workshop sign-up.
For community-led projects, use the Stroud Funding platform via Spacehive.

📝 Application Process

Identify the appropriate grant or loan scheme for your project or business.
Gather documents: ID, proof of address, business or project outline, cost estimates or quotes.
Draft a clear proposal: objectives, funding allocation, match funding (if needed), expected impact.
Apply via correct channel (Spacehive for Stroud Funding, email for small grants, online for loans).
Submit supporting documentation—forms, plans, letters, impact evidence.
Be prepared for follow-up questions, interviews or panel meetings.
Monitor decisions—Stroud Funding rounds open in Spring and Autumn; small grants quarterly; loans per provider timetable.
If successful, spend approved funds as specified and keep receipts for compliance and reporting.

🧠 Additional Tips

Be clear about the purpose and total cost of your project or funding request.
Align your proposal with scheme priorities (community impact, sustainability, regeneration, rural development).
Use the Growth Hub Stroud workshops or mentoring programmes to refine applications.
Engage local networks—use town and parish councils, community groups, and VCSE forums.
Extend your network with platforms like:
https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking

📬 Contact & Further Information

Stroud District Council – Business Support & Community Grants:
https://www.stroud.gov.uk/your-council/grants-and-funding (stroud.gov.uk, stroud.gov.uk)
Stroud Funding via Spacehive:
https://www.spacehive.com/movement/stroud/projects
Growth Hub Stroud:
https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/stroud/ (The Growth Hub Gloucestershire, sgscol.ac.uk)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(Extra spacing below for clarity)

🔹 What grants are available in Stroud District for start‑ups?
Stroud provides Stroud Funding pledges via Spacehive (up to £10,000 per project) and rural capital grants under REPF/UKSPF (up to £20k), as well as small community grants of up to £1,000. (stroud.gov.uk, stroud.gov.uk, stroud.gov.uk)

🔹 Is funding still available under REPF/UKSPF?
Round 1 closed in June 2025. Applications may join the reserve list but are not guaranteed to be assessed. (stroud.gov.uk)

🔹 Can new businesses apply for loans?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans (up to £25k) and Recovery Loans (up to £2 million) are available nationwide via GOV.UK and accredited lenders.

🔹 Who is eligible for Stroud Funding pledges?
Community-led groups, CICs, charities, parish councils, and schools with community projects that demonstrate local support and align with Stroud Council priorities. (stroud.gov.uk, stroud.gov.uk)

🔹 Where can I access local advice and mentoring support?
The Growth Hub Stroud offers free 1:1 support, workshops and networking and is based at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College. (The Growth Hub Gloucestershire, sgscol.ac.uk)

🔹 How long does the application process take?
Funding rounds vary: crowdfunding pledges occur in Spring/Autumn, community grants are quarterly, and loans depend on lender processing times.

🔹 What documents should I prepare?
Typically: ID, proof of address, business or project outline, cost estimates or quotes, match funding evidence, and community endorsements if required.

🔹 How can I stay up‑to‑date on new opportunities?
Subscribe to Stroud District Council updates, follow Growth Hub channels, and explore Gloucestershire VCSE Grantfinder tools. (stroudtown.gov.uk, stroud.gov.uk)

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For New Businesses:

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