🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
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    Last update 19/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Government‑Backed Loans for Businesses in Wigan

    Supporting startups and SMEs in Wigan with up‑to‑date funding, advice and council-backed initiatives for 2025.


    💼 Wigan Council Support

    • Business Advice & Guidance
      Free support to start, run or grow your business—including one‑to‑one advice, licensing, regulations and property opportunities (wigan.gov.uk).

    • Networking Events & Workshops
      Regular sessions designed to help you build skills, connect with peers, and grow your enterprise (wigan.gov.uk).

    • Innovate with Wigan Business (UKSPF‑Funded)
      ‘Inspiring Innovation’ supports both pre‑start and established businesses with tailored coaching, funding guidance, mentoring and networking (Greater Manchester Business Board).


    💸 Available Grants & Funding

    🔹 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – SME & Workspace Support

    • Wigan Council received ~£3 million over three years; future rounds will open across SME / workspace funding streams (democracy.wigan.gov.uk).

    • Includes: town centre improvement schemes (e.g., Ashton‑in‑Makerfield), business environments, and capacity‑building.

    • Ashton‑in‑Makerfield Town Centre Grants: up to 90% of costs for shopfront/conservation works; next round expected spring 2025 (wigan.gov.uk).


    💼 Apprenticeship & Skills Support

    • Apprenticeships for Young People
      Grants up to £5,000 for apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing, digital, and construction (wigan.gov.uk).

    • #SEEDIFFERENT SME Scheme
      Up to £3,000 grants for SMEs across other sectors within Greater Manchester (wigan.gov.uk).


    💳 Government‑Backed Loans

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme / Growth Guarantee Scheme


    🧭 Eligibility Guidance

    • National & Local Schemes: Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder to locate funding relevant to Wigan.

    • UKSPF & Council Programmes: Confirm your eligibility via council pages and contacts.

    • Loan Schemes: Check mentoring offers and criteria on British Business Bank and accredited lenders.


    📝 Application Process

    1. Identify suitable programmes (grants, loans, apprenticeship funding).

    2. Check eligibility, funding amounts, and deadlines.

    3. Gather documents: business plan, forecasts, IDs, financial records, apprenticeship eligibility.

    4. Apply online or via Expression of Interest—GOV.UK, Wigan Council or UKSPF portals.

    5. Engage in workshops or bootcamps (e.g., Inspiring Innovation).

    6. Follow up with programme managers or council advisers for next steps.


    💡 Additional Tips

    • Mentoring & Coaching: Join the Inspiring Innovation programme via Inventya and Wigan Council (Startup Grant, Greater Manchester Business Board, wigan.gov.uk).

    • Apprenticeship Recruitment: Utilize apprenticeship grants and advice to expand your team.

    • Conservation Grants: Shopfront improvements in Ashton‑in‑Makerfield are funded on a first‑come basis—plan ahead (wigan.gov.uk).

    • Networking: Attend events through Wigan Business bulletin and UKSPF initiatives.


    📞 Contact & Resources


    📘 FAQs

    Each question is spaced for better website readability.

     

    🔹 Does Wigan Council offer direct business grants?
    Yes—via UKSPF programmes and specific town‑centre schemes like Ashton‑in‑Makerfield. Grants for apprenticeships are also available.

     

    🔹 What is the Inspiring Innovation programme?
    A UKSPF-funded coaching and mentoring initiative for Wigan-based entrepreneurs, delivered by Inventya and the council (Startup Grant, Greater Manchester Business Board).

     

    🔹 How can I apply for apprenticeship funding?
    Grants up to £5,000 (sector-specific) or £3,000 via Greater Manchester schemes. Express interest through www.wiganworks.com (wigan.gov.uk, wigan.gov.uk).

     

    🔹 What conservation grants are available?
    Ashton-in-Makerfield’s Town Centre Grant Scheme offers up to 90% funding for heritage improvements; next round expected Spring 2025 (wigan.gov.uk).

     

    🔹 How do I access Start‑Up Loans?
    Visit GOV.UK to apply online; loans come with fixed interest and mentoring support.

     

    🔹 What support is there for workspace or SME investment?
    UKSPF UK suggestions show future SME/workspace funding streams via council (Startup Grant, Greater Manchester Business Board, democracy.wigan.gov.uk).

     

    🔹 Can I connect with other local businesses?
    Yes, through council-run events, the Wigan Business Bulletin, and UKSPF mentorship programmes.

     

    🔹 Where can I find national funding options?
    Use GOV.UK’s Business Finance Support Finder for broader schemes, including loan guarantees and grants.

     

     

     

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