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Last update 01/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in South Derbyshire, UK

Introduction

This guide offers the most up-to-date (2025) information on grants, government-backed loans, and local support available to startups and small businesses in South Derbyshire. It covers national and local schemes, eligibility, application steps, and key contacts—all from official and verified sources.

Available Grants

South Derbyshire Business Grant Scheme (UK Shared Prosperity Fund)

Purpose: To support business growth, innovation, productivity, and job creation through private sector investment and green initiatives.
Funding: Grants covering 25 %–80 % of eligible capital project costs.
Eligibility: Micro or small businesses registered in South Derbyshire with projects completed by 28 February 2026.
Apply: Start with an Expression of Interest, followed by a full application if shortlisted (southderbyshire.gov.uk)

South Derbyshire Business Start‑Up Scheme (UK SPF Start‑Up Support)

Purpose: Tailored to individuals in the pre‑start phase or trading for under 12 months.
Funding: Up to £10,000 toward eligible costs, plus mentoring and advice (southderbyshire.gov.uk)
Eligibility: Applicants based in South Derbyshire at the relevant start‑up stage.

Derbyshire-Wide Start‑Up Support (Derbyshire County Council)

Purpose: Initial business advice and small-scale funding across Derbyshire.
Funding: Up to £10,000 in start‑up grants (capped at 50 % of costs) and small grants of up to £500 (100 % funded) (derbyshire.gov.uk)
Status: Check current availability directly, as new cohorts may open or pause.

Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank / Start‑Up Loans Company)

Purpose: Personal loans to launch or grow your business.
Amount: From £500 up to £25,000, with a fixed interest rate of 6 % per annum and flexible terms up to 5 years.
Inclusions: 12 months of free mentoring, business planning support (British Business Bank, Start Up Loans)
Eligibility: UK resident aged 18+, business trading for under 36 months, with a UK-based operation (Start Up Loans)
Apply: Through the official Start‑Up Loans website via GOV.UK (GOV.UK)
Scale: The programme continues to expand, delivering over £1bn in funding and targeting 69,000 loans during the current Spending Review period (British Business Bank)

Growth Guarantee Scheme (British Business Bank)

Status: Successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme; live since July 2024 (British Business Bank)
Purpose: To guarantee loans to SMEs via accredited lenders for business investment and expansion.
Eligibility & Apply: Check availability via the British Business Bank’s official portal.

Local Council Support

D2N2 Growth Hub & South Derbyshire Accelerator

Coverage: Covers businesses in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
South Derbyshire Accelerator: Provides free diagnostics, workshops, mentoring and networking (e.g. East Midlands Manufacturing Network) and runs until March 2026 (southderbyshire.gov.uk, British Business Bank)
Access: Register via the D2N2 Growth Hub portal to be assigned a Business Adviser (southderbyshire.gov.uk, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire)

Eligibility Guidance

Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support finder tool for national grants and loans:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
For local, postcode-based support: contact D2N2 Growth Hub or email business@southderbyshire.gov.uk (confirm address with council site).

Application Process

Identify a relevant grant or loan scheme (local or national).
Check your eligibility using official guidance or contact channels.
Prepare documents: business plan, cash flow forecast, business registration, bank statements, tax returns, quotes, and match funding proof if required.
Submit an Expression of Interest or initial application online.
Upon shortlisting, complete any further detailed application.
Await decisions; if awarded a grant, ensure documentation of outcomes—jobs created, innovation metrics, etc.

Additional Tips

Networking & Mentoring: Join local networks like the East Midlands Manufacturing Network and national peer groups.
Digital Learning: Take advantage of webinars and workshops on finance, HR, marketing and growth from the Growth Hub and Start‑Up Loans website.
Platform: Consider using https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking for wider networking opportunities.

Contact & Further Information

South Derbyshire District Council – UKSPF grants & programmes: https://www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/our-services/business-and-investment/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-grants-and-programmes
Email: business@southderbyshire.gov.uk
D2N2 Growth Hub: https://www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk
Tel: 0333 006 9178 • Email: info@d2n2growthhub.co.uk

FAQs

🔹 What grants are currently available in South Derbyshire?
The South Derbyshire Business Grant Scheme (25–80 % capital support) and the Start‑Up Scheme (up to £10,000 plus mentoring) are open in 2025.

🔹 Can I apply for the Recovery Loan Scheme now?
No. It closed in 2024. The current alternative is the Growth Guarantee Scheme, or the Start‑Up Loan product.

🔹 Who qualifies for Start‑Up Loans?
Applicants aged 18+ residing in the UK with a business trading under 36 months and a viable business plan.

🔹 What support does the South Derbyshire Accelerator offer?
One-to-one business advice, mentoring, workshops, networking and signposting—not direct grant funding.

🔹 What documents are typically required?
Business registration, personal ID, a business plan, financial forecasts, bank statements, quotations and proof of match funding (if applicable).

🔹 Are there specific local grants for startups?
Yes — up to £10,000 in the local Start‑Up Scheme, plus additional support grants from the South Derbyshire Business Grant Scheme.

🔹 How can I find events and workshops?
Visit the D2N2 Growth Hub website for a calendar of local events, webinars and training.

🔹 How do I check if I’m eligible?
Use the GOV.UK finance finder, contact your local Growth Hub adviser, or email South Derbyshire Council’s business team.

Value AD

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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.

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