🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit

Learn More

Get Support

National Grants

National Grants Get My Funding Pack How To Apply Eligibility Create Business Plan Preparation For Grants Get Support

Last update 02/08/2025

Request a call

Grants and Loans for Startups and Small Businesses in Oxford, UK (2025 Guide)

✅ Available Business Grants in Oxfordshire

🔹 Enterprise Oxfordshire – Business Investment Fund

This is a capital grant programme offering funding to Oxfordshire-based SMEs aiming to grow or innovate.

Funding amount: Up to £100,000 (50% match funding required)
Eligible costs: Equipment, technology, premises upgrades
Who can apply: SMEs in Oxfordshire with growth or job creation plans

🔗 Apply here – Business Investment Fund

🔹 BIPC Oxfordshire – Grant Finder Database

The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) provides free access to a powerful grant-finding tool.

Location: Oxford Westgate Library
Use: Find local and national business grants
Open to: All Oxfordshire entrepreneurs

🔗 Access BIPC Oxfordshire

💸 Government-Backed Loan Options

🔹 Start-Up Loans (British Business Bank)

This UK-wide scheme helps individuals start or scale their business with an unsecured personal loan.

Loan amount: £500 to £25,000
Interest rate: Fixed at 6% APR
Perks: Free mentoring, workshops, exclusive business discounts

🔗 Apply now – Start Up Loans

🏛️ Support from Oxford City Council

🔹 Business Support Schemes

Oxford City Council provides advice, referrals, and support programmes for new and growing businesses.

Includes: Training programmes, mentoring, peer groups, and external funding sources
Delivered in partnership with OxLEP and BIPC

🔗 Explore Council Business Support

🔹 External Funding Opportunities

In addition to internal services, the council lists a range of third-party and national grant schemes.

🔗 View External Opportunities

🌱 Enterprise Oxfordshire & Growth Hub Services

Enterprise Oxfordshire (formerly OxLEP) offers growth services, investor readiness support, and business diagnostics for local businesses.

🔗 Visit Enterprise Oxfordshire

📝 How to Apply for Grants or Loans

Choose the right scheme, based on your business stage and needs.
Develop your business plan – clearly outline your objectives, funding use, and ROI.
Apply online – via GOV.UK for loans or Enterprise Oxfordshire for grants.
Receive support – mentoring, workshops, or follow-up assessments.
Wait for approval – most responses take 3–6 weeks.

🔍 Pro Tips for Oxford Entrepreneurs

✅ Use Grant Finder at BIPC for custom search results.
✅ Combine loans and grants for better cash flow.
✅ Join local workshops to connect with mentors and peers.
✅ Check eligibility thoroughly before applying.
✅ Track deadlines – some grants open in specific funding rounds.

📞 Contact Information

Oxford City Council – Business Support

📧 Email: business@oxford.gov.uk
📞 Phone: 01865 249811
🌐 Oxford City Council Business Page

Enterprise Oxfordshire (Growth Hub)

📞 Phone: 0345 241 1196
🌐 Visit Enterprise Oxfordshire

Start Up Loans – British Business Bank

🌐 Apply via GOV.UK

❓ FAQs – Business Funding in Oxford (2025)

1. Are there grants specifically for online businesses in Oxford?

Yes. While many grants are open to all sectors, online or digital businesses are often eligible under innovation and startup schemes like those from Enterprise Oxfordshire.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Start-Up Loan: Up to £25,000
Business Investment Fund: Up to £100,000

3. Can I apply if my business isn’t registered yet?

Yes. Start-Up Loans support pre-start businesses. Most grant schemes require registration.

4. Do I need a business plan?

Absolutely. A detailed business plan is essential for both loans and grants.

5. How long does the process take?

Applications are generally processed in 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity and funding type.

6. Can I combine a grant and a loan?

Yes. Many businesses use a loan for working capital and a grant for asset or equipment purchases.

7. Are there fees?

No application fees for government loans or local grants. Only interest applies to Start-Up Loans.

8. What sectors are prioritised?

Sectors like green tech, creative industries, tourism, and advanced manufacturing often receive priority, but most schemes are open to all SMEs.

9. Can I use the funds for marketing?

Yes, including for websites, advertising, CRM tools, and lead generation—subject to programme guidelines.

10. Where can I get application help?

You can get free assistance from:

📍 BIPC advisors at Oxford Library
💬 Enterprise Oxfordshire's Growth Hub
🧑‍🏫 Start-Up Loan mentors

Value AD

2025

100% FREE

BUSINESS TOOl

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.

FREE BUSINESS TOOLS