2025
100% FREE
BUSINESS TOOl

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is committed to supporting local enterprise. In 2025, a variety of grants, government-backed loans, and advisory resources will be available to help you launch, grow, or transform your small business.
Purpose: Supports SMEs to set up, grow, or diversify by funding capital expenditures.
Eligible Uses: Equipment, internal renovations, energy-efficiency improvements, website development.
Funding: Up to 75% of eligible costs (excluding VAT), with a cap of £15,000 for commercial premises and £2,000 for residential premises (rctcbc.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk, Small Business UK).
Eligibility:
Based in RCT, SME (<250 employees, turnover ≤ €50m or balance sheet ≤ €43m)
Paying Council Tax or business rates
Apply: Via RCT Council’s Business & Third Sector Grants portal (rctcbc.gov.uk, rctcbc.gov.uk)
Purpose: Helps improve the front elevation of shops and town-centre properties.
Funding: Up to 75% of project costs, capped at £2,000 (plus an extra £500 for scaffolding/skips) (rctcbc.gov.uk, nerdwallet.com).
Eligibility: Retailers and owners in designated town centres (e.g., Pontypridd, Treorchy).
Apply: Via RCT Council’s business grants portal (rctcbc.gov.uk)
Purpose: Funds larger-scale external building improvements, including energy-efficient renovations.
Apply: Through RCT Council’s Business & Third Sector Grants page (rctcbc.gov.uk)
Purpose: Supports major refurbishment and conversion to regenerate town centre buildings.
Apply: Via RCT Council website (rctcbc.gov.uk)
Offer: Flexible finance from £1,000 to £5 million, including loans and equity, for Welsh businesses.
Apply: Through developmentbank.wales
Offer: Personal loans of £500 to £25,000 with mentoring, ideal for pre‑start and early-stage businesses (under 24 months trading).
Apply: Via the Start-Up Loans Company at startuploans.co.uk
Offer: Support for 18–30-year-olds with low-interest loans, mentoring, training, and peer support.
Apply: Directly via the Prince’s Trust website
Business Wales — national hub for funding, advice, training — businesswales.gov.wales
RCT Council – Business Support — local grants and guidance — via the Council’s Business & Third Sector Grants page (startupgrant.co.uk)
Find Business Support — WG funding portal tailored to your area
RCT Council Contact: Business & Third Sector team (numbers via council website)
🔹 Use GOV.UK Business Finance Finder
🔹 Check local criteria on the RCT Council website
🔹 Reach out to Business Wales for support across Wales
Select the relevant grant or loan.
Check all eligibility and match-funding requirements.
Prepare documentation: business plan, financial projections, quotes.
Submit via online portal or direct email to the Council/Prince’s Trust.
Seek advice from RCT Council or Business Wales advisors.
Monitor your application and submit project evidence as required.
Attend local grant surgeries and business clinics—e.g., RCT business drop-ins (Small Business UK)
Engage with local networking events and business support groups
Use GmaxCard https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to connect and share resources
RCT Council – Business & Third Sector Grants: via council portal (facebook.com, rctcbc.gov.uk)
Development Bank of Wales: https://developmentbank.wales
Start-Up Loans: https://www.startuploans.co.uk
Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme: via Prince’s Trust website
🔹 What costs does the Business Growth Grant cover?
Capital expenses like plant, equipment, energy-saving investments, building work, and website development.
▫️ Can I apply for both a grant and a loan for the same project?
Yes—provided each funding source covers different elements of the project.
🔹 Who qualifies for the Town Centre Minor Improvements Grant?
Retailers or property owners in designated town-centre areas—e.g., Pontypridd, Treorchy, Porth.
▫️ Can pre‑start businesses apply?
Yes, for Start‑Up Loans and some grants, growth grants require existing businesses.
🔹 What are the repayment terms for Development Bank loans?
Tailored repayment schedules based on loan size and business profile—contact the Bank for specifics.
▫️ How long does funding take to arrive?
Grant timelines vary; Town-Centre and Business Growth grants typically take a few weeks post-approval. Loans may depend on application details.
🔹 Who can help with business planning?
RCT Council advisors and Business Wales consultants offer guidance and plan reviews.
▫️ Are there R&D or innovation grants available?
Yes, SMARTCymru vouchers and other WB-funded programmes are available—check Business Wales for details.
🔹 What should I do if my application is rejected?
Ask for feedback, refine your plan, and reapply or look into alternate funding streams.
Value Ad helps new businesses save 50% to 80% on essential services like marketing and
development. These savings act as an alternative investment, fueling growth.
Service providers gain valuable initial customers, helping them grow and attract investment.
It's a win-win for everyone!
This App/website is not affiliated with any government agency. We collect and organize information from publicly available government websites and provide direct links to these official sources.
For accurate details and to apply for grants or loans, please visit the relevant government websites linked within the App/website.
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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