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    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf, UK


    Introduction

    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.


    Available Grants

    🔹 Business Growth Grant

    • 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)


    🔹 Town Centre Minor Improvements Grant

    • 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)


    🔹 Commercial Improvement Grant (CIG)

    • Purpose: Funds larger-scale external building improvements, including energy-efficient renovations.

    • Apply: Through RCT Council’s Business & Third Sector Grants page (rctcbc.gov.uk)


    🔹 Large‑Scale Property Improvements Grant (LSPIG)

    • Purpose: Supports major refurbishment and conversion to regenerate town centre buildings.

    • Apply: Via RCT Council website (rctcbc.gov.uk)


    Government‑Backed Loans

    🔹 Development Bank of Wales

    • Offer: Flexible finance from £1,000 to £5 million, including loans and equity, for Welsh businesses.

    • Apply: Through developmentbank.wales


    🔹 Start‑Up Loans

    • 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


    🔹 Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme

    • Offer: Support for 18–30-year-olds with low-interest loans, mentoring, training, and peer support.

    • Apply: Directly via the Prince’s Trust website


    Key Resources

    • 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)


    Eligibility Guidance

    • 🔹 Use GOV.UK Business Finance Finder

    • 🔹 Check local criteria on the RCT Council website

    • 🔹 Reach out to Business Wales for support across Wales


    Application Process

    1. Select the relevant grant or loan.

    2. Check all eligibility and match-funding requirements.

    3. Prepare documentation: business plan, financial projections, quotes.

    4. Submit via online portal or direct email to the Council/Prince’s Trust.

    5. Seek advice from RCT Council or Business Wales advisors.

    6. Monitor your application and submit project evidence as required.


    Additional Tips


    Contact & Further Information


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     
    🔹 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.

     

     

     

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