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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Ribble Valley, UK

Introduction

This guide covers funding options available to startups, micro and small businesses in Ribble Valley—including Clitheroe, Longridge, and Whalley. You'll find details on local grant schemes, government-backed loans, and practical advice for eligibility and application in 2025.

Available Grants

🔹 Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme (Ribble Valley Borough Council)

Purpose: Revitalise town centre streets by improving shopfront aesthetics in Clitheroe, Whalley, and Longridge.
Funding: Up to £5,000 per business, at 70% match funding, capped at £50,000 total.
Eligibility:
- Independent retail or service businesses in designated town centres
- Landlords or tenants (if the lease has a minimum of 3 years remaining)
- Projects must not begin before a formal grant offer
Current Status: Temporarily closed for new applications as of June 18, 2025, due to high demand; further details expected soon (Ribble Valley Borough Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council)
More info:
https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/shopfrontgrant

🔹 Community and Voluntary Grants (non-commercial)

Ribble Valley offers various small grants for community groups, arts, events, and recreation—but these are not open to businesses (Ribble Valley Borough Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council).

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan range: £500 – £25,000
Interest rate: Fixed at 6%
Includes: 12 months free mentoring and training
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, setting up or running a business for less than 3 years
Apply here:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

🔹 Growth Guarantee Scheme & Enterprise Finance Guarantee

Purpose: Enable SMEs to access finance—such as loans or invoice finance—even without full security
Loan limits: Up to £1 million
Access: Via accredited lenders; see the British Business Bank for eligibility and steps

Local Business Support

🔹 Ribble Valley Economic Development Team

Offers advice on accessing grants and navigating local or national support programmes
Runs business events and publishes updates via its Growing Business page
Visit the official hub here:
https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/business-funding (Lancashire.gov.uk, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Rossendale Borough Council, Boost Business Lancashire)

🔹 Lancashire Peer/Enterprise Finance (e.g. Rosebud Loan)

Case studies show Ribble Valley SMEs using Lancashire’s Rosebud Finance—a flexible loan fund managed by the county council and Enterprise Ventures—for growth capital of £25k–£250k (Boost Business Lancashire)

Eligibility Guidance

Confirm shopfront scheme eligibility by address in Clitheroe, Whalley, or Longridge and independent status
Use GOV.UK Business Finance Support to find national loans and support tools
For local nuance, consult Ribble Valley’s Economic Development Team through their business funding pages

Application Process

Select the grant or loan that matches your needs (e.g. shopfront grant, Start Up Loan)
Prepare documentation:
- Quotes or project plan
- Photos or details of current premises (for shopfront grant)
- Proof of independent business status and location
Confirm timing and deadlines (shopfront scheme currently paused)—contact council directly
Submit application via the council’s online system or GOV.UK for loans
Wait for decision, usually a few weeks
Post-approval steps: complete work, submit invoices and evidence for reimbursement; adhere to grant conditions

Additional Tips

Plan ahead: Shop front grants close early when budget is exhausted
Match funding: Most grants require businesses to spend upfront, then submit for reimbursement
Keep records: Save invoices, lease details, and before/after photos for compliance
Network with local groups for early alerts on funding opportunities

Contact & Further Information

Shop Front Grant Scheme and updates:
https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/shopfrontgrant
Business and Economic Support:
https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/homepage/96/grants
British Business Bank – Start Up Loans:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan
Lancashire County Council – Access to Finance (Rosebud & peer loans):
Available via Lancashire.gov.uk finance pages (Ribble Valley Borough Council, Lancashire.gov.uk, Boost Business Lancashire, Rossendale Borough Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council, council.lancashire.gov.uk, South Ribble, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Lancashire.gov.uk)

FAQs – Business Grants & Loans in Ribble Valley (2025)

🔹
Are there grants available for digital or online businesses?
The shop front grant is for physical premises in specific towns. Digital or creative businesses may qualify via Lancashire loan schemes or national programmes—not via council grants at present.

🔹
How much funding can I receive?

Shop Front Grant: up to £5,000 (with 70% match)
Start Up Loans: up to £25,000
Peer loans (e.g. Rosebud): up to £250,000 depending on credit and project

🔹
Can pre-start businesses apply?
Yes—Start Up Loans support pre-start ventures. The shop front grant is only for established businesses in defined locations.

🔹
Is a business plan required?
Yes—for loans. For grants, a clear project outline, cost breakdown and evidence of eligibility are essential.

🔹
How long does the application process take?
Shops grant decisions: typically within weeks if open. Loans: up to four weeks via providers.

🔹
Can I combine schemes (e.g. grant + loan)?
Yes—stacking is possible where eligibility overlaps and programme terms allow it.

🔹
Are there any application fees?
No for council grants or Government-backed loans. Private lenders (e.g. peer platforms) may charge interest or arrangement fees.

🔹
Does my business need to be in a high-growth sector?
Shop Front grants focus on visual improvement, not high growth. Loans may be used by a range of sectors. Check individual eligibility.

🔹
Can funding be used for marketing or training?
Shop Front grants are specific to external physical improvements. Loans may cover broader expenditures, including marketing or software, depending on the lender.

🔹
Where can I get help preparing an application?
Reach out to the Ribble Valley Economic Development Team, local enterprise agencies, or consult providers like the British Business Bank, K mentoring for Start Up Loans.

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