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Last update 31/07/2025

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Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups in South Staffordshire, UK (2025)

🏢 Local Business Programs & Grants

South Staffordshire Council – Business Hub provides updates and access to multiple funding schemes:
🔗 South Staffordshire Business Hub – Grant Funding

🔹 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)

Purpose: Capital grants up to £25,000 for rural community projects, small business growth, and farm diversification.
Eligibility: Eligible rural wards within South Staffordshire.
Status: Active until March 2026, subject to funding availability. (sstaffs.gov.uk)

🔹 UKSPF Community Fund & Residual Fund

Purpose: Support not-for-profit and business capital/revenue projects (innovation, inclusion, skills).
Grant range: £1,500 up to £25,000 (typically 60–70% match funding).
Status: Open for Expressions of Interest; projects must complete by 30 Sept 2025, with final reporting by Dec 2025. (sstaffs.gov.uk)

🔹 Start in South Staffs Programme

Purpose: Business start-up support via workshops, mentoring, and follow-on grant eligibility up to £1,000.
Delivered by: Good2Great under UKSPF.
Status: Extended through early 2026; grants considered post-programme. (staffordshireliving.co.uk, expressandstar.com)

🔹 Strive for Success Growth Programme

Purpose: Supports established SMEs (2+ years trading) through coaching, workshops, and grants up to £7,000.
Eligibility: Businesses in South Staffordshire.
Status: Active through UKSPF delivery. Register interest early. (sstaffs.gov.uk, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council)

💷 Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans

Up to £25,000 available to founders starting businesses under 24 months, via British Business Bank. Includes mentoring and planning support.
🔗 Apply: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK)

Match your business profile to national grants, loans, and support schemes.
🔗 Explore: https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

🌍 Regional Support

Stoke-on‑Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub

Delivers tailored business support, grant signposting, and mentor sessions for South Staffordshire startups.
🔗 Resource hub: https://growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk
📧 Contact: growthhub@staffordshire.gov.uk or 0300 111 8002 (startupgrant.co.uk, sstaffs.gov.uk, staffordshire.gov.uk)

Staffordshire County – Get Started and Grow

Free business support for firms under five years old (e.g. marketing, legal, HR); includes funding referrals.
🔗 Info: staffordshire.gov.uk

📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Select relevant support: REPF, UKSPF Community Fund, Start in South Staffs, or Strive for Success.
Attend workshops or support sessions (especially for Start in South Staffs).
Assemble documents: business plan, forecasts, ID, cost plans.
Submit via official council or programme portals.
Note deadlines:
- UKSPF Community Fund: EoI open now, complete by 30 Sept 2025
- Rural Fund: open when capital remains
- Programs: Start in South Staffs until early 2026; Strive grants ongoing
If awarded, follow the scheme’s spend and reporting requirements.

💡 Additional Tips

Be clear on how funds will impact business growth, community benefit, or skills development.
Tailor proposals to scheme goals like innovation, rural productivity, or social inclusion.
Use Growth Hub sessions to strengthen applications or business plans.
Stay connected through newsletters or the Business Hub email list.
Expand online networking with: Gmax Card Business Networking

📬 Contact & Resources

South Staffordshire Business Hub: ssstaffs.gov.uk/grant-funding-south-staffordshire
Growth Hub – Stoke & Staffordshire: growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk
County Business Support – Get Started & Grow: Staffordshire County Council site
UKSPF Community Fund Expressions: ukspf@sstaffs.gov.uk ([turn1search1])

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(Extra spacing included for readability)

🔹 What grants are available in South Staffordshire?
Options include REPF capital, UKSPF Community Fund, Start in South Staffs, and Strive for Success grants up to £7,000.

🔹 Can new businesses access grants?
Yes — through Start in South Staffs, which includes mentoring and a possible £1,000 grant post-completion.

🔹 How do I apply for larger SME grants?
Use the Strive for Success programme for SMEs trading 2+ years; eligible businesses can receive up to £7,000 and growth advice.

🔹 Can community organisations apply?
Yes — not-for-profit entities may apply for UKSPF Community Fund grants between £1,500 and £25,000, supporting social or environmental projects.

🔹 Are loan schemes available?
Yes — Start-Up Loans up to £25k, and broader commercial loans via Staffordshire Business Loan Fund via Growth Hub advisors.

🔹 How do I stay informed on new funding rounds?
Sign up for the South Staffordshire Business Hub newsletter and Growth Hub updates for grant alerts and support events.

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.

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