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    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in St Helens, UK


    Introduction

    St Helens Council supports startups and small businesses by connecting them with regional grants, business support services, and government-backed finance. Although direct loans are limited, multiple avenues exist to secure funding and expert guidance.


    Government‑Backed Loans

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans

    • Amount: £500–£25,000

    • Interest: Fixed ~6% APR

    • Support: Includes 12 months of mentoring

    • Eligibility: UK residents with less than 3 years in business

    • Apply via: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme / British Business Bank


    Local Support & Grants

    🔹 UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Business Support

    • Delivered by The Growth Company using UKSPF funding, this fully funded business support offers workshops, mentoring, and growth advice until March 2025 (St Helens Borough Council).


    🔹 CommUnity Grants Scheme

    • Small grants for voluntary/community groups supporting refugees, asylum-seekers and integration, part of the council’s 2024–25 community funding plan (St Helens Borough Council).


    🔹 Liverpool City Region Schemes


    Additional Funding Options

    🔹 St Helens Chamber & NE BIC

    • Business advice, networking, mentoring, and access to funding through local support bodies and social enterprise initiatives.

    🔹 Private Investment

    • Angel and venture capital may be suitable for high-growth local startups. Platforms like Angel Investment Network can help.


    How to Find the Right Funding

    1. Identify your business needs (start‑up, innovation, community focus).

    2. Explore local schemes (Growth Company, CommUnity Grants, LCRCA).

    3. Check eligibility for community vs commercial funding.

    4. Build a robust plan with costs, impact, and justification.

    5. Access support via St Helens Council, Growth Company, NE BIC.

    6. Apply on time, supplying full documentation.


    Contact & Further Resources

    • St Helens Growth Company (business growth and start‑up support)
      Website: see St Helens Borough Council business support pages (St Helens Borough Council)

    • St Helens Borough Council – Community and Grants
      CommUnity Grants info via council site (Wikipedia)

    • Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
      Strategic Investment Fund informational pages (liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk)

    • Start‑Up Loans: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

    • British Business Bank: national business loan options


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    ▫️ What local support is available?
    Free advice, workshops and mentoring via the Growth Company under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025 (startupgrant.co.uk, St Helens Borough Council).

     

    ▫️ Are there direct grants for commercial startups?
    Not currently, but community-focused grants are available under the CommUnity Grants Scheme (sthelens.moderngov.co.uk, St Helens Borough Council).

     

    ▫️ Can I apply for government-backed loans?
    Yes—Start‑Up Loans (£500–£25k) with mentoring are open to qualifying entrepreneurs.

     

    ▫️ How much investment is coming to St Helens from the region?
    Over £180 million has been invested so far by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (St Helens Borough Council).

     

    ▫️ Who can help me prepare applications?
    The Growth Company, St Helens Council, the chamber, and NE BIC offer tailored help.

     

    ▫️ How long until I hear back?
    Business support assessments are prompt; community grant decisions follow typical council processing times (4–8 weeks).

     

    ▫️ Can I combine funding streams?
    Yes—use combined support from Growth Company, community grants, and loans, provided eligibility is met.

     

     

     

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