Value AD
2025
100% FREE
BUSINESS TOOl
🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
Last update
20/07/2025
2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Wakefield, UK
Introduction
Wakefield Council and its regional partners offer a strong support system for new and growing businesses. This 2025 guide outlines key funding options—from local grants to government-backed loans—and explains how to access them effectively.
Local Grants
🔹 Shop Improvement & Security Grants
-
Up to £500,000 has been awarded to enhance high-street frontage and security measures.
-
Schemes include a Shop Improvement grant, Shop Security grant, and the High Street Investment Fund(startupgrant.co.uk, wakefield.gov.uk).
-
Ideal for businesses looking to refurbish shopfronts or improve premises security.
🔹 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (Community Grants)
-
A £350,000 fund is available to voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), with grants from £5,000–£30,000 for projects running until February 2026(wakefield.gov.uk).
-
Focus areas include community building and social action.
🔹 Culture Grants
-
Grants for arts, heritage, and cultural organisations have recently launched for 2025(wakefield.gov.uk, Facebook).
🔹 Trade Your Way (Market Stall Support)
-
Part of the Start-Up Scheme: 50% discount on market stall fees for 12 weeks in Wakefield District Markets(wakefield.gov.uk).
-
Includes locations in Wakefield, Castleford, Normanton, Ossett, Pontefract, and South Elmsall.
Government‑Backed Loans
🔹 Start‑Up Loans
-
£500–£25,000 loans with 6% APR and 12 months’ free mentoring.
-
Open to UK residents launching or running a business <3 years.
-
Apply via the Start-Up Loans website: https://www.startuploans.co.uk.
🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme / British Business Bank
-
Previously aimed at COVID recovery, similar support continues via British Business Bank loan programmes.
-
Explore options via the British Business Bank website.
Local Support & Signposting
🔹 Wakefield First / Business Support
-
Wakefield First provides free and confidential advice, workshops, funding signposting, and 1‑2‑1 business growth consultations(wakefieldfirst.com, startupgrant.co.uk).
-
Contact: businesssupport@wakefield.gov.uk or 0345 8 506 506.
🔹 BIPC Local at Wakefield Library
-
Free access to market research, events, and one-to-one guidance through the Business & IP Centre located in Wakefield Libraries(wakefield.gov.uk).
Eligibility Guidance
-
Shopfront & High Street Grants: Open to independent retailers across Wakefield district—including Castleford, Ossett, Pontefract, Normanton, Hemsworth, South Kirkby, Moorthorpe, etc.(wakefield.gov.uk).
-
Community Grants: UKSPF grants available to VCSE organisations, with match funding feasible(wakefield.gov.uk).
-
Culture Grants: Accessible to creative and heritage organisations(www2.fundsforngos.org).
Application Process
-
Identify a relevant funding opportunity (e.g., shopfront, community grant, or market stall).
-
Prepare documentation: Quotes, ID/address proof, business plan or project outline.
-
Apply via council website, email, or relevant portal.
-
Attend free support sessions via Wakefield First or BIPC.
-
Await decision—most applications are assessed within weeks.
-
Implement the project, provide invoices/receipts, and report on outcomes, especially if UKSPF-funded.
Additional Tips
-
Networking & mentoring: Join Wakefield First events and BIPC workshops.
-
Use market stall opportunities (“Trade Your Way”) to test products with minimal cost.
-
Stay updated: Some grants have limited funds—check Wakefield’s “Grants and Funding” page regularly(wakefield.gov.uk, wakefield.gov.uk, wakefieldfirst.com, wakefield.gov.uk).
-
Explore national programmes: Visit GOV.UK or British Business Bank for grants and loan tools.
Contact & Further Information
-
Wakefield Council – Grants & Funding: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/our-people-and-communities/grants-and-funding(startupgrant.co.uk, wakefield.gov.uk)
-
Wakefield First / Business Support: https://www.wakefieldfirst.com/starting-your-business/(wakefieldfirst.com)
-
Phone: 0345 8 506 506
-
BIPC Local (Wakefield Library): Email: wakefieldlibrarymuseum@wakefield.gov.uk, Tel: 01924 305376(wakefieldfirst.com, startupgrant.co.uk, wakefield.gov.uk)
-
Market Stall Info (“Trade Your Way”): letstalkmarkets@wakefield.gov.uk, 01977 727195(wakefield.gov.uk)
-
Start‑Up Loans: https://www.startuploans.co.uk
-
British Business Bank: Explore loan options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
▫️ What local grants does Wakefield Council offer?
Shop Improvement (£500k total), Shop Security, High Street Investment, Community UKSPF grants (£5k–£30k), culture grants, and market stall support.
▫️ How can I get a discounted market stall?
Through the “Trade Your Way” scheme—50% off stall fees for 12 weeks in district markets—email letstalkmarkets@wakefield.gov.uk(startupgrant.co.uk, wakefield.gov.uk, wakefield.gov.uk).
▫️ Who qualifies for community grants?
VCSE organisations including charities, not-for-profit associations; application window is currently closed after May 2025(wakefield.gov.uk).
▫️ Can I access government-backed loans locally?
Yes—apply for Start-Up Loans (£500–£25k) or other low-cost loans via the British Business Bank.
▫️ How do I access free business advice?
Contact Wakefield First or visit the BIPC Local at Wakefield Library.
▫️ How long does it take to hear back on grants or loans?
Typically 2–8 weeks, depending on scheme demand and review process.
▫️ Are culture grants available for creative projects?
Yes—Wakefield’s Culture Grants for 2025 have just launched(startupgrant.co.uk, wakefield.gov.uk, www2.fundsforngos.org, Facebook).
▫️ What support is available for digital or IP research?
Free access to COBRA, IBISWorld, Mintel, and FAME databases via BIPC at Wakefield Library(wakefield.gov.uk).
▫️ Can I combine grants and loans for one project?
Yes—as long as each programme allows multiple funding sources.
▫️ Where can I find national-level business finance support?
Visit GOV.UK business finance tools or the British Business Bank online portal.
