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Last update 22/07/2025

Grants & Government‑Backed Loans for Startups in Weymouth & Portland (2025)

🔹 Local Resources

While Weymouth & Portland Borough Council typically doesn’t offer direct grants, it provides guidance and directs businesses to regional funding schemes.

Dorset Council – Business Support & Grants

Dorset Council, which now oversees Weymouth & Portland, offers several opportunities:

Business Productivity Grants (includes open rounds of £5,000–£40,000, covering up to 50% of a project cost) (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)
Organisational Support Revenue Fund, worth £5,000–£10,000 annually for eligible community organisations (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)
Full guidance on business advice, start‑up, growth, marketing and digital courses (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)

🔗 Dorset Council: Grants and Funding for Businesses

🔹 Regional Support

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The Dorset LEP supports economic development projects across the area — including Weymouth and Portland — and provides access to local growth funds especially for tourism, sustainability, and low‑carbon projects (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, Dorset Chamber)

🔹 Government‑Backed Support

Start‑Up Loans

A national scheme offering loans up to £25,000, with mentoring and support, for businesses under 24 months old.
🔗 Start‑Up Loans

Business Finance Support Finder

This GOV.UK tool helps identify suitable funding based on your sector, location, stage, and project type.
🔗 Business Finance Support Finder

🔹 Additional Tips for Success

Define your funding need clearly (e.g., equipment, premises, green or digital tech).
Research and align with schemes matching your sector or stage.
Develop a strong business plan—financials, forecasts, market analysis.
Network locally—consider Dorset LEP events, Dorset Council workshops, or local incubators like Weymouth’s business community.

📞 Contact Information

**Dorset Council – Business Helpdesk**
Website: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Phone: 01305 221000
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council (business guidance)
Website: weymouth.gov.uk
Phone: 01305 221000
Dorset LEP
Website: dorsetlep.co.uk

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 Q1: Does Weymouth & Portland Borough Council offer direct grants?
A1: Generally no, but they can guide you to Dorset Council’s grants (e.g., Business Productivity Grants, UKSPF rounds). (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk, dorsetlep.co.uk, dorsetemc.com)

🔹 Q2: What kinds of Dorset Council business grants are currently available?
A2: Grants of £5,000–£40,000 for productivity and 50% project match‑funding; also revenue support for community groups (£5k–£10k). (dorsetemc.com, dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)

🔹 Q3: Who can apply for Start‑Up Loans?
A3: UK businesses under 24 months of trading can apply for up to £25,000, with mentoring support.

🔹 Q4: How do I find relevant national funding options?
A4: Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder to match with appropriate grants and loans.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

🔹 Q5: What support does Dorset LEP provide?
A5: They fund regional growth projects—especially in tourism, green development, and digital infrastructure—and share updates through their website. (Dorset Chamber)

🔹 Q6: Are there grants for sustainable or green projects?
A6: Yes—Dorset Council’s productivity grants can support decarbonisation, and LEP supports low-carbon initiatives. (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)

🔹 Q7: How do I prepare a strong application?
A7: Ensure you have a solid plan, financial forecast, and a clear funding objective—backed by market research.

🔹 Q8: Can I apply for multiple grants and loans?
A8: Yes—if you meet each eligibility requirement. Many businesses combine local, regional, and national funding.

🔹 Q9: How often do funding schemes update?
A9: Very often—check Dorset Council, Dorset LEP, and GOV.UK sites regularly, and consider subscribing to their newsletters.

🔹 Q10: Who can I contact for help?
A10:

Dorset Council: 01305 221000
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council: 01305 221000
Dorset LEP: via website contact forms

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