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Last update 19/07/2025

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2025 Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Startups and Small Businesses in Harrow (UK‑Wide Guide)

Introduction

This guide covers the most relevant national and local funding available to startups and small businesses in Harrow in 2025, including government-backed loans, grants, and council-led support schemes. All links are official, current, and fully visible for easy access.

National Government‑Backed Schemes

🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Amount: £500–£25,000 per person
Interest: Fixed 6% APR
Includes: 12 months’ mentoring and business planning support
Apply via: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme

Purpose: Offers working capital, investment, or refinancing to SMEs
Amount: Up to £2 million
Note: Closed to new applications

🔹 Bounce Back Loan Scheme

Status: Closed to new borrowers; previously offered up to £50,000 with government guarantee

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

Harrow allocation (2022–2025): £4,306,310 total (local.gov.uk, GOV.UK)
Use Cases: Supporting local businesses, employment schemes, town centre improvement
Bid approved by Cabinet in March 2023; funding runs through mid-2025 (moderngov.harrow.gov.uk)

Local Council Support

Business Mentoring & Support Programmes (Harrow Council)

The Economic Development Team delivers: (London Borough of Harrow)

Support for Growth: Workshops and clinics
Supply Ready Harrow: Training to bid for public contracts (London Borough of Harrow)
London Business Partnership: Property, e-business and cyber support (London Borough of Harrow)
Grow London Global, Enterprise Nation, Sustain IT, and digital bootcamps

Contact: PO Box 1358, Harrow HA3 3QN | Email: edo@harrow.gov.uk (London Borough of Harrow)

Eligibility Guidance

Loans: UK-based businesses with business plan, financial forecast, and suitable credit
UKSPF & Local Support: Harrow-based SMEs, community groups, or contractors. Check specific criteria per programme

Application Process

Choose the right funding scheme.
Prepare supporting documents: business plan, forecasts, registration, credit details.
Apply via GOV.UK (for Start‑Up Loans) or via Harrow Council (local programmes).
For council programmes, register interest or attend scheduled events.
Monitor email alerts for selection or approval outcomes.

Additional Tips

Network through Harrow Means Business, Supply Ready events, or local meetups
Use mentoring available via Start‑Up Loans and local council initiatives
Leverage GOV.UK and British Business Bank resources for planning and finance tools

Contact & Further Information

Start‑Up Loans: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan
Harrow Council Business Support: https://www.harrow.gov.uk/business/business-mentoring-support-programmes (London City Hall, London City Hall, Harrow Business Improvement District, London Borough of Harrow, modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk)
UKSPF Allocation: £4.3 million awarded to Harrow (GOV.UK)
Email for Support: edo@harrow.gov.uk (Economic Development Team) (London Borough of Harrow)

FAQs

▫️ What loan schemes can Harrow businesses access?
Start‑Up Loans (£500–£25k) with mentoring; Recovery Loans and Bounce Back Loans are closed.

▫️ What is Harrow’s UKSPF allocation?
£4,306,310 allocated between 2022–2025 for business, community, and place-based initiatives (Harrow Business Improvement District, GOV.UK, GOV.UK).

▫️ What local support is available?
Council offers mentoring and support via ‘Support for Growth’, ‘Supply Ready Harrow’, and property/e-business programmes (London Borough of Harrow).

▫️ How do I apply for Start‑Up Loans?
Apply directly via GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan.

▫️ Are networking events available?
Yes—Harrow Means Business expo and council-supported meetups.

▫️ What should I prepare before applying?
You’ll need a solid business plan, cash flow forecasts, registration, and strong credit.

▫️ How do I contact the council for help?
Email edo@harrow.gov.uk or use their website’s enquiry forms.

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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