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Last update 19/07/2025

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2025 Grants & Government‑Backed Loans for Businesses in Wirral

Discover the latest support, funding and growth opportunities for startups and SMEs across the Wirral in 2025.

💼 Local Business Support Services

🔹 Accelerate Wirral (UKSPF Programme)

Purpose: Fully funded support programme for digital, creative, and tech businesses.
Includes: Expert-led workshops, 3×1‑to‑1 coaching sessions, and peer networking.
Eligibility: Businesses with at least one employee, based on the Wirral.
Apply by: 24 January 2025 (check for new cohorts).
Details: Run by Gather and funded via Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LinkedIn, Wirral View).
👉 https://www.gatherlcr.com/wirral

🔹 Universal Business Support (Via UKSPF)

Funding: £2 million secured for 2025/26 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Purpose: Ongoing business support, youth entrepreneurship events, digital training, recruitment help.
Delivery: Through Wirral Chamber of Commerce under contract with the Council (Wirral View, Liverpool Business News, Wirral Council).

💸 Government‑Backed Loans & Seed Investment

🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan Size: £500–£25,000 (up to £100,000 total for teams), at 6% fixed interest, with 12 months’ mentoring.
👉 https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

🔹 Liverpool City Region Seed Fund

Purpose: Equity investments to scale innovative early‑stage firms across the region.
Amount: £250,000–£2 million.
Focus: Advanced manufacturing, digital, creative, health, and life sciences.
Apply: Now open via AXM Venture Capital (Wirral View).
👉 [Search “Liverpool City Region Seed Fund”]

✅ Wirral Council Role (No Direct Grants)

Business Advice: Free support for starting, growing, or improving a business via the Council and Chamber.
Networking & Training: Courses, events, and mentoring delivered through Wirral Chamber under UKSPF (Wirral View, Wirral View, Wirral Council).
Best Access Routes: Via Wirral Chamber of Commerce and online business support pages.

✅ Eligibility Guidance

Eligible: Digital, creative, tech SMEs (Accelerate Wirral); entrepreneurs using Start-Up Loans; high‑growth businesses for Seed Fund.
Always check GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder for updates across funding options.

📝 Application Process

Select the most suitable programme (Accelerate Wirral, Start-Up Loan, Seed Fund).
Check eligibility criteria (sector, size, location).
Prepare essential documents: business plan, financials, ID, trading proof.
Apply via official platform (Gather, GOV.UK, AXM VC website).
Engage in workshops or mentoring sessions.
Follow up to maintain contact with coaches or fund managers.

💡 Additional Tips

Networking & Mentoring: Participate in events through Wirral Chamber, Gather, and GmaxCard (https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking).
Sector Focus: Seed Fund targeting creative, digital, health/life sciences—ideal if your business fits.
Keep Ahead: Programmes often run in cohorts—stay updated on upcoming rounds for Accelerate Wirral and Seed Fund.

📞 Contact & Resources

Gather – Accelerate Wirral
👉 https://www.gatherlcr.com/wirral
Wirral Council & Chamber Business Support
👉 https://wirral.gov.uk (search business support)
📞 0151 666 0000
British Business Bank – Start‑Up Loans
👉 https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan
Liverpool City Region Seed Fund
Search via "Liverpool City Region Seed Fund" or via AXM Venture Capital.

📘 FAQs

Each question is spaced for easy web reading.

🔹 Does Wirral Council offer direct business grants?
No—but it provides free advice, mentoring, training, and networking delivered via Wirral Chamber and UKSPF programmes.

🔹 What is Accelerate Wirral?
A fully funded support programme for local digital, tech, or creative SMEs. Includes workshops, coaching, and peer networking (Wirral View, Wirral View, European Commission, Wirral Democracy, Wirral View).

🔹 How do I apply for a Start‑Up Loan?
Visit GOV.UK and complete your online application; mentoring is included.

🔹 What is the Liverpool City Region Seed Fund?
A £10 million equity fund targeting early‑stage high-growth firms (£250k–£2m) in key sectors (Wirral View).

🔹 Who offers Wirral business support services?
Wirral Council commissions Wirral Chamber of Commerce to deliver business support using UKSPF funds (Wirral Council).

🔹 Can pre-start businesses join Accelerate Wirral?
Typically requires at least one employee—check Gather's Spark Wirral for pre-start options (Wirral View).

🔹 Are there any direct loans or grants from the Council?
No direct funding, but businesses can access national loans and Seed Funds regionally.

🔹 How to stay informed about funding rounds?
Sign up via Gather, Wirral Chamber, and Liverpool City Region business updates.

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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