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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 grants and government‑backed loans for small businesses in Amber Valley, UK

Introduction

This guide presents the latest support for startups, new ventures, and small businesses across Amber Valley Borough, Derbyshire. Discover local grants, regional funding schemes, government-backed loans, eligibility criteria, and application processes—all verified for 2025.

Available Grants

UKSPF Shop Front Improvement Grant

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this grant offers up to £4,000 for ground-floor shop-front improvements within Amber Valley’s four market towns: Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley.

The council covers 60% of eligible project costs; businesses must match the remaining 40%.
Typical example: a £5,000 project could secure a £3,000 grant.
Applications close on 3 October 2025 or when funding is allocated.
🔗 [UKSPF Shop Front Improvement Grant – Amber Valley Borough Council](ambervalley.gov.uk, ambervalley.gov.uk, D2N2 Growth Hub)

Derbyshire Business Start‑Up Support Grant

Available through Derbyshire County Council, this regional scheme offers:

Up to £10,000 (50% of eligible costs) for businesses trading under 12 months or about to start.
A smaller £500 grant covering 100% of costs may be available for early-stage startup support.
🔗 [Derbyshire Business Start‑Up Support Scheme – County Council](derbyshire.gov.uk)

Amber Valley Accelerator Support

The Amber Valley Accelerator programme runs until 31 March 2026 and offers:

One-to-one advice, diagnostics, mentoring and networking
Growth vouchers (subject to criteria) and help identifying green, innovation or productivity funding
🔗 [Amber Valley Accelerator – D2N2 Growth Hub](D2N2 Growth Hub)

Government‑Backed Loans

Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Unsecured personal loans of £500–£25,000, fixed at 6% APR; businesses may access up to £100,000 if multiple founders apply.
Includes 12 months of mentoring, finance planning and business plan support.
🔗 Start Up Loans official site

Growth Guarantee Scheme & East Midlands Loan Products

Through D2N2 Growth Hub and First Enterprise, SMEs can access loans from £500 up to £150,000, backed by government credit guarantees. Ideal for businesses needing bridging finance where banks won’t lend.
🔗 [Access to local finance via Invest in Amber Valley](D2N2 Growth Hub, derbyshire.gov.uk, investinambervalley.com)

Local Council & Growth Hub Support

Amber Valley Borough Council – Economic Growth Team

Offers guidance on grant eligibility, planning, business proposals and case development.
Contact: regeneration@ambervalley.gov.uk, Phone: 01773 841496.
🔗 [Invest in Amber Valley – Business support & advice](ambervalley.gov.uk)

D2N2 Growth Hub

Regional business growth hub for Derbyshire, offering financial workshops, funding signposting, mentoring, and wider innovation support.
🔗 [D2N2 Growth Hub](investinambervalley.com, D2N2 Growth Hub)

Eligibility Guidance

Use GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder to explore national grant and loan programmes
🔗 [gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder]
Contact Amber Valley Council’s Economic Growth Team or D2N2 Growth Hub for tailored advice based on your business type, location, and project scope.
Be aware: Amber Valley’s Grant funding guidance highlights that grants generally do not fund salaries, rent, stock or retrospective projects. Applications require quotes, plans and financial projections.
🔗 [Grant funding guidance – Amber Valley](investinambervalley.com, investinambervalley.com)

Application Process

Confirm eligibility and choose the appropriate grant or loan scheme.
Prepare documentation: business plan, cost projections, quotes, ID, landlord consent if needed.
Apply via official forms: council, county, or loan provider portals.
Consult advisers before full submission—e.g. Growth Hub or Council team.
Submit application, awaiting decision timelines (council grants may close early).
If successful, review the offer letter, accept the contract, and claim funds post-delivery.
Loandrawdown occurs per agreed milestones after approval.

Additional Tips

Network through local business groups like Amber Valley Business Networking for peer learning and exposure. (ambervalley.gov.uk, ambervalley.gov.uk)
Use free tools and mentoring from Start Up Loans and D2N2 Growth Hub.
Never start projects before a grant award; grant programmes disallow retrospective cost.
Consider combining grants and loans—but track subsidy limits carefully.

Contact & Further Information

Amber Valley Borough Council – Economic Growth & Town Centre Team
📞 01773 841496
📧 regeneration@ambervalley.gov.uk
🔗 Amber Valley business support page(investinambervalley.com, ambervalley.gov.uk)

D2N2 Growth Hub / Invest in Amber Valley
🔗 Access to local finance and business support services(investinambervalley.com)

FAQs

🔹 Are there specific grants for tech startups in Amber Valley?
There’s no dedicated tech grant, but regional schemes like the Derbyshire Business Start‑Up Support and market‑town shop‑front grants can support digital or tech ventures if aligned with eligible activities.

🔹 What funding amounts can I apply for?
Grants range from £500 to £10,000, depending on the scheme and match funding. Loans available start from £500 up to £150,000 or more via national government products.

🔹 Can I apply before I start trading?
Yes—Start Up Loans and the County Start‑Up Grant welcome pre‑start or early‑stage businesses.

🔹 What documents are needed?
You’ll need a business plan, cost quotes, cash‑flow projections, personal ID, landlord consent if applicable, and match‑funding verification.

🔹 How long does the process take?
Council grants may close by 3 October 2025, and decisions typically follow within weeks. Loans follow the lender’s timeline, often a few weeks.

🔹 Can I combine grants and loans?
Yes—combining multiple sources is permissible if you comply with state aid rules and avoid overlaps in funding for the same project items.

🔹 Are there fees for loans?
Start Up Loans: no application/admin fees, fixed APR ~6%. Growth Hub or regional loans: terms vary by provider—confirm before borrowing.

🔹 Can funding be used for operational costs?
Grants generally exclude operating expenses like salaries, rent, or stock. Loans may be used for working capital; check specific scheme rules.

🔹 Where can I get help with my application?
Contact the Economic Growth & Town Centres Team at Amber Valley Council or D2N2 Growth Hub for tailored support.

Value AD

2025

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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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