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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Bolsover, UK

Introduction

Bolsover District Council collaborates with regional and national partners to support local startups and SMEs. This guide outlines the main grant schemes, the council loan fund, eligibility rules, and application steps available in 2025.

Available Grants

Business Growth Grant Scheme

Purpose: Supports established businesses (trading over 18 months) to create jobs, invest in carbon efficiency, and diversify.
Amount: Grants from £1,000 to £10,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Eligibility: Businesses registered in the Bolsover District and trading for more than 18 months.
More info / apply: via Bolsover business grants information page (emc-dnl.co.uk, oldbolsovertowncouncil.gov.uk)

Business Start‑Up Grant Scheme

Purpose: Helps new businesses (trading under 18 months) get started.
Amount: Up to £500, typically covering key start‑up outlays.
Eligibility: Pre‑start or early-stage business located in the Bolsover District.
Apply via: Bolsover District Council business support page (oldbolsovertowncouncil.gov.uk, bolsover.gov.uk)

Net Zero Growth Grant Scheme (Bolsover Net Zero Innovation Programme)

Purpose: Funds energy-efficiency measures, retrofits, and low-carbon innovations following a free energy audit.
Amount: £1,000 to £25,000, covering up to 80% of project costs.
Eligibility: SMEs in Bolsover with at least 12 months’ trading history and who complete the audit.
Apply via: Nottingham Trent University-supported scheme, in partnership with Bolsover District Council (ntu.ac.uk)

Council-Backed Loans

Bolsover Enterprise Loan Fund

Purpose: Provides growth-focused loans where businesses cannot access standard commercial lending.
Details: £150,000 total fund. No arrangement fees, no interest for the first 12 months; competitive rates thereafter.
Eligibility: SMEs in Bolsover with an ambition to grow but lacking other capital sources.
Apply via: D2N2 Growth Hub referral or council Economic Development Team on 01246 242512 / regeneration@bolsover.gov.uk (D2N2 Growth Hub, oldbolsovertowncouncil.gov.uk)

Additional Business Support

Bolsover District Council – Business Support Services

Offers referrals to workshops, mentoring, networking events, and grant alerts.
Includes links to Net Zero programmes and local partners. (D2N2 Growth Hub)

D2N2 Growth Hub (via East Midlands Chamber)

Provides impartial business advice, finance signposting, and growth diagnostics for local SMEs. (D2N2 Growth Hub)

Eligibility Guidance

Growth Grant: Requires at least 18 months trading within the Bolsover District and match funding.
Start‑Up Grant: Aimed at micro or early-stage businesses, with simpler eligibility and a smaller budget.
Net Zero Grant: Audit completion is mandatory; applicants must be trading for at least 12 months.
Loan Fund: Aimed at growing SMEs unable to access market finance; based on business viability and growth plans.

Application Process

Select a suitable funding option based on business stage and project type.
Review eligibility carefully, including trading history, location, funding match, and business size.
Compile documents: business plan, quotes, trading or registration proof, energy audit (for Net Zero).
Submit an application to the appropriate scheme via the council portal or the Growth Hub referral.
Submit supporting materials (e.g. quotes, audit reports, forecasts).
Await decision, typically within 4–6 weeks for grants and similar for loans, though it may vary by fund.

Tips to Boost Success

Subscribe to business updates on Bolsover Council to stay informed about funding rounds.
Use the D2N2 Growth Hub for advisory support, preparing proposals, and audit referrals.
Be ready to provide clear evidence of match funding, project impact, and cost breakdowns.
Keep records and photos of retrofits or environmental improvements, especially for Net Zero projects.

Contact & Further Information

Bolsover District Council – Business Growth and Grants
📞 01246 242512
📧 regeneration@bolsover.gov.uk
🌐 Bolsover Council Business Support (bolsover.gov.uk, D2N2 Growth Hub, emc-dnl.co.uk)

D2N2 Growth Hub / East Midlands Chamber
Grant referrals, Enterprise Loan Fund, and business diagnostics support
📞 0333 006 9178
🌐 via Bolsover or D2N2 Growth Hub site (D2N2 Growth Hub)

FAQs about Grants and Loans in Bolsover

🔹 Can I get support if I haven’t started trading yet?
Yes—the Business Start‑Up Grant is available for pre‑start ventures. The Net Zero Grant and Growth Loan require trading history.

🔹 How much funding can I apply for?
Growth grants up to £10,000; Start‑Up £500; Net Zero grants up to £25,000; Loan Fund offers flexible financing via referral.

🔹 Can I apply to multiple funding streams?
Yes—provided each scheme’s funding is used for different project activities and you meet subsidy/match-funding requirements.

🔹 Are application fees involved?
Grant applications are free. The loan fund has no arrangement fees and no interest for the first 12 months.

🔹 Can grants cover carbon-reduction or sustainability upgrades?
Yes—the Net Zero Growth Grant is specifically designed for energy-efficient retrofits and low-carbon projects.

🔹 How long does the application process take?
Typically, 4–6 weeks for grant panels; loan decisions depend on business plan completeness and referral.

🔹 Where can I get advice on my application?
Contact the council’s Economic Development team or get support via D2N2 Growth Hub.

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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.

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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.

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Alternative Investment for New Businesses:

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Building Traction: Demonstrating product or service viability to potential investors.

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