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Last update 20/07/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Bolton, UK

🔹 Introduction

Bolton offers a wide range of funding options and support services for startups and small businesses. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, this guide highlights available grants, government-backed loans, council support, and helpful resources updated for 2025.

🔹 Available Grants

1. Energy Efficiency Grant (Greater Manchester)

Purpose: To help SMEs reduce energy costs and carbon emissions
Amount: Up to £5,000
Eligibility: SMEs in Greater Manchester
Link: https://www.businessbolton.org

2. Bolton’s Fund

Purpose: Supports community and voluntary organisations with training and skills projects
Amount: Varies per round
Eligibility: Local not-for-profits and community groups
Link: https://www.boltonathome.org.uk

3. Provincial Walsh Trust

Purpose: Offers small grants to support education, health, and community initiatives in Bolton
Amount: Up to £1,500
Eligibility: Local charities and community groups
Link: https://www.boltoncvs.org.uk/funding/funding-opportunities

🔹 Government-Backed Loans

💼 Start-Up Loans

Amount: £500 to £25,000
Interest: Fixed 6%
Includes: Free mentoring and business support
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, business must be under 3 years old
Link: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

💼 Growth Guarantee Scheme (Formerly Recovery Loan Scheme)

Amount: Varies by lender
Government Guarantee: 70%
Purpose: Help SMEs access growth finance
Link: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options/debt-finance/growth-guarantee-scheme

🔹 Local Council Support

📍 Business Bolton – Council Support

Bolton Council’s Business Bolton service offers:

Business advice and mentoring
Support with premises and investment
Help finding funding

Link: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/business-support-advice/business-support-advice-1

Funding Finder Tool: https://www.businessbolton.org/homepage/10/funding

🔹 Eligibility Guidance

Use the official GOV.UK Business Support Tool to check eligibility
Contact Business Bolton or Bolton CVS for advice
Review lender-specific or scheme-specific rules before applying

🔹 Application Process

Identify your funding need (e.g. startup costs, energy upgrades)
Check eligibility and deadlines
Prepare required documents: business plan, forecasts, ID
Apply online or via local partners
Follow up with business advisors if needed

🔹 Additional Tips

Explore Networking: https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking
Sign up for alerts: From Start-Up Loans, British Business Bank, or Bolton Council
Consider alternatives: Crowdfunding, angel investors, or CDFIs
Use mentoring programmes: Many grants and loans include free mentoring

🔹 Contact & Further Information

Bolton Council Business Support: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/business-support-advice/business-support-advice-1
Phone: 01204 333 333
Start-Up Loans: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan
British Business Bank: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What support does Bolton Council offer for businesses?
Business Bolton offers free advice, funding links, and support for local startups and SMEs. Visit https://www.businessbolton.org

🔹 How do I apply for a Start-Up Loan?
Apply online through the official GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

🔹 What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
It’s a UK government-backed loan scheme that helps SMEs access finance, with lenders backed by a 70% government guarantee.

🔹 Are there any local energy grants?
Yes — Greater Manchester’s Energy Efficiency Grant offers up to £5,000 for qualifying SMEs. Check https://www.businessbolton.org

🔹 Where can community groups apply for funding?
Community organisations in Bolton can apply through Bolton’s Fund or the Provincial Walsh Trust via https://www.boltoncvs.org.uk

🔹 What documents are typically required?
Most funding schemes require: a business plan, cashflow forecast, ID, proof of trading address, and sometimes accounts.

🔹 Is business mentoring included with any schemes?
Yes — the Start-Up Loans scheme includes 12 months of free mentoring and business support.

🔹 Are application deadlines fixed or rolling?
Some schemes like Bolton’s Fund have fixed deadlines, but Start-Up Loans and many others accept applications year-round.

🔹 Where can I get personalised support?
Contact Business Bolton directly or call Bolton Council at 01204 333 333 for tailored guidance.

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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