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2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Braintree, UK
Introduction
Braintree District Council supports startups and SMEs via signposting to capital grants and government‑backed loans. This guide showcases current funding options for business growth, rural innovation, and startup support, highlighting eligibility and application pathways.
Available Grants
Councillor's Community Grant Scheme
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Purpose: Capital grants for local initiatives benefiting Braintree District residents.
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Eligibility: Community-focused projects; some micro-business projects may qualify if aligned with community outcomes.
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Apply via: Councillor's Community Grant information page on Braintree Council site (braintree.gov.uk)
Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) – Braintree Business Grants
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Purpose: Capital funding for rural micro and small businesses to enable growth, innovation, or diversification.
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Amount: £2,500–£20,000 for business projects, with 50% minimum match funding required; community grants up to £10,000 with typically 20% match (braintree.gov.uk)
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Eligibility: Business must operate within DEFRA-defined rural areas of Braintree; capital-only spend; must have a business bank account; not individuals (braintree.gov.uk)
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Apply via: www.braintree.gov.uk/rural-prosperity-fund (braintree.gov.uk)
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Application window: 30 June–15 September 2025. Projects must start post-award and be completed by 13 February 2026. Applications are first‑come, first‑served (braintree.gov.uk)
Government‑Backed Loans
Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)
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Amount: Up to £25,000 per founder.
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Rate: Fixed interest ~6%, repayable over 1–5 years.
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Extras: Includes free mentoring and resources.
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Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, businesses trading under 36 months.
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Apply via: Start‑Up Loans on GOV.UK (Wikipedia)
Other Business Support & Advice
Business Growth Services – Braintree District Council
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Offers referrals to support services, including:
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The BEST Growth Hub (Essex-wide support)
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Let’s Do Business Finance
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Prince’s Trust supports and finances under‑30s
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Government’s Business Portal (braintree.gov.uk)
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Eligibility Guidance
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REPF grants are restricted to rural locations in Braintree and require match‑funding and capital-only project spending.
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Councillor’s Community Grants prioritise community benefit over direct business investment.
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Start‑Up Loans require viable plans and personal eligibility; they must not be used for retrospective costs.
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Ensure subsidy control compliance: total public funding shouldn’t exceed €315,000 over 3 years in most cases (braintree.gov.uk).
Application Process
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Define your project aims: capital infrastructure, equipment, or community-focused initiative
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Check eligibility carefully — rural location, match-funding requirements, business bank account, project timeline
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Gather documents: business plan, cost estimates, bank info, proof of match-funding, proof of trading status
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Apply online:
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REPF: Council’s rural prosperity portal
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Community Grants: Council’s community grants page
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Loans: via Start‑Up Loans Company site
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Submit supporting documentation in full
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Await decision, which typically takes around six weeks for council grants; loans vary by provider
Additional Tips
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Sign up for email alerts on the Rural Prosperity Fund page to stay updated on rounds (braintree.gov.uk, dojo.tech, braintree.gov.uk, Wikipedia)
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Engage with the BEST Growth Hub for tailored business advice and finance signposting
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Network regionally via https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking
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Keep evidence of spend, receipts, and photographs (particularly for shopfront or capital improvements)
Contact & Further Information
Braintree District Council – Rural Prosperity Fund & Business Grants
📞 01376 552525
📧 repfenquiries@braintree.gov.uk
🔗 www.braintree.gov.uk/business/rural-prosperity-fund (braintree.gov.uk, braintree.gov.uk)
BEST Growth Hub (Essex-wide)
Impartial business support, finance guidance, and mentoring
📞 03330 348 998
🔗 via Braintree Business Growth Services listing (braintree.gov.uk)
Start‑Up Loans Company – GOV.UK
Official portal for loan applications
FAQs about Grants and Loans for Businesses in Braintree
🔹 Can community-focused businesses access funding?
Yes—the Councillor’s Community Grant Scheme supports locally beneficial projects, including community-based business ventures.
🔹 How much grant funding is available?
REPF offers £2,500–£20,000 for eligible rural business projects; community grants up to £10,000. Start‑Up Loans go up to £25,000.
🔹 Can pre‑start businesses apply?
Start‑Up Loans accept pre‑start applications. REPF grant streams include start‑up options for projects within the first year of trading.
🔹 Is it possible to combine funding sources?
Yes—provided each project or purpose is distinct and complies with match‑funding and subsidy rules.
🔹 Are there application fees?
All applicant fees for council grants and Start‑Up Loans support are free. Loans incur interest and possible arrangement fees.
🔹 Can funds be used for marketing or salaries?
REPF and community grants are restricted to capital spending. Start‑Up Loans may cover working capital and operational costs; check terms accordingly.
🔹 How long does decision-making take?
Council grant decisions typically take around six weeks. Loan approval varies—it depends on the provider and application completeness.
🔹 Where can I get help applying?
Contact the Braintree Business Support Team, use the BEST Growth Hub, or engage mentoring services via Prince’s Trust or local networks.
