Funding Opportunities in Cardiff: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses

Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, fosters a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and businesses. The city offers various funding options to help startups and small businesses thrive, ranging from grants to government-backed loans.

Grant and Loan Programs:

Grants:

Cardiff Growth Fund: Offers grants from £2,500 to £10,000 for businesses with their registered address in Cardiff. Grant award amounts will be 50% of the total project spend excluding VAT.
- Cardiff Growth Fund
Future Proofing Fund: Aim to help businesses strengthen their future trading position by increasing profitability through investments in renewable energy, premises improvements, and equipment upgrades.
- Future Proofing Fund
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF): Provides emergency assistance payments for individuals facing extreme financial hardship and in a crisis situation.
- Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)

Government-Backed Loans:

Start-Up Loans Wales: Offers government-backed personal loans from £500 to £25,000, along with 12 months of free mentoring support, for individuals starting or growing a business in Wales.
- Start Up Loans Wales
East of Scotland Investment Fund: A match-funded loan of up to £50,000 for businesses that have a commercially viable proposal but have not been able to raise all funding from the usual sources.
Recovery Loan Scheme: Offers government-backed loans between £25,001 and £2 million to help businesses of any size access finance as they recover and grow following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Resources:

Business Wales: The Welsh Government's business support service provides information and guidance on funding, starting, and growing a business.
- Business Wales
Cardiff Council - Business Support: Offers information on various business support programs and funding opportunities specific to Cardiff.
- Cardiff Council - Business Support
Find Business Support: The Welsh Government's website allows searching for funding and support programs based on your location and business needs.
- Find Business Support

Cardiff Council Contact Details:

Phone: 029 2087 1000
Website: Cardiff Council

Advice on Applying:

Contact Business Wales or Cardiff Council: Initiate your funding exploration by reaching out to Business Wales or the Cardiff Council's Economic Development team. They will provide guidance on the most suitable funding options and assist you throughout the application process.
Eligibility is Key: Thoroughly review the specific criteria for each grant or loan program. Ensure your business aligns with the program's focus areas and fulfils all the eligibility requirements before proceeding with your application.
Prepare a Standout Application: Craft a comprehensive and compelling application, including a robust business plan, realistic financial projections, and a clear articulation of how the funding will fuel your business growth and contribute to the local economy.
Respect Deadlines: Stay informed about application deadlines and ensure timely submission. Late applications are typically not considered.
Seek Expert Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Business advisors or mentors can offer valuable support with your application and business planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Cardiff Growth Fund?
- The Cardiff Growth Fund offers grants from £2,500 to £10,000 for businesses based in Cardiff, covering 50% of the total project spend excluding VAT.
How can the Future Proofing Fund benefit my business?
- The Future Proofing Fund helps businesses invest in renewable energy, premises improvements, and equipment upgrades to strengthen their future trading position.
Who is eligible for the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)?
- The DAF provides emergency assistance payments for individuals facing extreme financial hardship and in a crisis situation.
What is the maximum loan amount available through Start Up Loans Wales?
- Start-Up Loans Wales offers government-backed personal loans of up to £25,000, along with 12 months of free mentoring support.
How do I apply for the Cardiff Growth Fund?
- You can apply for the Cardiff Growth Fund by visiting the Cardiff Council website and following the application instructions provided.
What is the purpose of the Recovery Loan Scheme?
- The Recovery Loan Scheme provides loans between £25,001 and £2 million to help businesses of any size access finance as they recover and grow following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can I get help with my application from Cardiff Council?
- Yes, Cardiff Council’s Economic Development team can assist you with the application process and provide guidance on the best funding options for your business.
What support does Business Wales offer?
- Business Wales provides information, guidance, and support on funding, starting, and growing a business in Wales.
Are there specific grants for businesses focused on renewable energy?
- Yes, the Future Proofing Fund specifically targets businesses looking to invest in renewable energy and other sustainability initiatives.
Where can I find more information on business support in Cardiff?
- You can find more information on business support and funding opportunities on the Cardiff Council website or by contacting their Economic Development team.

By leveraging these funding opportunities and resources, entrepreneurs and small business owners in Cardiff can gain the financial support and expert guidance they need to thrive.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE

INVESTMENT

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.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT