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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants & Government-Backed Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Castle Point, UK

Introduction

If you're launching or growing a business in Castle Point Borough—including Benfleet, Canvey Island, Thundersley, or Hadleigh—there is a range of grant schemes, government-backed loan programmes, and local support initiatives available in 2025.

This guide outlines available funding options, eligibility rules, how to apply, and where to get support.

Available Grants

🔹 Castle Point Business Accelerator Programme

Purpose: A FREE support programme funded by Castle Point Borough Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Includes: 1‑to‑1 mentoring, workshops, peer networking, helpline, and resource access for local business owners.
Eligibility: Residents or business owners in Benfleet, Canvey, Hadleigh, or Thundersley (Castle Point Business Accelerator, CastlePoint, ambitiousessex.co.uk, Castle Point Business Accelerator).
Apply via: Registration portal managed by Deyton Bell Ltd (Castle Point Business Accelerator).

🔹 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Grant Programme

Purpose: Supports revenue and capital projects aligned with local priorities within Castle Point.
Funding: Grants of up to £5,000 per project, with a council-wide allocation of £40,000 available during Aug 2025–March 2026 (CastlePoint, CastlePoint).
Match Funding: 25% for revenue; 50% for capital projects.
Apply by: Initial application deadline 20 June 2025, final submissions by 11 July 2025, via UKSPF portal (CastlePoint).

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan Amount: £500–£25,000 per founder at fixed interest (~6% APR), repayable over up to five years.
Includes: 12 months of mentoring and business coaching support.
Eligibility: UK-resident entrepreneurs aged 18+, with businesses trading for less than 36 months.
Apply via: Official Start‑Up Loans site or accredited local delivery partners (e.g. Let’s Do Business Finance) (tendringdc.gov.uk, Facebook, ambitiousessex.co.uk).

🔹 Backing Essex Business Loans

Loan Amount: Up to £150,000 for business growth and investment.
Delivered via: Growth Guarantee & Start‑Up Loan frameworks by Let’s Do Business Finance / BEST Growth Hub (CastlePoint).
Eligibility: Essex-based SMEs, including Castle Point businesses.
Includes: Up to 12 hours of free expert business support (ambitiousessex.co.uk, CastlePoint).

Local & Regional Support

🔹 Castle Point Borough Council – Business Support & Regeneration

Provides information on local funding, business accelerator referral, regulatory guidance, and UKSPF updates (CastlePoint).
Contact: business@castlepoint.gov.uk • Tel: 01268 882200.

🔹 The Growth Hub Essex / BEST Growth Hub

Offers free clinics, workshops, diagnostic tools, network signposting, and delivery of Backing Essex Business loans (CastlePoint).

Eligibility & Application Guidance

Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support tool to explore national funding options.
Confirm UKSPF grant eligibility via Castle Point Council’s UKSPF page (CastlePoint).
Accelerator support is restricted to residences or businesses in specified communities within the borough (Castle Point Business Accelerator).
Typical documents needed:
- Business plan or project overview
- Financial forecasts
- Project quotes/vendor costings
- Bank statements and proof of trading
- Match funding evidence where required

Application Process

Select an appropriate scheme (e.g. Accelerator programme, UKSPF grant, or loan).
Check eligibility and deadlines via official guidance or support partners.
Prepare required documentation.
Register or apply via the relevant portal (Accelerator or UKSPF).
Submit a full application if shortlisted.
If awarded funding, deliver your project in line with contractual and reporting conditions.

Additional Tips

Participate in workshops or peer groups via the Business Accelerator.
Monitor the Castle Point UKSPF page and council communication for new funding rounds (CastlePoint, CastlePoint, ambitiousessex.co.uk).
Join networking platforms like https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to engage with other local entrepreneurs.

Contact & Further Information

Castle Point Business Accelerator (Deyton Bell / CPBC):
https://castlepoint-ba.deytonbell.com/registration (Castle Point Business Accelerator)
**Castle Point UKSPF Grant Info & Call for Applications**:
https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/ukspf/
Email: ukspf@castlepoint.gov.uk • Tel: via council contact
BEST Growth Hub / Essex Business Loans:
https://public.bestgrowthhub.org.uk/ (via Business Support & Funding sections)
GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

FAQs

🔹 What business support is available through the Castle Point Accelerator?
A FREE fully funded programme offering 1‑to‑1 mentoring, workshops, peer networking, and tailored business support to residents and businesses in Benfleet, Canvey, Hadleigh, and Thundersley (CastlePoint, CastlePoint, Castle Point Business Accelerator).

🔹 What grants are open via UKSPF in Castle Point?
The current funding round offers up to £5,000 grants per project (capital or revenue), with match-funding required, open for applications mid–2025 (CastlePoint).

🔹 Are low-interest loans available locally?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans for entrepreneurs and Backing Essex Business loans up to £150,000 are available with free advisory support.

🔹 Can I apply for both grant and accelerator support?
Yes—businesses can access the Accelerator for coaching and training, and also apply separately to UKSPF-funded grants or pursue loan funding.

🔹 Who can apply to the Business Accelerator?
Only individuals or businesses resident/operating in Castle Point’s key communities: Benfleet, Canvey Island, Thundersley, or Hadleigh (Castle Point Business Accelerator).

🔹 What documents are required to apply?
You’ll generally need a business plan or project outline, financial projections, quotes, proof of trading or residence, and match-funding documentation if required.

🔹 Where can I get free guidance with applications?
Support is available via Castle Point Council’s Economic Development team, the Business Accelerator, or the BEST Growth Hub / Let’s Do Business Finance partners.

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