🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
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    Last update 22/07/2025

    2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Forest of Dean, UK


    🔹 Introduction

    Forest of Dean District Council actively supports rural businesses and startups through grants, government-backed loans, and specialist advisory services to foster local economic growth across the district.


    🔹 Available Grants

    Rural Business Grant (via REPF / UKSPF)

    • Purpose: Supports expansion, diversification, digital improvements, innovation, low-carbon tech, visitor economy development, and land/premises upgrades.

    • Amount: £3,000–£25,000 (20% match funding required).

    • Eligibility: Micro-businesses (<10 employees), small firms (<250 employees), and social enterprises within the district.

    • Deadline: Next round expected early autumn 2025 (last closed October 2024) (Forest of Dean District Council News, FEP).

    • Apply: 👉 REPF Rural Business Grant info (Council’s REPF web page).


    Business Start-Up Grant

    • Purpose: Helps new businesses and social enterprises registered after April 2021 with initial costs.

    • Amount: Up to £1,000.

    • Eligibility: New businesses or social enterprises located in the Forest District.

    • Deadlines: Multiple rounds; next application window closes 21 February 2026 (also on 23 May, 22 August, 21 November 2025) (Forest of Dean District Council News, Grants Database).

    • Apply: Email a completed form to businessgrants@fdean.gov.uk or phone 01594 810000.


    Community Grants Fund


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    • Amount: £500–£25,000

    • Interest: 6% fixed

    • Support: Includes mentoring & business planning

    • Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, trading under 36 months

    • Apply: 👉 GOV.UK – Apply for a Start‑Up Loan


    🔹 Local Support & Business Advice

    Forest of Dean District Council – Economic Development


    Forest Economic Partnership (FEP)

    • Collaborates with council to deliver the Start‑Up Grant; promotes sustainable business growth (FEP, Grants Database).


    🔹 Eligibility Guidance

    • Use the GOV.UK Business Finance & Support Finder for national funding.

    • Council eligibility guidance available via REPF and grant webpages.

    • Attend webinars and info events (e.g., 2024 REPF webinar on 19 Sept) (Forest of Dean District Council News).


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Clarify your project – startup, rural infrastructure, digital, low-carbon.

    2. Match schemes – choose from Rural, Start-Up, or Community grants.

    3. Check eligibility – business size, location, growth stage.

    4. Prepare documentation – business plan, forecasts, quotes, registration.

    5. Apply – via council’s REPF/Startup forms and email or via the grant portal.

    6. Track process – adhere to deadlines, attend info events, follow up promptly.


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Join webinars and surgeries: e.g. upcoming REPF briefings.

    • Network via Forest Economic Partnership and council-run business events.

    • Plan ahead: check for upcoming REPF deadlines in autumn 2025.

    • Use GMAX Card networking to connect regionally.


    🔹 Contact & Further Information


    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     

    🔹 What grants are available in the Forest?

    • Rural Business Grant (£3k–£25k) for rural enterprises

    • Business Start‑Up Grant (up to £1k) for new businesses

    • Community Grants (up to £3k/£500) for voluntary groups

     

    🔹 When is the next Rural Business Grant closing date?
    The next round is expected early autumn 2025; the previous round closed 7 October 2024 (Rural Development, FEP, Forest of Dean District Council News, Grants Database, Forest of Dean District Council News).

     

    🔹 What’s the Start‑Up Grant deadline?
    Next window closes 21 February 2026, with other rounds in May, August, and November 2025 (Grants Database).

     

    🔹 How much can I borrow via a Start‑Up Loan?
    Up to £25,000 with fixed 6% interest and mentoring support.

     

    🔹 Who is eligible for the Community Grants Fund?
    Constituted voluntary/community groups can apply for up to £3,000 (or £500 for non-constituted groups) before 30 May 2025 (Facebook, Forest of Dean District Council News).

     

    🔹 Where can I get help applying?
    Attend REPF webinars, contact District Council’s economic team, or reach out to FEP for guidance.

     

    🔹 What’s needed to apply?
    Submit a business plan, cost breakdowns, eligibility proof, match funding arrangements, and project description.

     

    🔹 How can I stay informed of new rounds?
    Subscribe to council newsletters, attend FEP events/webinars, and check GOV.UK updates.

     

    🔹 Where to start?

    1. Define project scope

    2. Review eligibility

    3. Contact council/FEP or attend webinar

    4. Prepare docs

    5. Apply on time

     

     

     

     

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