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    Last update 22/07/2025

    2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Guildford, UK


    🔹 Introduction

    Guildford is home to a growing startup and small‑business community. This guide offers an updated overview of national, regional, and local funding support—covering grants, loans, application guidance, and where to get help.


    🔹 Available Grants

    UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)


    Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)


    Decarbonisation Support & Loans


    Community Project Grant: Crowdfund Guildford


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)


    British Business Bank Programmes


    🔹 Local Support

    Guildford Borough Council Business Support

    Surrey Chambers of Commerce

    • Provides business counselling, workshops, networking events.

    • Contact via website or phone for support and grant info.

    IncuHive Business Support (New)

    • Free advice on funding, marketing, bookkeeping for borough businesses.

    • Contact: Andy Pringle, IncuHive (funded by UKSPF). (visitsurrey.com)


    🔹 Eligibility Guidance


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Define goal – e.g. startup, decarbonisation, rural diversification.

    2. Find matching funding – national, regional, local.

    3. Check eligibility – location, size, sector.

    4. Collect documents – business plan, cash flow forecasts, ID, proof of premise.

    5. Apply online – via council, Spacehive, Business Surrey, GOV.UK.

    6. Monitor progress – track deadlines, submit requests for info promptly.


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Networking & Mentoring: join Surrey Chambers events, Growth Hubs, and use 👉 GMAX Card.

    • Green Business Support: take advantage of Business Surrey decarbonisation programme.

    • Stay Updated: subscribe to local newsletters from Guildford Council, Surrey County Council, Chambers, and GOV.UK.


    🔹 Contact & Further Information


    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     

    🔹 Does Guildford Borough Council offer specific business grants?
    Yes—through UKSPF and REPF you can apply for projects like tourism enhancement, rural diversification, or equipment decarbonisation.

     

    🔹 What’s the maximum Start‑Up Loan amount?
    Up to ÂŁ25,000 with a fixed 6% interest rate, plus free mentoring.

     

    🔹 How can my farming business access grants?
    Farmers can apply for REPF grants up to ÂŁ120,000 via Business Surrey.

     

    🔹 Where can I get funding for going green?
    Apply for decarbonisation assessments and loans through Surrey County Council’s scheme.

     

    🔹 What about community projects?
    Crowdfund Guildford (Spacehive) provides upto ÂŁ25,000 for local initiatives.

     

    🔹 How often do grants open?
    Grant rounds vary—UKSPF/REPF funding changes annually or biannually. Sign up for council alerts.

     

    🔹 Can IncuHive help me apply?
    Yes. IncuHive (via Guildford partnership) offers free mentoring and funding advice.

     

    🔹 What should I include in my business plan?
    Outline objectives, market size, finances, funding usage, timelines and sustainability metrics.

     

    🔹 Are loan guarantees an option?
    Yes—through the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee/EFG, via accredited banks.

     

    🔹 Who can help me apply?
    Guildford Council, Surrey Chambers, Business Surrey hubs, and IncuHive advisors are all available for support.

     

     

     

     

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