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Last update 20/07/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in Gwynedd, UK

Introduction

Gwynedd, celebrated for its rich heritage and stunning landscapes, supports business innovation and growth with a range of grants and government‑backed loans tailored for startups and small enterprises.

Available Grants

🔹 Arfor Programme

Purpose: Funds community‑focused businesses that strengthen the Welsh language, culture, tourism, and local economies.
Amount: £5,000–£75,000, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs
Status: Managed locally via Gwynedd Council — check the Arfor portal for updates

🔹 Business Development Funds

Spark Fund: Up to £2,000 for early‑stage startups
Transform Fund: Up to £10,000 to help existing businesses evolve
Deadline: All projects must be completed and claim funding by 31 December 2024
Apply: Via Gwynedd Council when you live

🔹 Town Centre Property Improvement Grant

Purpose: Supports external refurbishments in Gwynedd town centres
Amount: £2,500–£250,000, covering up to 70% of eligible costs
Apply: Through Gwynedd Council’s business support portal

🔹 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (Gwynedd)

Purpose: Supports business innovation and community‑led projects
Scope: Ranges from digital skills development to town centre enhancements
Apply: Through Business Wales or Cthe ouncil’s SPF page

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Business Loan Fund

Purpose & Amount: Loans between £2,000 and £25,000 for business growth
Apply: Via Gwynedd Council

🔹 Town Centre Loan Fund

Purpose & Amount: Assistance for businesses located in town centres — £5,000 to £50,000
Apply: Through Gwynedd Council

🔹 Start‑Up Loans Wales

Amount: £500–£25,000 personal loans with 12 months of mentoring
Apply: At startuploans.co.uk

🔹 Development Bank of Wales

Purpose: Flexible loans and equity investments to support business expansion
Amount: From £1,000 up to several million pounds
Apply: Via developmentbank.wales

Key Resources

Business Wales – National support, mentoring, and funding advice
Gwynedd Council – Grants & Financial Assistance – Local funding pages, eligibility details
Find Business Support – Welsh Government’s searchable funding portal

Council Contact Information

📞 01766 771000
✉️ info@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
🌐 Business pages via the official Gwynedd Council website

Application Advice

Connect early with Business Wales or Gwynedd Council to explore best-fit options.
Confirm full eligibility criteria, including any project timelines.
Prepare a robust application — clear business plan, forecasts, cost breakdowns.
Submit on time, and ensure you meet any delivery and claim deadlines.

Additional Insights

Although deadlines for some programmes (e.g., Transform Fund) have passed, keep checking for new rounds.
Funding like Arfor and Shared Prosperity Fund target economic, cultural, and digital improvements — tailor applications accordingly.
Gwynedd Council provides ongoing regeneration support and guidance via its business and enterprise teams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What is the maximum grant from the Arfor Programme?
You can apply for grants up to £75,000, covering up to 70% of eligible project costs.

▫️ Can a business apply for both Spark and Transform Funds?
Yes—as long as each application meets the specific criteria and timelines.

🔹 Which types of upgrades are eligible under the Town Centre Grant?
External refurbishments, such as building facades, signage, and cleaning improvements in town centres.

▫️ How do I apply for development loans from the Council?
Contact Gwynedd Council via their business funding pages to request loan opening details.

🔹 Where do I apply for Start‑Up Loans?
Visit startuploans.co.uk to complete the application.

▫️ What finance does the Development Bank offer?
They provide flexible loans and equity from £1,000 to several million pounds.

🔹 Will mentoring be available with Start‑Up Loans?
Yes—12 months of free mentoring is included.

▫️ Are Shared Prosperity Fund grants still available?
Yes—they continue in 2025. Contact Business Wales or the Council for full details.

Value AD

2025

100% FREE

BUSINESS TOOl

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.

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