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    Last update 19/07/2025

    2025 Government-Backed Loans for Small Businesses in Hillingdon (UK-Wide Guide)


    Introduction

    This guide outlines the key national government-backed loan schemes available in Hillingdon and across the UK in 2025. It also highlights how Hillingdon Council supports business development through mentoring, training, and funding programmes. All links are fully clickable and up‑to‑date.


    Government‑Backed Loan Schemes

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)


    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme

    • Purpose: Support SMEs with working capital, investment, or refinancing

    • Amount: Up to £2 million

    • Eligibility: UK-based SMEs affected by economic conditions

    • Apply via: Accredited lenders through GOV.UK


    🔹 Bounce Back Loan Scheme

    • Note: Closed to new applicants; previously offered up to £50,000 with government guarantee for smaller businesses


    Local Business Support in Hillingdon

    📈 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

    • Hillingdon allocation: £1.1 million for 2025–2026 (Hillingdon Council, modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk)

    • Projects include: Supplier readiness, business mentoring, procurement support, and town centre regeneration

    • Apply via: Council-led programmes and local business support contacts


    💼 GROWTH Hillingdon Business Support Programme


    📚 Help to Grow: Management Programme

    • Delivered by: Brunel Business School (90% government‑funded)

    • Includes: 50 hours leadership training, 10 hours mentoring, peer networking (Hillingdon Council)

    • Eligibility: SMEs with 5–249 employees


    Additional Local Support


    Eligibility Guidance

    • Loans require a solid business plan, UK‑registered business, and healthy credit

    • UKSPF and GROWTH Hillingdon focus on local SMEs and community‑focused businesses in Hillingdon

    • Help to Grow: eligible to SMEs with 5–249 employees


    Application Process

    1. Select a suitable loan or support programme.

    2. Prepare essential documents: business plan, forecasts, registration, and financials.

    3. Submit loan applications via GOV.UK or through lenders.

    4. Register interest for local programmes (e.g. GROWTH Hillingdon, Help to Grow).

    5. Attend workshops, interviews or mentoring sessions if applicable.


    Additional Tips

    • Network through local business events or GMaxCard business networking

    • Seek mentoring via Start‑Up Loans, Help to Grow, or Hillingdon Council programmes

    • Use online tools from the British Business Bank, FSB, and GOV.UK for templates and guidance


    Contact & Further Information


    FAQs

    ▫️ What government loans can I access in Hillingdon?
    Start‑Up Loans (£500–£25k), Recovery Loans (up to £2 million), and, historically, Bounce Back Loans (closed).

     

    ▫️ How much support is Hillingdon receiving from UKSPF?
    £1.1 million has been allocated for 2025–2026 to support business growth, mentoring, and town centre regeneration (Hillingdon Council).

     

    ▫️ What is the GROWTH Hillingdon programme?
    A fully‑funded local business support initiative offering mentoring, workshops, and peer networking to SMEs (Hillingdon Council).

     

    ▫️ Can smaller SMEs join Help to Grow?
    Yes—if you employ 5–249 people, you can access 50 hours of leadership training and mentoring (Hillingdon Council).

     

    ▫️ How do I apply for Start‑Up Loans?
    Apply through the GOV.UK portal for Start‑Up Loans: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

     

    ▫️ Are apprenticeship grants available locally?
    Yes—employers may qualify for up to £1,500 for hiring their first apprentice (Hillingdon Council).

     

    ▫️ Where can I get general business advice?
    Visit Hillingdon Council’s “Advice & Support” section online or contact them at 01895 250111 (Hillingdon Council, Hillingdon Council).

     

     

     

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