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BUSINESS TOOl

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, this guide outlines the most relevant grants, government-backed loans, and local support available in 2025. While focused on Kensington & Chelsea, the options listed are suitable for businesses anywhere in the UK. All links are official, current, and fully clickable.
Purpose: Support for late-stage R&D and commercialisation
Amount: £100,000–£2 million
Eligibility: UK-registered SMEs in innovative sectors
Purpose: Community-led local improvement projects
Amount: Up to £5,000
Eligibility: Projects benefiting Kensington & Chelsea residents
Purpose: Fund local infrastructure (gardens, streets, security)
Eligibility: Local groups and charities
Total Fund: £3.75 million in 2025
Details:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/newsroom/applications-open-now-ps375-million-community-funding
Purpose: Resident-led activities and estate improvements
Amount: Up to £500
More Info:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/get-involved/funding
Amount: £500–£25,000 per person
Interest: Fixed 6% APR
Bonus: Includes 12 months of free mentoring
Purpose: Helps SMEs access finance through government-backed lending
New for 2025: £500 million added to lending pool
Apply via participating lenders
Details:
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options/debt-finance/growth-guarantee-scheme
Platforms like Funding Circle, iwoca, and Folk2Folk offer alternative finance
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II supports businesses in Northern England
Explore:
https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk
RBKC Business Advice Services:
Free one-to-one advice via Portobello Business Centre
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/business-and-enterprise/business-advice
Business Rates Relief & Guidance:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/council-tax/guide-council-tax-benefits-and-business-rates
Council Strategy 2025–2027:
Includes business engagement, employment, and economic recovery
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/council-plan-action-plan-2025-2027
Use the GOV.UK funding finder tool to explore suitable options:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
Contact your local council’s business support team for borough-specific advice.
Most schemes require:
UK-registered business
Business plan
Cash flow forecast
Financial records or projections
Research the grants or loans that match your business stage and location.
Confirm eligibility requirements and gather necessary documents.
Prepare a clear business plan and forecast (many templates on GOV.UK).
Apply online via the appropriate portal.
Monitor email or dashboard for decisions and follow-up actions.
Network actively to discover hidden local opportunities.
Try: https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking
Mentoring can be invaluable. Both Start-Up Loans and Innovate UK offer it.
Use free digital resources from GOV.UK, British Business Bank, and FSB for templates, planning tools, and legal guidance.
Start-Up Loans:
https://www.startuploans.co.uk
British Business Bank:
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk
RBKC Business Hub:
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/business-and-enterprise
Innovate UK (Loan portal):
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk
▫️ What grants are available in Kensington & Chelsea?
City Living, Local Life (up to £5,000), NCIL grants, Community Chest (£500), and estate improvement budgets from RBKC.
▫️ How much can I borrow from a Start-Up Loan?
Between £500 and £25,000 per individual, up to £100,000 per business. Includes mentoring.
▫️ Can I get funding for R&D projects?
Yes — Innovate UK loans support late-stage R&D with up to £2 million.
▫️ What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
A loan guarantee programme supporting SME lending, extended in 2025.
▫️ Where can I get mentoring support?
Start-Up Loans and Innovate UK include mentoring. You can also use networking platforms like GMaxCard.
▫️ How do I know if I’m eligible for a grant or loan?
Use GOV.UK’s funding tool, or speak to your local council’s business support team.
▫️ What documents do I need to apply?
Typically: business plan, proof of registration, financials, and personal ID.
▫️ Are there deadlines?
Yes — always check the application deadlines for each scheme.
▫️ What is NCIL funding used for?
Neighbourhood improvement projects such as local parks, streets, and safety initiatives.
▫️ Can I apply for multiple schemes?
Yes, as long as you meet each scheme’s criteria and funding limits are respected.
Value Ad helps new businesses save 50% to 80% on essential services like marketing and
development. These savings act as an alternative investment, fueling growth.
Service providers gain valuable initial customers, helping them grow and attract investment.
It's a win-win for everyone!
This App/website is not affiliated with any government agency. We collect and organize information from publicly available government websites and provide direct links to these official sources.
For accurate details and to apply for grants or loans, please visit the relevant government websites linked within the App/website.
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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