🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit

Learn More

Get Support

National Grants

National Grants Get My Funding Pack How To Apply Eligibility Create Business Plan Preparation For Grants Get Support

Last update 02/08/2025

Request a call

2025 Grants & Loans for Small Businesses in Preston, UK

Introduction

This guide covers the latest funding support for startups, small businesses, and early-stage enterprises in Preston, including UKSPF-backed grants, government loans, and regional business support initiatives in 2025.

Available Grants

🔹 Boost Business Lancashire via Preston City Council (UKSPF-funded)

Purpose: Helping businesses start, grow, or scale through grant-backed programmes and business development support.
Who can apply: Preston-based businesses of any size or sector.
Work programmes include business clinics, coaching, help with finance, and funded mentorship.
Apply through: Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, led by Lancashire County Council. Eligible Preston businesses can request support via:
https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk (Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, The Times, Boost Business Lancashire)

🔹 Social Enterprise & Community Funding

Purpose: Designed for social enterprises and community-driven businesses, offering grants or loans between £5,000 and £300,000.
Eligibility: Must be a social enterprise or charity operating in Preston or Lancashire.
Delivered by: Boost in partnership with The Key Fund, includes ongoing aftercare and application support.
More info:
https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/support-directory/social-enterprise-and-community-funding (Boost Business Lancashire)

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan range: £500 – £25,000
Rate: Fixed 6%
Includes: 12 months of free mentoring
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, launching or running a business under three years.
Apply via:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan (Boost Business Lancashire, Lancashire.gov.uk, investprestoncity.com)

🔹 Growth Guarantee & Enterprise Finance Guarantee (British Business Bank)

Designed to help SMEs access loans, overdrafts, or asset/invoice finance even without full security.
Loans up to £1 million—available through accredited lenders listed on the British Business Bank website. (Wikipedia)

Local Business Support

🔹 Boost Lancashire via Preston City Council

Accepts applications from businesses across Preston for funded coaching and support.
Programs include Helpdesk, Flying Start, Growth Catalyst, Scale to Thrive, and Access to Finance services.
Contact via the Boost website:
https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk (Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, Boost Business Lancashire, LinkedIn)

🔹 Preston City Council – Business Advice & Support

Offers guidance on local funding, business support, premises, and workforce development.
Visit:
https://www.preston.gov.uk/article/4726/Business-Advice (preston.gov.uk)

Eligibility Guidance

Boost Grants & Coaching: Open to Preston-based businesses of various sizes; check match‑funding criteria per programme.
Social Enterprise Funding: Must operate as a charity/social enterprise with an impact focus.
Government Loans (Start Up Loans): Available to entrepreneurs across the UK meeting standard criteria.
Growth Guarantee / EFG: Businesses must meet lender and British Business Bank requirements. (Wikipedia)

Application Process

Identify relevant programmes—e.g., Boost support, Start Up Loans, social enterprise funding.
Prepare documentation: Simple business plan, cost estimates, match‑funding info (where needed), and proof of trading/premises.
Get in touch: Submit an enquiry through Boost Helpdesk or via Preston Council business pages.
Submit applications: via the Boost portal or GOV.UK for loans.
Await decision: Grant programmes often operate on a first-come basis; Start Up Loans typically in ~4 weeks.
If awarded: Use funds as outlined and supply proof, such as receipts, invoices, and progress updates.

Additional Tips

Contact Boost early to identify small grants or access mentoring early in your business lifecycle.
Keep records of match‑funds, invoices, and planning—critical for grant compliance.
Utilise mentoring programmes (Boost, Start Up Loans) to refine application and growth strategy.
Combine funding options where eligibility aligns (e.g., loan + guidance + small grant).

Contact & Further Information

Boost Business Lancashire (Preston support):
https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk (Boost Business Lancashire, Boost Business Lancashire)
Social Enterprise & Community Grants via The Key Fund:
https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/support-directory/social-enterprise-and-community-funding (Boost Business Lancashire)
Start Up Loans (British Business Bank):
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan (Boost Business Lancashire)
Preston City Council Business Advice:
https://www.preston.gov.uk/article/4726/Business-Advice (preston.gov.uk)

FAQs – Business Grants & Loans in Preston (2025)

🔹
Are local grants available for online-only businesses?
Yes—Boost programmes support a wide range of business models; social enterprise funding may also support digital businesses if criteria are met.

🔹
How much funding is available?

Boost-funded support: varies (mentoring, small-scale match funding)
Social enterprise grants/loans: £5,000–£300,000
Start Up Loans: up to £25,000

🔹
Can pre-start businesses apply?
Yes—for Start Up Loans and Boost programmes. Social enterprise funding requires formality in structure.

🔹
Is a business plan required?
Yes—for all forms of support: a clear model, objectives, and financial justification are essential.

🔹
How long will decisions take?
Boost initiatives: decisions in weeks. Start Up Loans: typically within ~4 weeks post application. Social enterprise funding timelines vary.

🔹
Can I combine multiple schemes?
Yes—eligible support can be layered, e.g., mentoring, grant, and loan, subject to the terms of use.

🔹
Are there application fees?
No, for Boost and Start Up Loans. Fees may apply only with some private or peer lenders (not typical).

🔹
Does my business need to be high-growth?
No—support is sector-agnostic and focused on viability, social impact, or starting/growth potential.

🔹
Can I spend funds on marketing or equipment?
Yes—provided expenditure aligns with programme criteria (e.g. used to support business growth or social mission).

🔹
Who can assist with applications?

Boost Helpdesk: free advisory support
Preston Council’s Business Advice team
Start Up Loans mentoring support

Value AD

2026

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.

FREE BUSINESS TOOLS