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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Runnymede, UK

Introduction

For startups and small businesses in Runnymede (including Addlestone, Egham, and Chertsey), this guide outlines the latest grant opportunities, government-backed loans, and local support schemes available in 2025. It explains eligibility, how to apply, and provides verified links to official resources.

Available Grants

🔹 Runnymede Business Boost

Purpose: Provides growth support, including grants of up to £5,000, plus free one-to-one business coaching, peer networking, and workshops.
Priority Sectors: Cyber‑security, creative or immersive technologies, low‑carbon businesses.
Eligibility: Small and micro businesses based and trading in Runnymede with up to 49 employees and clear growth potential.
Programme duration: Launched 1 November 2023, running up to April 2025 under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (Runnymede Borough Council).
Apply or learn more via the Business Surrey directory or the Runnymede council pages:
https://www.businessrunnymede.com/business-support/finance (Business Surrey, businessrunnymede.com)
And: https://www.runnymede.gov.uk/business/runnymede-shared-prosperity-fund/3 (Runnymede Borough Council)

🔹 Help to Grow: Management Course

Purpose: Government-backed 12‑week course to improve leadership and management skills.
Cost to business: Just £750 (Government covers 90% of fees).
Eligibility & Benefits: SMEs with 5‑249 employees; the course includes tailored mentoring and peer network access.
Info & Apply: Available on GOV.UK’s Help to Grow portal.
Source info via Business Surrey Access to Finance guide (startupgrant.co.uk, businessrunnymede.com)

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan range: £500 to £25,000
Interest rate: Fixed 6%, including 12 months of free mentoring
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+ with a business that is under three years old or in the planning stage
Apply via:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

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

Purpose: Allows SMEs to access finance (loans, overdrafts, invoice finance) even without full security.
Loan limits: Up to £1 million
How to apply: Through accredited lenders—find details on the British Business Bank website.

Local Council Support

🔹 Business Runnymede – Access to Finance

Provides advice and resources covering:
- Local grants (e.g. Business Boost)
- UK government-backed loans
- Funding navigation and application support
- Partnership with British Business Bank and Growth Hub networks
Explore their guidance here:
https://www.businessrunnymede.com/business-support/finance (businessrunnymede.com, startupgrant.co.uk, Business Surrey)

Eligibility Guidance

Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support hub for national support tools.
Contact the Business Runnymede / Economic Development Team for bespoke eligibility advice.
Local Growth Hub support is accessible via Surrey County Council and Business Surrey.

Application Process

Choose the relevant grant or loan program based on your needs and eligibility.
Gather documents:
- Business plan or growth proposal
- Financial forecasts or revenue plans
- Details of employees, trading address, and sector
Reach out to Business Runnymede for application support.
Submit your application via official forms or email.
Await decision—grant programmes typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If awarded, follow funding rules and submit evidence (e.g. invoices, coaching attendance).

Additional Tips

Network & Mentor: Platforms such as
https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking offer excellent peer support and mentoring opportunities.
Act quickly on grant programmes that may close after funds are expended.
Prioritise match funding readiness – many grants require businesses to fund costs themselves before claiming reimbursement.

Contact & Further Information

**Runnymede Borough Council – Economic Development Team**:
Phone: 01932 838 383 | Email: business@runnymede.gov.uk
https://www.runnymede.gov.uk
Business Runnymede – Access to Finance Hub:
https://www.businessrunnymede.com/business-support/finance (Runnymede Borough Council, startupgrant.co.uk, Business Surrey, businessrunnymede.com)
Help to Grow: Management Course (GOV.UK): Search via GOV.UK portal

FAQs – Grants & Loans in Runnymede

🔹
Are there grants available for online-only businesses?
Runnymede Business Boost focuses on growth potential across sectors, including tech-based services. Online ventures may be successful if the criteria are met.

🔹
How much funding is available through local programmes?
The Business Boost scheme offers up to £5,000. Help to Grow management courses cost £750 (90% government-funded). Start Up Loans may provide up to £25,000.

🔹
Can pre-start businesses apply?
Yes — Start Up Loans support pre-start enterprises. Business Boost requires active trading within the borough.

🔹
Is a business plan required?
For loans like Start Up Loans, yes. For Business Boost, you should demonstrate a clear plan for scaling or improvement.

🔹
How long does the application take?
Grants and loans vary. Business Boost often processes within weeks; loans may take 2–4 weeks, depending on lender timelines.

🔹
Can I combine different schemes?
Yes, if the terms and timing align, for example, a Business Boost grant and a Start Up Loan can be used together.

🔹
Are there any application fees?
No fees apply to grants or Start Up Loans. Some commercial lenders may charge arrangement or interest fees under other programs.

🔹
Does my business need to operate in a high-growth sector?
Business Boost prioritises sectors like cyber-security or low carbon, but many general SMEs are eligible. Other schemes support diverse types.

🔹
Can funds be used for marketing or website development?
Yes, as long as expenditure aligns with scheme rules, grants and borrowing are often flexible in allowable use.

🔹
Where can I get help with grant or loan applications?
Contact Business Runnymede, Surrey Growth Hub, or utilise mentoring from the Start Up Loans programme.

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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