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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Startups, Small Businesses & New Businesses in Rutland, UK

✅ Available Grants

Rutland Rural Enterprise Grant (UKSPF / REPF)

Purpose: Supports capital investment projects (equipment, premises, technology) to drive rural business growth and sustainability.
Funding: £5,000–£10,000 (maximum), covering up to 50% of project costs.
Eligibility: Small or medium-sized businesses in rural Rutland; must show economic impact (jobs, green growth, community cohesion).
Application Deadline: Apply by September 2025; all projects must be completed by 31 January 2026.
Support: Free one-to-one advisory support via Think Rutland Business Support.

🔗 Apply via Rutland County Council – Launch announcement (Rutland County Council, Rutland County Council)

💸 Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan Amount: £500 to £25,000 per founder.
Interest: Fixed at around 6%.
Additional Support: Includes 12 months of free mentoring and business plan support.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 18+ in the UK, trading under 36 months with a solid business idea.

🔗 Official Start‑Up Loans website

📚 Other Resources & Support

Think Rutland Business Support (Rutland County Council)

Delivers business advisory, grant signposting, workshops and networking through the UKSPF‑funded Think Rutland service.
🔗 Think Rutland Business Support (Rutland County Council)

Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

Offers interest-free loans up to £20,000 for up to 9 years, for individuals aged 18–45 living or working in Rutland or Leicestershire.

🔗 Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (Rutland County Council)

The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme

Supports young entrepreneurs (aged 18–30) with mentoring, training, and possible start-up funding.

🔗 The Prince’s Trust – Enterprise Programme

Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK)

A national tool to find relevant funding and loan schemes based on business needs.

🔗 Business Finance Support Finder

📌 Important Tips

Be specific: Clearly define what the funding will be used for—equipment, training, premises.
Prepare documentation: Ensure you have business plans, quotes, forecasts, and required registration documents.
Speak early: Contact Think Rutland or council advisers before the application window closes.
Watch timelines: Grants have fixed application and completion dates.

📞 Contact Information

Rutland County Council – Economic Development / Business Support
📞 Phone: 01572 722577
📧 Email: business@rutland.gov.uk
🌐 Website: Rutland County Council Business Support (Rutland County Council)

❓ FAQs

🔹 Are there grants tailored for online‑based businesses?
While no scheme is specific to e-commerce, the Rural Enterprise Grant allows for capital investments that can include digital infrastructure or marketing tools.

🔹 How much funding can I receive?
The main capital grant offers up to £10,000, Start‑Up Loans up to £25,000, and charity-based loans up to £20,000.

🔹 Can I apply if I'm not yet trading?
Yes — Start‑Up Loans and charity schemes support pre-start and early-stage businesses; grant eligibility depends on project readiness and business location.

🔹 Is a business plan mandatory?
Yes — a detailed business plan with financial projections and market analysis strengthens loan or grant applications.

🔹 How long does the application process take?
Typically 2–6 weeks, depending onthe scheme. Advisory support can help to streamline this.

🔹 Can I combine grant and loan funding?
Yes — entrepreneurs often pair capital grants with Start‑Up Loans or charity financing to meet funding targets.

🔹 Are there fees involved?
Grants carry no fees. Start‑Up Loans include interest (6%) and charity loans may have eligibility criteria but often no charge.

🔹 What if my business isn’t high‑growth?
Many schemes welcome smaller, rural, or community-focused enterprises, not just high-growth sectors.

🔹 Can I use funding for marketing or a website?
Yes — digital tools are typically allowed expenses under capital grant schemes, subject to eligibility rules.

🔹 Who can help me apply?
– Think Rutland Business Support for grant guidance and advisory services.
– Population charities, like Sir Thomas White Loan Charity and The Prince’s Trust, for mentoring and financing options.

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.

FREE BUSINESS TOOLS