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Last update 20/07/2025

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Grants and Government-Backed Loans in Solihull (2025 Edition)

Solihull provides a dynamic support environment for startups and small businesses, offering a mix of local grants, regional schemes, and government-backed loans in 2025.

🔹 Government-Backed Loans

Start-Up Loans
Up to £25,000 available through the British Business Bank, including free business mentoring.
👉 Start-Up Loans
Recovery Loan Scheme
Supports post-COVID recovery for established businesses.
👉 Visit the British Business Bank for full details.

🔹 Solihull-Specific Grants & Local Support (2025)

✅ West Midlands SME Grant Programme

Startups: £2,500 – £7,500
Existing SMEs: £5,000 – £100,000
For growth, innovation, and job creation.

✅ Net Zero Grant Programme (Solihull SMEs)

Match-funded grants up to £100,000
For carbon reduction and sustainability upgrades.

✅ Export Support Grant (GBSLEP)

Up to £6,000 for market expansion and export planning.
Includes marketing, consultancy, and international trade show support.

✅ STEAMhouse Forward Programme

Innovation funding, mentoring, and prototyping support.
Open to Solihull-based businesses.

✅ Voluntary & Community Sector Grants

For community-focused organisations and social enterprises in Solihull.
Delivered through local foundations and support bodies.

🔹 Local Support Providers

Solihull Council Business Support
🌐 Visit Website
📞 0121 704 8001
Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP (GBSLEP)
🌐 Visit Website

💡 How to Find the Right Funding

Identify Needs – What’s your funding goal?
Check Eligibility – Requirements vary by scheme.
Build a Plan – Strong business plans boost success.
👉 Write a Business Plan
Mix Sources – Consider combining grants/loans if allowed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does Solihull Council offer direct grants?
Yes. Examples include the SME Grant Programme and the Net Zero Grant Programme.

Q2: How can I apply for a Start-Up Loan?
Visit Start-Up Loans and follow the step-by-step application process.

Q3: Can I apply for more than one type of funding?
Yes, often you can—but check each scheme’s rules first.

Q4: Where can I get help with a business plan?
Use GOV.UK’s guide or contact Solihull Council or GBSLEP for direct support.

Q5: Are there grants for exporting businesses in Solihull?
Yes. The Export Support Grant from GBSLEP offers up to £6,000.

Q6: Is there funding for green energy or sustainability?
Yes – the Net Zero Grant Programme helps SMEs invest in eco-friendly upgrades.

Q7: Where can I find local business advice?
Start with the Solihull Council Business Support team or call 0121 704 8001.

🧭 Next Steps

Visit: Solihull Council Business Support
Explore: GBSLEP Funding Schemes
Call: 0121 704 8001

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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