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    Last update 21/07/2025

    2025 Funding Opportunities in Aberdeen: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses


    Introduction

    Aberdeen provides a vibrant ecosystem for startups and SMEs, backed by generous grants, expert advisory services, and government‑backed loans. This guide outlines the key funding streams available in 2025 to help you launch, scale, or innovate.


    Available Grants

    🔹 Business Start‑Up Grant Scheme


    🔹 Business Growth & Innovation Grant


    🔹 Energy Efficiency Grant (SCARF Partnership)


    🔹 City‑Centre Events & Markets Support


    Government‑Backed Loans

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (UK‑wide)

    • Purpose: State-backed personal loans to support startup growth, including mentoring.

    • Amount: £500–£25,000; 6% fixed interest; repayable over 1–5 years

    • Apply via:
      🔗 Start‑Up Loans UK


    🔹 Business Loans Scotland (BLS)

    • Purpose: Loans for established businesses needing additional finance.

    • Amount: £25,000–£250,000; interest ~11%; up to 5-year term

    • Apply via:
      🔗 Business Loans Scotland


    Key Resources


    Eligibility Guidance

    • Talk to a Business Gateway adviser early on to align with the right schemes.

    • Prepare documentation: business plan, financial forecasts, supplier quotes (min. 2), ID, and trade/ownership proof.


    Application Process

    1. Arrange a meeting with Business Gateway.

    2. Identify the appropriate grant or loan.

    3. Collect required documents.

    4. Apply online or via email per scheme instructions.

    5. Wait for the decision—typically 2–8 weeks.

    6. Implement project, collect receipts, and report against funding terms.


    Additional Tips

    • Use mentoring via Start‑Up Loans or Business Gateway for expert guidance.

    • Attend local networking events and workshops to strengthen your application.

    • Highlight themes like sustainability, innovation, and city-centre regeneration in your proposals.


    Contact & Further Information

    Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire
    📞 01224 472 844 | 📧 aberdeen@bgateway.com
    🔗 Local Support (startupgrant.co.uk, LinkedIn, aberdeencity.gov.uk, aberdeencity.gov.uk, LinkedIn, aberdeencity.gov.uk)


    Aberdeen City Council – Business Support & Grants
    🔗 Business Start‑Up Grant Scheme
    🔗 Growth & Innovation Grant Scheme
    🔗 Energy Efficiency Programme (SCARF)
    🔗 City‑Centre Events & Markets Grant
    (Contact: BusinessSupport@aberdeencity.gov.uk) (aberdeencity.gov.uk, aberdeencity.gov.uk)


    Start‑Up Loans UK
    🔗 https://www.startuploans.co.uk


    Business Loans Scotland
    🔗 https://www.bls.scot


    Find Business Support Scotland
    🔗 https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    ▫️ What does the Business Start‑Up Grant cover?
    Up to £3,000 (premises-based) or £1,000 (home-based) for start-up costs (LinkedIn, aberdeencity.gov.uk).

     

    ▫️ Who’s eligible for the Growth & Innovation Grant?
    Aberdeen City SMEs trading more than 12 months can access up to £2,500 match funding (aberdeencity.gov.uk, aberdeencity.gov.uk).

     

    ▫️ What energy grants are available?
    The SCARF‑run programme provides up to £10,000 at 50% funding for efficiency upgrades (aberdeencity.gov.uk, aberdeencity.gov.uk).

     

    ▫️ Can I apply for event grants?
    Yes—up to £1,000 per business/event for city‑centre activity projects (aberdeencity.gov.uk, aberdeencity.gov.uk).

     

    ▫️ How much can I borrow via Start‑Up Loans?
    Up to £25,000 at fixed 6% interest, with 12 months’ mentoring support.

     

    ▫️ What is Business Loans Scotland?
    A loan scheme offering £25,000–£250,000 at about 11% interest over a 5-year period.

     

    ▫️ Who delivers local support?
    Business Gateway Aberdeen provides free advice, expert mentorship, workshops, and signposting (startupgrant.co.uk, aberdeencity.gov.uk).

     

     

     

     

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