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    Last update 21/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Aberdeenshire, UK


    Introduction

    Aberdeenshire boasts a thriving entrepreneurial environment supported by well-funded schemes. This 2025 guide outlines key grants and government-backed loans to help your business launch, grow, or innovate.


    Available Grants

    🔹 Business Start‑Up Grant Scheme


    🔹 First Employee Grant


    🔹 Business Resilience & Growth Fund

    • Purpose: Funds projects involving innovation, digital tech, net-zero, job creation, and economic recovery.

    • Value: Up to £25,000

    • Apply via: Contact Business Gateway Aberdeenshire through council’s funding portal (nerdwallet.com, aberdeenshire.gov.uk)


    🔹 Coastal & Rural Communities Challenge Funds


    Government‑Backed Loans

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans Scotland

    • Value: £500–£25,000

    • Details: Fixed ~6% interest and 12 months of mentoring

    • Apply via:
      🔗 Start‑Up Loans UK


    🔹 Business Loans Scotland


    🔹 Scottish Loan Scheme


    Local Support & Signposting


    Eligibility Guidance

    • Use Find Business Support to discover national and regional grants.

    • Engage early with Business Gateway Aberdeenshire to ensure fit and improve applications.

    • Check scheme-specific location or theme criteria (e.g. coastal, rural, resilience).


    Application Process

    1. Identify suitable funding streams.

    2. Gather supporting documents: business plan, forecasts, quotes (min. 2), ID/address proof.

    3. Apply online via council, Business Gateway, or relevant portal.

    4. Consult with a Business Gateway or Enterprising advisor.

    5. Await decision—typically 2–8 weeks.

    6. On approval, implement your project and submit receipts.

    7. Report outcomes per Shared Prosperity or fund requirements.


    Additional Tips

    • Attend networking events and mentoring sessions via Enterprising Aberdeenshire.

    • Consider alternative financing: peer-to-peer lending, equity finance, or crowdfunding.

    • Monitor challenge fund deadlines and funding availability.

    • Combine eligible grants and loans for a broader capital mix.


    Contact & Further Information

    Aberdeenshire Council – Economic Development
    🔗 Aberdeenshire Council – Business Funding (aberdeenshire.gov.uk, aberdeenshire.gov.uk, nerdwallet.com, Scottish Financial News, aberdeenshire.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk)
    📞 01467 530700 | ✉️ enquiries@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

    Business Gateway Aberdeenshire
    🔗 Local Support (aberdeenshire.gov.uk)
    📞 currently through the council’s Economic Development contact

    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 value is the Business Start‑Up Grant?
    £1,000 for home-based startups; £3,000 for premises-based businesses. (startupgrant.co.uk, aberdeenshire.gov.uk)

     

    ▫️ How much is the First Employee Grant?
    Flat £1,000 to support your first full-time hire. (aberdeenshire.gov.uk)

     

    ▫️ What’s the max from the Growth Fund?
    Up to £25,000 for innovation, digital, energy and job creation projects.

     

    ▫️ Can I apply for government-backed loans?
    Yes—Start‑Up Loans up to £25,000; Business Loans Scotland up to £250,000.

     

    ▫️ Who provides local support?
    Business Gateway Aberdeenshire and the Enterprising Aberdeenshire team. (startupgrant.co.uk)

     

    ▫️ How long is the decision process?
    Typically 2–8 weeks, depending on the funding stream.

     

    ▫️ What documents are required?
    Business plan, financial forecasts, at least 2 supplier quotes, proof of ID and address, and project rationale.

     

    ▫️ Are rural/coastal projects supported?
    Absolutely—specific challenge funds serve those communities. (Funding Scotland)

     

    ▫️ Can I mix grants and loans?
    Yes—funds can be combined if project eligibility aligns with each scheme.

     

    ▫️ What if I’m declined?
    Seek feedback, make improvements, and reapply—or explore alternative schemes.

     

    ▫️ How do I access national grants?
    Visit Find Business Support Scotland or GOV.UK business finance search.

     

     

     

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