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    Last update 02/08/2025

    2025 Grants and Government-Backed Loans for Small Businesses in Cumberland (formerly Allerdale), UK


    Introduction

    Cumberland Council (which replaced Allerdale Borough Council in April 2023) does not directly administer business grants, but works with key regional organisations to provide funding, support, and resources to help local startups and small businesses succeed.

    This guide covers the most relevant grants, government-backed loans, and application steps available in the Cumberland area (formerly Allerdale), as of 2025.


    Available Grants

    Cumberland Grant Funding via Cumbria Business Growth Hub

    • Capital Grants: £10,000–£35,000 to support investments in equipment, machinery, premises, tourism diversification, or low-carbon improvements. Up to 50% of project costs covered.

    • Advice Vouchers: £500–£1,000 to access external consultants for marketing, HR, legal or sustainability. No match funding required.

    • Revenue Grants: Up to £5,000 for external consultancy or skills workshops.

    • All projects must be completed by 31 January 2026.

    🔗 Cumberland Grant Funding and Advice – Cumbria Business Growth Hub


    Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP)

    • Offers funding opportunities across sectors, including digital, tourism, innovation, and infrastructure.

    • Focuses on economic growth, productivity and job creation in Cumbria.


    Britain's Energy Coast (BEC) Business Cluster

    • Promotes funding awareness and collaborations in West Cumbria’s energy and technology sectors.

    🔗 Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster


    Cumbria Community Foundation

    • Offers grants for community initiatives, social enterprises and business resilience.

    🔗 Cumbria Community Foundation


    Enterprise Answers

    • Provides tailored funding solutions for small businesses and startups in Cumbria.

    🔗 Enterprise Answers


    Government-Backed Loans

    Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    • Loans between £500 and £25,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6%

    • Available to pre-start and early-stage businesses

    • Includes 12 months of mentoring and support

    🔗 Start Up Loans – Apply Online


    Local Support & Resources

    Cumberland Council – Business Investment Team

    • Provides signposting, advice, and access to regional funding initiatives

    🔗 Cumberland Council Business Support


    Cumbria Business Growth Hub

    • Offers one-to-one support, free workshops, and grant application guidance

    🔗 Cumbria Business Growth Hub


    Eligibility Guidance

    • Use the official GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder to browse UK-wide opportunities

    • Most grant schemes do not fund rent, wages, or stock

    • Prepare a business plan, match funding evidence, and quotations before applying


    Application Process

    1. Identify the scheme that best suits your business needs

    2. Check eligibility and gather documents (business plan, financials, ID, cost quotes)

    3. Submit an expression of interest (EOI) or a full application, depending on the programme

    4. Work with Growth Hub advisors for review before submission

    5. Await funding decision

    6. Complete the project and claim reimbursement before the deadline


    Additional Tips

    • Attend networking and funding workshops hosted by the Growth Hub

    • Combine grants and loans where appropriate, but check for duplication or state aid conflicts

    • Never begin work before funding approval


    Contact Information

    Cumberland Council Business Support
    📞 01900 706000
    📧 info@cumberland.gov.uk
    🔗 Cumberland Council

    Cumbria Business Growth Hub
    📞 0844 257 8450
    📧 info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
    🔗 Cumbria Growth Hub


    FAQs

     
    🔹 Are there specific grants for tech startups in Allerdale/Cumberland?
    While no tech-specific grants are currently offered, programmes via CLEP and BEC support innovation, energy, and technology-based businesses.

     
    🔹 How much funding can I apply for?
    Capital grants offer up to £35,000. Revenue and advice support range from £500 to £5,000. Loans range from £500 to £25,000.

     
    🔹 Can I apply if I haven’t started trading yet?
    Yes. Start-up loans and some early-stage support grants are open to pre-start businesses.

     
    🔹 What documents will I need?
    A solid business plan, quotes for works, match-funding evidence, and identification documents.

     
    🔹 How long does the process take?
    Most grants require several weeks for review. Loan timelines vary by lender.

     
    🔹 Can I combine different sources of funding?
    Yes, provided the funding is used for separate costs and does not breach subsidy limits.

     
    🔹 Are there application fees for loans?
    No. Start Up Loans are free to apply for and include fixed interest.

     
    🔹 Can I use funding for salaries or rent?
    Grants generally exclude operating costs like salaries or rent. Loans may be used for these expenses, depending on the terms.

     
    🔹 Where can I get help with my application?
    The Growth Hub and Cumberland Council’s business team provide personalised support and guidance.

     

     

     

     

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