2025
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BUSINESS TOOl

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.
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
Offers funding opportunities across sectors, including digital, tourism, innovation, and infrastructure.
Focuses on economic growth, productivity and job creation in Cumbria.
Promotes funding awareness and collaborations in West Cumbria’s energy and technology sectors.
🔗 Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster
Offers grants for community initiatives, social enterprises and business resilience.
🔗 Cumbria Community Foundation
Provides tailored funding solutions for small businesses and startups in Cumbria.
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
Provides signposting, advice, and access to regional funding initiatives
🔗 Cumberland Council Business Support
Offers one-to-one support, free workshops, and grant application 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
Identify the scheme that best suits your business needs
Check eligibility and gather documents (business plan, financials, ID, cost quotes)
Submit an expression of interest (EOI) or a full application, depending on the programme
Work with Growth Hub advisors for review before submission
Await funding decision
Complete the project and claim reimbursement before the deadline
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
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
🔹 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.
Value Ad helps new businesses save 50% to 80% on essential services like marketing and
development. These savings act as an alternative investment, fueling growth.
Service providers gain valuable initial customers, helping them grow and attract investment.
It's a win-win for everyone!
This App/website is not affiliated with any government agency. We collect and organize information from publicly available government websites and provide direct links to these official sources.
For accurate details and to apply for grants or loans, please visit the relevant government websites linked within the App/website.
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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