🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
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    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Ards & North Down, NI


    🔹 Introduction

    Ards & North Down Borough Council offers a range of financial supports—specialist grants, mentoring, and government-backed loans—to help businesses launch, grow, or scale in 2025.


    🔹 Grant Programmes

    1. Social Enterprise Thematic Programme


    2. Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF)


    3. Glow Up Shopfront Grants


    4. Empty to Energised Grant


    5. Experience Development Programme (Tourism)


    6. Rural Business Development Grant


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    💼 Start‑Up Loans

    • Loan: £500–£25,000 at 6% fixed interest, with 12 months mentoring.

    • Eligibility: UK residents 18+ with businesses under 3 years old.
      🔗 [Apply via GOV.UK – Start‑Up Loan]
      (https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan)


    🔹 Key Resources & Support


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Choose a scheme aligned with your business goals.

    2. Check eligibility/deadline on official pages.

    3. Prepare documents: business plan, quotes, forecasts, ID.

    4. Attend required workshops (e.g., DTFF).

    5. Submit applications via funding portal or GOV.UK.

    6. Await decisions (processing times vary).


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Subscribe to the Business Funding e-zine from the Council portal.

    • Combine grants, loans, and Go Succeed mentoring for stronger applications.

    • Use Go Succeed clinics to fine-tune business plans and proposals.

    • Monitor linked schemes like In Bloom, tourism grants, and shopfront initiatives.


    🔹 Contact & Further Information

    📞 Business Support Team: 0300 013 3333
    📧 Email: business.support@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
    🌐 Funding Portal: via Council Business Support site
    🔗 Start‑Up Loans: via GOV.UK link above
    🔗 Go Succeed sign-up: via NI Business Info


    🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    ▫️ What support is available for social enterprises?
    Mentoring and workshops via the Social Enterprise Thematic Programme (NI Business Info).

     

    ▫️ What is the DTFF?
    Grants between £5k–£20k for digital upgrades; EOI deadline: 11 July 2025.

     

    ▫️ How do Glow Up Grants work?
    Covers 90% of shopfront improvement costs (up to £2,500). Open from 23 June 2025.

     

    ▫️ What is the Tourism Development Programme?
    A pilot scheme (April 2025–March 2026) to improve visitor experiences in the borough.

     

    ▫️ Are rural grants still open?
    No—but the next round is expected. Keep an eye on the Council or NI Business Info.

     

    ▫️ Can I get a Start‑Up Loan?
    Yes—available via GOV.UK from £500 to £25,000, with mentoring.

     

    ▫️ Can I apply for multiple supports?
    Yes, as long as you’re eligible. Council advisors can help plan this.

     

    ▫️ What documents are required?
    Business plan, quotes, financial forecasts, ID, and proof of any mandatory workshop attendance.

     

    ▫️ Where can I get application support?
    Contact 0300 013 3333 or business.support@...; or attend Go Succeed sessions.

     

     

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