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Last update 16/08/2024

Funding Opportunities in Ards & North Down: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses

Ards and North Down Borough Council is dedicated to fostering a thriving business ecosystem by offering a range of financial assistance options. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to expand an existing business, explore the grants and government-backed loans available to support your growth and success.

Grant and Loan Programs:

Go For It Programme: Provides expert mentoring and support for individuals exploring a business idea or in the early stages of starting a business. Go For It Programme.
Social Enterprise Thematic Programme: Supports social enterprises with one-on-one mentoring and online workshops focused on fundraising, digital marketing, and social impact planning. Social Enterprise Thematic Programme.
Business Research Programme: Offers one-to-one advice, mentoring, and research to help businesses grow and explore new markets. Business Research Programme.
Start-Up Loans: Provides government-backed personal loans and mentoring for new businesses. Start Up Loans.

Key Resources:

Business Wales: The Welsh Government's business support service offers guidance on funding, starting, and growing a business. Business Wales.
Ards and North Down Borough Council - Business Support: The council's website provides details on local business support programs, including funding opportunities. Ards and North Down Borough Council - Business Support.

Ards and North Down Borough Council Contact Details:

Phone: 0300 013 3333
Email: business.support@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Website: Ards and North Down Borough Council

Advice on Applying

Contact Business Wales or Ards and North Down Borough Council: Reach out for personalized guidance on the most suitable funding options for your business and assistance throughout the application process.
Eligibility is Key: Review the specific criteria for each grant or loan program to ensure your business aligns with the program's focus areas and fulfills all eligibility requirements before applying.
Prepare a Standout Application: Craft a comprehensive and compelling application, including a robust business plan, realistic financial projections, and a clear explanation of how the funding will support your business growth and benefit the local economy.
Respect Deadlines: Stay informed about application deadlines and ensure timely submission. Late applications are typically not considered.
Seek Expert Advice: Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from business advisors or consultants if you need support in preparing your application or fine-tuning your business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of funding are available in Ards and North Down?

Ards and North Down offers various grants such as the Go For It Programme and the Social Enterprise Thematic Programme, as well as government-backed loans like Start Up Loans.

2. How do I apply for the Go For It Programme?

Applications can be made through the Go For It Programme website, which provides support for individuals exploring or starting a business.

3. What is the Social Enterprise Thematic Programme, and how can it help my business?

The Social Enterprise Thematic Programme offers support for social enterprises through mentoring and workshops on fundraising, digital marketing, and social impact planning. Social Enterprise Thematic Programme.

4. What does the Business Research Programme provide?

The Business Research Programme offers one-to-one advice, mentoring, and research to assist businesses in growth and exploring new markets. Business Research Programme.

5. How can I apply for Start Up Loans?

You can apply for Start Up Loans online through the Start Up Loans website, which provides government-backed loans and mentoring for new businesses.

6. What should be included in my application for these funding opportunities?

Include a well-structured business plan, detailed financial projections, and a clear explanation of how the funding will support your business growth and contribute to the local economy.

7. Are there specific deadlines for applying to these grants and loans?

Yes, each program may have its own deadlines. Make sure to check the specific deadlines for each grant or loan program to ensure timely submission.

8. Can I get help with preparing my application?

Yes, you can seek assistance from Business Wales or the Ards and North Down Borough Council’s business support team for help with preparing your application and business plan.

9. How can I stay updated on new funding opportunities?

Stay informed by regularly visiting the Ards and North Down Borough Council's business support page, subscribing to relevant newsletters, and contacting local business support organizations.

10. Are there other business support programs available in the area?

Yes, in addition to the grants and loans mentioned, there are other resources and support initiatives available through the Ards and North Down Borough Council and Business Wales. Check their websites for the latest information.

By leveraging these funding opportunities and resources, entrepreneurs and small business owners in Ards and North Down can gain the financial support and expert guidance they need to thrive.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE

INVESTMENT

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.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT