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Last update 20/07/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon

🔹 Introduction

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council supports economic growth through targeted grants, mentoring programmes, and access to government‑backed loans. Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling, explore the key funding opportunities available in 2025.

🔹 Grant & Loan Programmes

1. Small Settlements Business Support Grant Scheme

Purpose: Capital funding for businesses in small towns (pop. 1,000–4,999) for premises improvements.
Grant amounts:

Up to £3,000 (50%) or
Up to £20,000 (100%)—depending on project and location.
Eligibility: Must operate within qualifying settlements (e.g. Waringstown, Magheralin, or Lurgan).
🔗 Apply via NI Business Info or Council site: A‑B‑C Small Settlements Grant

2. New Business Start-Up Grant Scheme

Purpose: One-off grants to help launch new businesses.
Amount: Up to £500.
Eligibility: Recently established businesses starting operations across the borough.
🔗 Details & application: New Business Start‑Up Grant – A‑B‑C Borough Council

3. Go Succeed Start (formerly Go For It)

Purpose: Provides mentoring, workshops, and business support to entrepreneurs.
Eligibility: Open to individuals across Northern Ireland exploring new business ideas.
🔗 Go Succeed Start – NI Business Support

4. Start‑Up Loans

Purpose: Personal loans designed to support the launch or growth of a small business.
Amount: £500–£25,000 at a fixed 6% interest rate, including 12 months of mentoring support.
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, with businesses trading for less than 3 years.
🔗 Apply via GOV.UK – Start‑Up Loan

🔹 Key Resources & Support

Council Business Support Team
Offers sector-specific advice, grant guidance, digital skills workshops and networking
🔗 Business Support – A‑B‑C Council
Go Succeed Programmes
One-to-one mentoring, diagnostics, and grant preparation
🔗 Go Succeed Start
Invest Northern Ireland & NI Business Info
Support for innovation, exporting, and advanced manufacturing
🔗 NI Business Info – Business Growth Support
Local Enterprise Agencies
One-to-one support via Fermanagh & Omagh, and wider NI networks

🔹 Application Process

Choose the suitable scheme
Check eligibility and deadlines
Prepare required documents (business plan, quotes, projections, ID)
Attend any mandated workshops
Submit your application via Council portal or NI Business Info tools
Await decision, which varies by scheme and funding round

🔹 Additional Tips

Attend workshops especially for Small Settlements support
Combine funding sources—e.g., Start-Up Loan + local grant
Subscribe to council and Go Succeed newsletters for updates
Take advantage of cross-border enterprise initiatives and Invest NI schemes

🔹 Contact & Further Information

📞 Business Support Team: 0300 0300 900
📧 Email: business.support@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
🌐 Council Business Portal: Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon – Business Support
🔗 Start‑Up Loans: via GOV.UK link above

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What is the Small Settlements Business Support Scheme?
Grants for capital works in eligible towns, up to £3,000 (50%) or £20,000 (100%) depending on settlement status.

🔹 Who qualifies for the Start‑Up Grant?
New businesses across the borough, eligible for one-off funding of up to £500.

🔹 What support does Go Succeed offer?
Free mentoring, business diagnostics, grant application support and networking opportunities.

🔹 How much can I borrow with a Start‑Up Loan?
You can access unsecured loans between £500 and £25,000 at a fixed rate with mentoring included.

🔹 Can I combine multiple funding options?
Yes, provided your project meets the criteria of each scheme—advisors can guide on mixed funding.

🔹 What docs are required for applications?
Typically need a business plan, quotes, forecasts, proof of business activity, and ID.

🔹 Where can I get help with the application?
Contact 0300 0300 900 or email business.support@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk. Local enterprise agencies and Go Succeed also offer one-to-one support.

Value AD

2025

100% FREE

BUSINESS TOOl

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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