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    Last update 19/07/2025

    2025 Funding for Startups and Small Businesses in Barking & Dagenham

    Explore the latest grants, loans and local support—perfect for startups and small enterprises in Barking & Dagenham looking to start, scale, or innovate in 2025.


    💸 Available Grants & Local Programmes

    🔹 GROW Fund (Barking & Dagenham Giving)

    • Purpose: Supports local entrepreneurs and social enterprises with grants, coaching, peer learning and social investment.

    • Amount: £10,000 equity-free investment.

    • Eligibility: Barking & Dagenham businesses creating local impact.

    • Status: 2025 applications are closed, but future cohorts and showcase events are in the pipeline.

    • Info: https://bdgiving.org.uk/grow-2025/ (Barking and Dagenham Giving)


    💼 Government‑Backed Loans

    The following schemes remain available nationwide—including Barking & Dagenham:

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    🔹 Growth Guarantee Scheme (formerly Recovery Loan Scheme)

    🔹 Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG)


    🏛️ Local Council Support

    🔹 Barking & Dagenham Council Business Support

    🔹 BEC CIC (via Council Contract)

    🔹 Good Food Plan & Food Hub Support

    • Bespoke assistance for food businesses, including access to a food hub and small capital grants.

    • Info: B&D Good Food Plan 2025 (bdopportunities.org)


    ✅ Eligibility Guidance


    📝 Application Process

    1. Identify suitable grants/loans.

    2. Confirm eligibility and closing dates.

    3. Prepare key documents (business plan, financial forecasts, ID, registration).

    4. Apply via the appropriate online platform (e.g. GOV.UK, council, BEC CIC).

    5. Attend workshops, mentoring sessions, or pitch events (especially for GROW Fund or food support).

    6. Follow up with funders or advisers to track progress.


    💡 Additional Tips

    • Networking & Mentoring: Join events organised via the Council or BEC CIC. Use platforms like https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking.

    • Social Investment: Programs such as the GROW Fund offer equity-free investment and support.

    • Food Businesses: Engage with the Good Food Plan and food hub for tailored help and micro-grants.


    📞 Contact & Further Info


    📘 FAQs

    Each question is separated for clarity and website readability.

     

    🔹 What local grants are available in Barking & Dagenham?
    Currently, the GROW Fund offers £10,000 grants with coaching for social enterprises. Barking & Dagenham Council also funds food business support via the Good Food Plan.

     

    🔹 How do I apply for a Start‑Up Loan?
    Visit GOV.UK—apply online and access mentoring as part of the £500‑£25,000 loan package.

     

    🔹 Can I use the Growth Guarantee Scheme here?
    Yes. Visit the British Business Bank site to connect with accredited lenders offering backed loans or finance.

     

    🔹 What is BEC CIC’s role in local business support?
    BEC CIC delivers mentoring, workshops, “meet-the-buyer” events and small grant opportunities in partnership with the council.

     

    🔹 Are there grants for food businesses?
    Yes—food businesses can join Council-led support via the Good Food Plan, including small capital grants and hub access.

     

    🔹 Where can I get help with digital networking?
    Platforms like https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking are ideal, plus council and BEC CIC events.

     

    🔹 What if I don’t know which funding suits my business?
    Start with the GOV.UK Support Finder and speak to Barking & Dagenham Council or BEC CIC for tailored advice.

     

     

     

     

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