2025 Grants and Loans for Start‑ups and Small Businesses in Basingstoke & Deane, UK

Introduction

Although Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council doesn’t deliver its own grant or loan programmes, it plays a critical role in guiding local entrepreneurs to reputable national and regional funding opportunities. This guide outlines current and verified support available in 2025.

Available Grants

Rural England Prosperity Fund (Business Grant Scheme)

• Purpose: Capital grants for rural micro and small businesses, including diversification, equipment upgrades, or expansion.

• Amount: Typically £5,000 to £65,000, with required match funding (20%–50%).

• Eligibility: Businesses in DEFRA-designated rural wards, with a minimum of 12 months trading and a capital investment plan.

• Apply via: Official Business Grant Funding page on the council’s website, which includes the full criteria and guidance PDF (July 2025).
  (basingstoke.gov.uk)

Town & Village Centre Fund

• Purpose: Supports enhancements such as shopfront, interior, and outdoor area improvements in town and village centres.

• Amount: Up to £10,000 for existing businesses; smaller grants available for new units or outdoor seating.

• Eligibility: Businesses or landlords in designated centre locations across the borough.

• Apply via: Official Town & Village Centre Fund page—includes eligibility and application details.
  (basingstoke.gov.uk)

Workforce Development Grant Scheme

• Purpose: Supports local SMEs to train staff, engage consultants, or acquire productivity tools to enhance workforce capability.

• Amount: Up to £5,000.

• Eligibility: Micro and small enterprises within Basingstoke & Deane focused on workforce strength.

• Apply via: Official Workforce Development Grant Scheme page.
  (basingstoke.gov.uk)

Government‑Backed Loans

British Business Bank Programmes

• Growth Guarantee Scheme: Supports borrowing of up to £2 million, with a 70% government guarantee, via accredited lenders.

• Start‑Up Loans: Provide up to £25,000 per individual, fixed (~6%) interest, repayable over up to five years, plus 12 months mentoring.

• Eligibility: SMEs under £45m turnover (Growth Guarantee); early-stage businesses and individuals (Start‑Up Loans).

• Access via: Accredited lender network or national Start‑Up Loans portal; Council’s Business Investment Fund page includes referral guidance.
  (basingstoke.gov.uk)

Business Support & Advice

External Funding Advice & Support

• The council’s External Funding Advice page provides details of support services, Growth Hub referrals, and external funding platforms.
  (basingstoke.gov.uk)

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce – Business Solutions

• Provides mentoring, finance guidance, peer networks, and access to funding pathways across Hampshire SMEs.

Love Basingstoke Business Bulletins

• Offers updates on local funding rounds such as the Rural Fund and Centre Fund through newsletters and public bulletins.
  (basingstoke.gov.uk)

Eligibility Summary

• Rural Fund: Capital-based business projects in qualifying wards, at least 12 months’ trading, and matched funding.

• Town & Village Centre Fund: Premises improvements in designated local centres.

• Workforce Grant: Staff development activities for local small businesses.

• Loan Schemes: Adhere to British Business Bank eligibility via accredited providers.

How to Apply

1. Choose the appropriate funding route.

2. Confirm eligibility—location, trading tenure, project scope, match funding status.

3. Prepare application materials: business plan, cost breakdowns, proof of trading, quotes, project proposals.

4. For council grants, contact funding officers or ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk for pre-application advice if required.

5. Apply via relevant council pages or national portals.

6. Decision timelines are typically 4–6 weeks for grants; loans vary by lender.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Subscribe to Love Basingstoke email alerts for first notice of funding rounds.

• Have project quotes and match-funding evidence ready ahead of application.

• Seek pre-application advice via Economic Development or Hampshire Chamber Business Solutions.

• Keep detailed records for capital projects or grant audits.

Contact Information

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council – Economic Development & Funding
📞 01256 844844
📧 economic.development@basingstoke.gov.uk
🌐 https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/business
(basingstoke.gov.uk, basingstoke.gov.uk)

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce – Business Solutions
🌐 https://www.hampshirechamber.co.uk

Love Basingstoke Business Bulletins
🌐 https://www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk
(basingstoke.gov.uk, basingstoke.gov.uk)

FAQs

 
🔹 Are any grants specifically for digital or tech businesses?
Digital or tech-led projects may qualify under the Rural Fund or Workforce Grants if aligned with capital or skills development objectives.

 
🔹 What level of funding is available?
Grants range from £5,000 to £65,000. Workforce Training grants up to £5,000. Loans: up to £25,000 via Start‑Up Loans or £2 million via Growth Guarantee.

 
🔹 Can pre‑start applicants apply?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans welcome pre-start businesses. Most local grants expect some trading presence or capital project readiness.

 
🔹 Is it allowed to apply for different funding schemes together?
Yes, if each fund supports distinct project areas and subsidy controls are respected.

 
🔹 Are there any fees to apply?
No—grant and advisory support is free. Some loans may incur standard arrangement fees or interest.

 
🔹 Can funding cover operational costs like salaries or rent?
Loans may support working capital. Grants generally focus on capital enhancements, staff development, or place-based improvements.

 
🔹 What is the decision timeframe?
The typical grant decision window is 4–6 weeks. Loan approval timelines depend on lender's process and application completeness.

 
🔹 Where can I get help preparing my application?
Contact the council’s Economic Development team, consult Hampshire Chamber’s Business Solutions, or subscribe to Love Basingstoke for ongoing support.