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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Funding Options for Start‑ups and Small Businesses in Brentwood, UK

Introduction

Brentwood Borough Council does not operate its own grant schemes but provides links and support to national and regional funding opportunities. This 2025 guide outlines the best loans, innovation finance, and support pathways available to businesses based in Brentwood.

Government‑Backed Loans

Innovate UK Innovation Loans (Future Economy)

Purpose: Provides patient capital to SMEs in late‑stage R&D projects with strong commercial potential.
Amount: Typically £100,000 to £2 million, with some schemes offering up to £5 million depending on project scope.
Eligibility: UK‑registered SMEs carrying out innovation-based projects aligned with Future Economy sectors such as net zero, health and wellbeing, and next-generation digital technologies.
Terms: Interest rates range from 3.7% to 7.4%, with drawdown and loan repayment structured across availability, extension, and repayment periods. Projects generally must start by late 2025.(Innovate UK Business Connect, apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk, Innovate UK Business Connect, Innovate UK Business Connect)
Apply via: Innovate UK Innovation Loans programme via the Innovation Funding Service (apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk)

Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Amount: Up to £25,000 per individual founder.
Rate: Fixed interest around 6%, repayable over one to five years.
Extras: Includes 12 months of free mentoring and support.
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, trading for less than three years.
Apply via: Start‑Up Loans Company official site on GOV.UK.

Growth Guarantee Scheme (British Business Bank)

Purpose: Offers loan guarantees to lenders to support SMEs through accredited banks.
Amount: Facilities up to £2 million, with a 70% government guarantee on eligible loans.
Eligibility: UK-based SMEs with turnover under £45 million, not in significant financial difficulty.
Apply via: Accredited lenders listed on the British Business Bank website.(Innovate UK Business Connect, grantify.io, The Times, The Times)

Other Funding Support

Brentwood Connected BID Small Grants

Purpose: Enhances high-street and community projects in Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone.
Amount: Up to £2,500, with limited rounds; supported via UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Status: Latest shopfront/accessibility full allocation; scheme updates may appear in 2025 rounds.
Find updates via: Brentwood Borough Council’s funding page or business mailing list.(Brentwood Council)

Regional Support via Essex Growth Programmes

Backing Essex Business (Essex County Council): Offers up to 12 hours of free business support and advice, and potential loan access via the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
Ambitious Essex Growth Hub: Facilitates networking, funding, signposting, and peer support for Brentwood enterprises.(Brentwood Council)

Where to Find Funding and Advice

Visit Brentwood Borough Council – Funding, Support and Advice for links to regional and national resources, as well as business mailing list signup.(Brentwood Council)
Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder to search for loans, grants, and schemes by location and sector.

Eligibility Guidance

Most funding requires UK business registration and proof of trading (often <3 years for start-up schemes).
Innovate UK Innovation Loans demand clear R&D innovation, a route to commercialisation, and strong financial management.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is accessible to defined SMEs through accredited lenders, not via direct application.

Application Process

Clarify your needs – define why you need funding (e.g. product development, growth, innovation, trade expansion).
Check eligibility – confirm your business meets the criteria for each pathway.
Prepare documents – including business plan, forecasts, project details, and proficiency in repaying loans.
Apply online – either via Innovate UK’s Loan portal, Start‑Up Loans site, or through Growth Guarantee-accredited lenders.
Submit supporting documents clearly tied to objectives.
Await decision, usually within 4–8 weeks, depending on the scheme.

Additional Tips

Join GET SET GROW peer support and coaching sessions in Brentwood – often free and peer-led.(startupgrant.co.uk, uk.fi-group.com, content.govdelivery.com)
Attend the Ambitious Essex Growth Hub or Backing Essex Business workshops to improve funding knowledge.
Keep networking using https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to build contacts and find support.
Maintain comprehensive records, especially where match-funding or monitoring is required.

Contact Information

Brentwood Borough Council – Funding, Support and Advice
📞 01277 312500
📧 business@brentwood.gov.uk
🔗 https://www.brentwood.gov.uk/funding-support-and-advice

Ambitious Essex / Backing Essex Business
For wider Essex support, peer networks, and 12 hours of free business advice.(The Times)

FAQs about Funding in Brentwood

🔹 Are there grants specifically for online or tech startups in Brentwood?
Currently no direct local council grants for tech, but Innovate UK Innovation Loans support tech-focused businesses with late-stage R&D projects. LEPs like SELEP may also offer sector‑specific support.

🔹 How much funding is available?
Innovation Loans: £100,000–£2 million (up to £5m in certain rounds); Start‑Up Loans: up to £25,000; Brentwood BID grants: up to £2,500 per project.

🔹 Can early-stage or pre‑start businesses apply?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans accept pre‑start applicants. Most other funding requires business registration and evidence of trading.

🔹 Can I combine loans and grants?
Yes — combining Start‑Up Loans with BID grants or Growth Guarantee-backed loans is possible, provided project costs are separate and eligibility rules are followed.

🔹 Are there application fees?
Grant and support adviser programmes are generally free; government-backed loans carry interest or fees—check terms carefully.

🔹 Can funding be used for operational expenses like rent or salaries?
Some Operational expenditure may be eligible through Start‑Up Loans, but Innovation Loans are strictly for innovation development and late-stage R&D.

🔹 How long does the application process take?
Start‑Up Loans are usually processed within a few weeks; Innovate UK Innovation Loans take longer (often 6–8 weeks) due to technical evaluation.

🔹 Where can I get help with applications?
Contact Brentwood Council for business advice, Ambitious Essex Growth Hub, or providers of peer mentoring programmes like GET SET GROW.

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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