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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Startups and Small Businesses in Burnley, UK

Startups and small businesses in Burnley have access to a variety of local and national funding options. This guide provides up-to-date information on current grants, loans, support schemes, and how to apply.

Available Grants

🔹 Boost Business Lancashire Support (Fully Funded Programme)

Boost Business Lancashire — the business growth hub for Lancashire — offers free advice, mentoring, and access to funding options for businesses at all stages. The programme was fully funded through March 2025, and enquiries are still being taken as new funding may now be available.

✅ Support includes:

Business planning
Leadership development
Startup and scale-up advice
Access to external funding

🔗 https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk

Government-Backed Loans

🔹 Start Up Loans (UK-Wide)

The UK Government-backed Start Up Loans scheme provides:

Personal loans of £500 to £25,000
Fixed 6% interest rate
Free business mentoring
Accessible for pre-start or early-stage businesses

🔗 https://www.startuploans.co.uk

🔹 British Business Bank Support Finder

Use this tool to discover additional national funding options, including grants, equity schemes, and loan programmes.

🔗 https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub

Local Business Support

🔹 Burnley Bondholders

A local business network offering peer support, local promotion, and connections to funding opportunities.

🔗 https://burnley.co.uk/bondholders

🔹 Burnley Enterprise Centre

Provides workspace, startup support, and advice on local funding schemes.

🔗 https://burnley.co.uk/workspace/burnley-enterprise-centre

🔹 Burnley Borough Council – Business Support

Check the council website for the latest updates on available grants and support.

🔗 https://burnley.gov.uk/business

Eligibility and How to Apply

To apply for most grants or loans, you will need:

A registered or soon-to-be-registered business
A detailed business plan
Financial forecasts and growth strategy
Proof of identity and address

Many programmes require you to apply through a local delivery partner (e.g. Boost Lancashire or local enterprise trusts).

Application Steps

Identify suitable schemes – Use the links provided above
Check eligibility – Age of business, sector, location, etc.
Prepare documents – Business plan, budget, ID, etc.
Submit application online, or contact the local delivery team
Await response – Processing times vary between 2–6 weeks

Additional Tips

Consult Boost Lancashire for personalised startup advice
Attend local networking events to meet advisors and investors
Use the British Business Bank tool to explore finance options
Check Burnley Council’s site monthly for grant announcements
Use this platform for networking:
🔗 https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking

Contact Information

Burnley Borough Council – Economic Development Team
📞 Phone: 01282 425011
📧 Email: economy@burnley.gov.uk
🌐 https://burnley.gov.uk

FAQs about Grants and Loans in Burnley

🔹 Are there grants for online businesses?
Most grants are sector-neutral, so online-only businesses can apply if other criteria are met.

🔹 How much funding can I get?
Start Up Loans offer up to £25,000. Boost Lancashire opportunities vary by business need and growth potential.

🔹 Do I need a registered business to apply?
Some programmes allow pre-start applications; others require registration with HMRC or Companies House.

🔹 What documents are required?
A solid business plan, personal ID, financial projections, and evidence of trading (if applicable).

🔹 Can I combine different funding sources?
Yes, but always confirm with the funders that co-funding is allowed.

🔹 Are there fees to apply?
Grants are usually free to apply for. Loans may have interest or setup fees.

🔹 What if I’m a sole trader?
Sole traders are eligible for many of these schemes, especially Start Up Loans.

🔹 Can I use funds for marketing or equipment?
Yes, most funding allows spending on marketing, stock, equipment, or digital tools.

🔹 How long does approval take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the fund and completeness of your application.

🔹 Who can help me with my application?
Contact Boost Lancashire, Burnley Enterprise Centre, or the council’s business team for 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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