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Last update 20/07/2025

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2025 Grants and Government-Backed Loans for Small Businesses in Bury, UK

Introduction

Bury Council supports startups and small businesses through local initiatives and access to national grants and government-backed loans. This guide outlines what’s available in 2025, how to apply, and where to get expert advice.

Available Grants

🔹 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

Purpose: Business growth, community skills, and innovation support.
Funding: Ranges vary; some schemes offer up to £50,000.
Eligibility: Bury-based SMEs, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises.
Apply:
🔗 https://www.bury.gov.uk/work-and-skills/ukspf-community-grant-funding

🔹 VCSE Innovation and Community Grants (via Bury VCFA)

Purpose: Grants for local groups tackling inequality, poverty, or digital inclusion.
Funding: £500–£5,000
Apply:
🔗 https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/grants/

🔹 Standing Together Safety Grants

Purpose: Improve local safety, reduce youth violence.
Funding: £1,000 to £10,000 depending on stream.
Apply:
🔗 https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/grants/

🔹 Live Well Neighbourhood Grants

Purpose: Support wellbeing and health-based activities across Bury.
Funding: Micro-grants up to £1,000
Apply: Via @BuryMeansBiz

Government-Backed Loans

🔹 Start-Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan Size: £500 – £25,000
Interest: ~6% APR (fixed)
Includes: Free business mentoring and support
🔗 https://www.startuploans.co.uk

🔹 British Business Bank Programmes

Support Includes: Start-up loans, scale-up capital, and investment advice
🔗 https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk

Local Council Support

🔹 Bury Means Business (Bury Council)

Provides advice, funding updates, startup guides, and sector-specific help.
🔗 https://burymeansbusiness.bury.gov.uk/business-support/business-finance
📧 investin@bury.gov.uk
📞 0161 253 5353

🔹 GM Business Growth Hub

Regional hub offering access to finance, mentoring, and workshops.
🔗 https://businessgrowthhub.com/

Eligibility Guidance

Use the GOV.UK business finance search tool:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
Contact Bury Means Business directly for local guidance.
🔗 https://burymeansbusiness.bury.gov.uk
For VCSE grants:
🔗 https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/grants/

Application Process

Define Your Business Goal – What do you need funding for?
Choose the Right Scheme – Based on eligibility and business stage.
Prepare Key Documents – Business plan, forecasts, ID, and 2 supplier quotes.
Submit Online or Via Email – Using links above or Bury Council support.
Attend Optional Workshops – Offered by Growth Hub or Council.
Await Assessment – 2 to 8 weeks is typical.
Accept Funding & Follow Up – Submit any reports or updates if required.

Additional Tips

✅ Be ready with all documents — especially financials and projections.
✅ Explore alternative finance (crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending).
✅ Join https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to meet other local founders.
✅ Check regularly for newly announced grants via Bury Council and VCFA.
✅ Use mentoring services from Growth Hub or Bury Means Business for free.

Contact & Further Information

📍 Bury Council / Bury Means Business
🔗 https://burymeansbusiness.bury.gov.uk/business-support/business-finance
📧 investin@bury.gov.uk
📞 0161 253 5353

📍 VCSE Grants & Community Projects
🔗 https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/grants/

📍 GOV.UK Business Finance Tool
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(Extra spacing provided for easy reading)

🔹 What types of grants are available in Bury?
UKSPF, VCSE Innovation Grants, Standing Together, and Wellbeing micro-grants.

🔹 Who is eligible for these grants?
Startups, micro-SMEs, social enterprises, and local community organisations.

🔹 Can I apply for more than one grant or loan?
Yes, if you meet each scheme’s individual eligibility criteria.

🔹 Are Start-Up Loans still available in 2025?
Yes. Apply via: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

🔹 What’s required in the application?
Business plan, forecasts, ID, and quotes for proposed project spend.

🔹 Can I get help writing a business plan?
Yes. Use free templates or speak with Bury Means Business or Growth Hub advisors.

🔹 Are grants taxable?
In most cases, yes — they’re treated as income. Consult an accountant.

🔹 Where do I find up-to-date grant deadlines?
Check https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/grants/ and https://burymeansbusiness.bury.gov.uk

🔹 What if my application is unsuccessful?
Ask for feedback and reapply later, or explore other options like loans or crowdfunding.

Value AD

2025

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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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