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    Last update 02/08/2025

    Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Cambridge (2025 Guide)


    âś… Available Grants in Cambridge & South East


    🔹 Cambridge District Business Growth Programme

    • Delivered by Cambridge City Council with partner organisations, this UKSPF-funded scheme offers practical growth support:

      • Peer networking

      • Business coaching sessions

    • Available to local SMEs and high-potential startups; subsidised at £600 per year.

      • For more information, visit the Kent Invicta Chamber business growth page.
        (Facebook)


    🔹 East Cambridgeshire UKSPF Business Grant Fund

    • Offered to SMEs within East Cambridgeshire earning under £1 million annually.

    • Grants range from £2,000 to £7,500, covering up to 60% of the project cost. Projects might include job creation, marketing investment, digital tools, equipment, and training.

    • Apply via Expression of Interest (EOI) by 1 August 2025, with full applications due by 22 August 2025.
      (eastcambs.gov.uk)


    🔹 BIPC Jumpstart (Cambridgeshire & Peterborough)

    • A competitive grants and support programme for startup businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

    • Delivered via the Business & IP Centre (BIPC), it includes workshops, mentoring, and funding awards (previous round shared £75,000 across winners).
      (Cambridgeshire County Council)


    đź’° Government-Backed Loans


    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    • Offers £500 to £25,000 in unsecured loans at a fixed 6% APR, plus 12 months of mentoring and support.

    • Available to UK residents aged over 18 with a business under three years or pre-start.
      (startupgrant.co.uk)


    🔹 Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA)

    • While CPCA does not directly provide loans, it offers referrals and linked funding for businesses via the Growth Hub and grant schemes such as Jumpstart.
      (CPCA Growth Hub)


    đź§­ Business Support & Advisory Resources


    🔹 Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Growth Hub

    • The primary local support portal for finance, grants, diagnostics, and accelerator resources across Cambridge and surrounding districts.
      (CPCA Growth Hub, CPCA Growth Hub)


    🔹 Cambridge City Council – Business Support & UKSPF Projects


    đź§ľ Eligibility Overview

    • Business Growth Programme: For SMEs in Cambridge City or surrounding districts with growth ambitions.

    • East Cambridgeshire UKSPF Grant: Limited to businesses in East Cambridgeshire turnover under £1m.

    • BIPC Jumpstart: Early-stage/startup businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

    • Start‑Up Loan: UK resident, aged 18+, launching or growing a business.


    📝 How to Apply


    1. Select your route – e.g. Jumpstart competition, EoI grant, Start‑Up Loan.

    2. Prepare materials – business plan, forecasts, project details.

    3. Submit – online portal for loans; EOI via East Cambs Council; applications via BIPC or Growth Hub.

    4. Engage with workshops or mentoring sessions if available.

    5. Wait for decisions – typically 3–6 weeks.

    6. Implement project and retain invoices/metrics for reporting.


    đź’ˇ Pro Tips

    • Apply early – grants such as UKSPF are allocated on a first-come basis.

    • Attend Growth Hub workshops to strengthen your application.

    • Use BIPC’s support for Jumpstart entry, including pitching and IP advice.

    • Keep clear records: quotes, invoices, match funding proof, and outcomes data.


    📞 Contacts & Resources


    FAQs – Cambridge Business Funding (2025)


    🔹 Are grants available for online or digital-only businesses?
    Yes – especially via Jumpstart and East Cambridgeshire grants, where innovation and tech-focused ventures are welcome.


    🔹 How much funding can I access?

    • UKSPF grants: £2,000–£7,500

    • Jumpstart awards: part of £75K prize pool

    • Starter Loan: up to £25K


    🔹 Can I apply before registering my business?
    Yes – Jumpstart and Start‑Up Loans accept pre-start businesses. Some grants may require a trading history.


    🔹 Is a business plan required?
    Yes – essential for all forms of funding, particularly those that involve growth, innovation, or match funding.


    🔹 How long does the process take?
    Decisions usually arrive within 3–6 weeks, depending on the scheme and application completeness.


    🔹 Can I combine grant and loan support?
    Yes – combining a Start‑Up Loan with local grants is often possible and beneficial.


    🔹 Are there fees to apply?
    No – loan schemes and council advisory services are free. Some loans carry low interest but no up-front cost.


    🔹 Are high-growth businesses prioritised?
    Many schemes focus on innovation and job creation, but wider SME support is also available.


    🔹 Can funding be used for marketing or training?
    Yes – especially under revenue grant categories or loan-based support, if aligned with strategic growth goals.

     

     

     

     

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