2025 Grants & Government‑Backed Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Carlisle / Cumberland, UK

Introduction

If you're launching or expanding a business in Carlisle or anywhere within the former Carlisle district (now under Cumberland Council), you have access to a range of official grant schemes, government-backed loan programmes, and free regional support services. This guide provides current funding options, eligibility criteria, application steps, and key contacts.

Available Grants

🔹 Shopfront Improvement Grant (UKSPF)

• Purpose: Revitalises vacant or underused commercial premises in town and city centres across Cumberland (including Carlisle).

• Funding: Covers 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £5,000 per premises (carlisle.gov.uk, cumberland.gov.uk).

• Eligibility: Landlords or businesses with properties located in designated high street/town centre areas listed on council maps.

• How to Apply: Complete the official form and guidance found on Cumberland Council’s UKSPF grants page; email applications to highstreetgrants@cumberland.gov.uk before 1 August 2025. All improvement work must be completed by 31 December 2025 (cumberland.gov.uk).

🔹 Cumberland UKSPF / REPF Business Grant Programme

• Purpose: Capital and revenue grants to support SME growth, premises improvements, tourism heritage asset development, farm diversification, low-carbon equipment and consultancy support. Delivered via Cumbria Business Growth Hub.

• Funding:

  • Capital grants up to £35,000, usually covering 50% of project cost.

  • Advice vouchers (£500 or £1,000) for consultancy support (no match funding required).

  • Revenue grants of up to £5,000. (Cumbria Growth Hub, Business Crack)

• Eligibility: Micro, small or medium-sized enterprises based anywhere in the Cumberland Council area (former Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland districts).

• Deadlines: Programme delivery continues until 20 February 2026, with all grant spend completed by 31 January 2026. Applications are by Expression of Interest, followed by a full application if shortlisted (Cumbria Chamber of Commerce).

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start-Up Loans (British Business Bank)

• Loan Value: £500 to £25,000 per founder, fixed interest rate (~6% APR), up to five-year terms.

• Extras: Includes 12 months of free mentoring and business planning support.

• Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, with businesses trading under 36 months and a viable idea.

• How to Apply: Via the official GOV.UK portal; support is available locally through Cumbria Business Growth Hub or accredited delivery partners.

Local & Regional Support

🔹 Cumbria Business Growth Hub

• Provides business diagnostics, advice, workshops, mentoring and signposting to UKSPF/REPF grants and other funding. Delivered in partnership with Cumberland Council and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce (Cumbria Growth Hub, Cumbria Growth Hub, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce).

🔹 Cumberland Council – Business Support & Regeneration

• Oversees local business initiatives, including Shopfront grants and broader UKSPF delivery across the region. Former business support tools like Open4Business and Grantway remain accessible under the council rebranding (carlisle.gov.uk).

Eligibility & Application Guidance

• Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support finder for national funding exploration.

• Confirm your business location eligibility for both Shopfront and Cumberland-wide grants via official boundary maps and guidance.

• Prepare typical documentation: business plan, quotes, bank statements, match funding proof, project justification, and trading status confirmation.

Application Steps

1. Identify the right scheme: Shopfront grant, REPF/UKSPF grant, or Start-Up Loan.

2. Confirm eligibility and check deadlines.

3. Gather required documentation.

4. Submit an Expression of Interest (where required) or full application.

5. If shortlisted, provide full application materials.

6. If awarded funding, deliver the project and meet all reporting or completion requirements.

Additional Tips

• Subscribe to Cumbria Business Growth Hub newsletters for updates on grant rounds and workshops.

• Book a diagnostic session through the Growth Hub before applying for capital grants.

• For peer and mentor networks across the region, consider joining https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking.

Contact & Further Information

• Cumberland Council – Shopfront Grants & UKSPF Business Support:
  https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-ukspf (Cumbria Growth Hub, cumberland.gov.uk)

• Cumbria Business Growth Hub – Cumberland Grant Funding & Advice:
  https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/grow-your-business/cumberland-grant-funding-and-advice (Cumbria Growth Hub)

• Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK):
  https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

FAQs

🔹 Which grants are available to Carlisle businesses in 2025?
Small premises can access the Shopfront Improvement Grant (up to £5,000), while SMEs countywide may apply to the Cumberland UKSPF/REPF grants ranging from £500 advice vouchers to capital grants up to £35,000 (cumberland.gov.uk).

🔹 Are rural businesses included?
Yes—all eligible businesses in Cumberland (urban or rural) may apply for REPF grants and revenue support.

🔹 Is Start-Up Loan funding still available?
Yes—entrepreneurs based in Carlisle or elsewhere in the UK can apply nationwide through the official Start-Up Loans scheme.

🔹 Can I combine grant and loan support?
Yes—it’s possible to receive REPF or UKSPF grant alongside a Start-Up Loan if you're eligible.

🔹 What grant uses are permitted under REPF?
Typical uses include equipment, productivity improvements, premises renovation, tourism heritage upgrades, farm diversification, and business consultancy.

🔹 Where can I get help preparing an application?
Free support is available via the Cumbria Business Growth Hub, and Cumbria Council’s regeneration staff can also assist with grant guidance.