Funding Opportunities in Ceredigion: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses

Ceredigion, with its thriving entrepreneurial landscape, offers a variety of grant and loan schemes to support startups and small businesses within its borders. Whether you're in the early stages of launching your venture or looking to expand, explore these funding options available to empower your business ambitions.

Grant and Loan Programs

Grants:

Cynnal y Cardi UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2022-2025: This initiative provides funding for projects aimed at promoting economic growth and community development in the region. It encompasses three key themes:
- Boosting the Economy: Supporting businesses and enabling employment, offering grants of up to £100,000 with a minimum of 10% match funding required.
- Supporting New Entrepreneurs: Assisting aspiring business owners with their start-up aspirations, offering grants of up to £2,000 with no match funding needed.
- Supporting Existing Businesses: Aiding established businesses with their growth plans, offering grants of up to £10,000 with a minimum of 10% match funding required.
- Cynnal y Cardi UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2022-2025
Cynnal y Cardi Events Programme Fund: Supports events that boost the local economy and community well-being.
- Cynnal y Cardi Events Programme Fund
ARFOR Programme: Aims to support sustainable economic growth and job creation in coastal communities, offering grants up to £150,000 for capital projects and up to £10,000 for revenue projects.
- ARFOR Programme
Transforming Towns Place Making Grant: Provides funding to improve the physical appearance of town centers and support local businesses.
- Transforming Towns Place Making Grant

Government-Backed Loans:

Start-Up Loans Wales: Offers government-backed personal loans from £500 to £25,000, along with 12 months of free mentoring support for individuals starting or growing a business in Wales.
- Start Up Loans Wales
Development Bank of Wales: Provides various loan and equity investment options to support Welsh businesses at different growth stages.
- Development Bank of Wales

Key Resources

Business Wales: The Welsh Government's business support service provides information and guidance on funding, starting, and growing a business.
- Business Wales
Ceredigion County Council - Business Support: The council's website offers details on local business support programs, including funding opportunities.
- Ceredigion County Council - Business Support

Ceredigion County Council Contact Details

Phone: 01545 570881
Email: clic@ceredigion.gov.uk
Website: Ceredigion County Council

Advice on Applying

Contact Business Wales or Ceredigion County Council's Business Support Team: Reach out for personalized guidance on suitable funding options and application assistance.
Check Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria carefully for each grant or loan program to ensure your business aligns with the program's focus areas and meets all the requirements.
Prepare a Strong Application: Craft a comprehensive and compelling application that includes a robust business plan, realistic financial projections, and a clear articulation of how the funding will fuel your business growth and benefit the local economy.
Meet Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines and submit your applications well in advance to avoid missing out.
Seek Additional Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Business advisors or mentors can offer valuable support with your application and business planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of businesses are eligible for the Cynnal y Cardi UK Shared Prosperity Fund?
- The fund supports businesses focused on economic growth, entrepreneurship, and existing business expansion with specific match funding requirements.
How can I apply for the Transforming Towns Place Making Grant?
- Applications can be made through the Ceredigion County Council website, where details on the required documentation and deadlines are provided.
Is there mentoring support available with Start Up Loans Wales?
- Yes, the Start Up Loans Wales program includes up to 12 months of free mentoring support.
What is the maximum funding available through the ARFOR Programme?
- The program offers up to £150,000 for capital projects and up to £10,000 for revenue projects.
Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time?
- Yes, you can apply for multiple grants as long as your business meets the eligibility criteria for each program.
What support is available for event organization in Ceredigion?
- The Cynnal y Cardi Events Programme Fund supports events that boost the local economy and community well-being.
How soon should I apply before the deadline?
- It’s recommended to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure all documents are in order and the application is complete.
Who can I contact for help with the application process?
- Business Wales and the Ceredigion County Council's Business Support Team can provide assistance with the application process.
What are the interest rates for loans from the Development Bank of Wales?
- Interest rates vary depending on the loan type and the business's stage of development. It’s best to contact the bank directly for specific details.
Are there any grants specifically for startups?
- Yes, the Cynnal y Cardi UK Shared Prosperity Fund includes grants specifically for new entrepreneurs and startups.

By leveraging these funding opportunities and resources, entrepreneurs and small business owners in Ceredigion can secure the financial support and expert guidance they need to succeed.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE

INVESTMENT

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.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT