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Last update 20/07/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in Ceredigion, UK

Introduction

Ceredigion supports a diverse business ecosystem with a range of grants and government-backed loans for startups and established enterprises. Discover the key funding opportunities available in 2025 to fuel your entrepreneurial ambitions.

Available Grants

🔹 Cynnal y Cardi UK Shared Prosperity Fund (2025–26)

Purpose: Supports both business and community-led economic or social projects.
- Community Development & Support Fund: £1,000–£50,000 (70% funding)
- Business Capital Fund: £5,000–£50,000 (70% funding) (ceredigion.llyw.cymru, ceredigion.gov.uk)
Details:
- Match-funding must be cash; minimum grant £1,000.
- Open 18 June–30 Sept 2025, or until funds are used, with activity completed by 31 Jan 2026 (ceredigion.llyw.cymru, ceredigion.llyw.cymru).
Apply: Through providers like Mentera, Antur Cymru, Busnes Cymru, Cwmpas (ceredigion.gov.uk).

🔹 Cynnal y Cardi Events Programme Fund

Purpose: Supports events that boost the local economy and community well-being.
Details: Consult the council site for updates—a rolling window approach may apply.

🔹 ARFOR Programme (Ceredigion)

Purpose: Enhances Welsh-language heartlands via economic and cultural projects.
Amount: £5,000–£75,000 (up to 70% funding) (ceredigion.gov.uk)
Status: Applications closed March 2025 for this phase (ceredigion.gov.uk)
Next Steps: Monitor for a potential new phase; contact council for future rounds.

🔹 Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant

Purpose: Supports physical regeneration of town centres and commercial properties.
Amount/Status: See council updates for availability—part of wider Transforming Towns scheme.

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans Wales

Amount: £500–£25,000 plus 12 months free mentoring support.

🔹 Development Bank of Wales

Offers scalable loan and equity funding to Welsh businesses at all stages.

Key Resources

Business Wales – National business support hub.
Ceredigion County Council – Funding & Grants – Application guides and eligibility.
Mentera – One of the delivery partners for Cynnal y Cardi; provides application support (rhaglenarfor.cymru, Business News Wales).

Council Contact Information

📞 01545 570881
✉️ clic@ceredigion.gov.uk
🌐 Funding portal via Ceredigion County Council website.

Application Advice

Engage early with Mentera, Business Wales, or the Council for support.
Verify eligibility and match-funding requirements (typically 70% grants).
Prepare a strong application — robust business plan, forecasts, cost quotes.
Submit promptly: applications are processed on a first-come basis by deadline.
Track outputs and ensure funding is fully claimed by expiry dates.

Additional Insights

ARFOR's first phase supported 154 businesses and created ~238 full-time jobs in Ceredigion (ceredigion.gov.uk, ceredigion.gov.uk, ceredigion.llyw.cymru, ceredigion.llyw.cymru, rhaglenarfor.cymru).
The regional Shared Prosperity Fund has committed over £40 million across 166 projects in mid-Wales (English - Growing Mid Wales).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What can the Cynnal y Cardi Business Capital Fund be used for?
Capital expenditure & specialist revenue (e.g., training linked to equipment) with grants from £5k–£50k, covering 70% of eligible costs (ceredigion.gov.uk).

▫️ Can community projects access Cynnal y Cardi funding?
Yes—Community Development & Support grants offer £1k–£50k for social and infrastructure projects (ceredigion.gov.uk, ceredigion.gov.uk).

🔹 Is ARFOR funding still available?
No—current round closed March 2025. Watch for a new phase, as demand remains high in Welsh-speaking areas (ceredigion.gov.uk).

▫️ What support does Mentera offer?
Mentera provides guidance, workshops, and direct help applying for Cynnal y Cardi grants (Business News Wales).

🔹 Are event grants still open?
The Cynnal y Cardi Events Fund continues in 2025—check council for calls.

▫️ How much can I borrow via Start‑Up Loans?
Between £500 and £25,000, with 12 months of mentoring.

🔹 What does the Development Bank of Wales offer?
Loans and equity to grow businesses—sums vary by stage and need.

▫️ Can I apply for multiple grants?
Yes—provided they fund different elements of your project and meet the criteria.

🔹 When does the Business Capital Fund close?
Applications open on 18 June and close on 30 September 2025, or until funds are allocated (ceredigion.gov.uk).

▫️ What’s required to apply?
Business plan, cost breakdowns, match funding details and consultation with a support provider.

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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