🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
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    Last update 22/07/2025

    2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in East Hertfordshire, UK


    🔹 Introduction

    East Hertfordshire Council supports local entrepreneurs through government-backed loans, UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grants, business rates relief, and specialist county business programmes. Funding runs through to March 2025, with some schemes extending beyond.


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)


    🔹 Local Grants & Support

    East Hertfordshire UKSPF Grants


    Launchpad 2 – Tailored Business Support + Grant

    • Via: Wenta-backed Launchpad 2 programme (East Herts Launchpad 2)

    • Includes:

      • Free specialist workshops & 1‑2‑1 mentoring

      • Capital grants up to £3,000–£5,000 for qualifying businesses (East Herts Launchpad 2)

    • Eligibility: Operating within East Herts, Stevenage & Stansted areas, and in target sectors (e.g. manufacturing, creative, life sciences) (East Herts Launchpad 2)


    Business Rates Relief 2025–26


    🔹 Regional & County Business Support

    Hertfordshire Futures – “Get Enterprising” Programme


    Hertfordshire Growth Hub


    🔹 How to Access Support

    1. Define your business need—loan, capital grant, mentoring, rates relief.

    2. Match to the right scheme – GOV.UK, UKSPF, Launchpad 2, Growth Hub.

    3. Confirm eligibility—Check trading period, sector, geography, SME status.

    4. Prepare documents—Business plan, financials, quotes, premises proof.

    5. Apply via:

      • GOV.UK for Start‑Up Loans

      • East Herts UKSPF portal for capital/community grants

      • Launchpad 2 application for support and grant

      • Rates Relief online via Council portal

      • Hertfordshire Futures / Growth Hub for mentoring/training

    6. Engage— attend workshops and follow up with advisors.

    7. Track deadlines—UKSPF funds run to March 2025; Launchpad 2 and Growth Hub support ongoing.


    🔹 Additional Tips


    🔹 Contact & Further Information

    • Start‑Up Loans: via GOV.UK

    • East Herts UKSPF Grants & Rates Relief: East Hertfordshire Council Business & Support page (East Herts District Council)

    • Launchpad 2 Programme & Grant: via Wenta’s Launchpad 2 site (East Herts Launchpad 2)

    • Hertfordshire Futures – Get Enterprising: business support via Hertfordshire Futures (Hertfordshire Futures)

    • Hertfordshire Growth Hub: diagnostics, GrantFinder, Create Growth (Hertfordshire Growth Hub)

    • Council Contact: 01279 655261 (East Herts Council Business Support)


    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     

    🔹 What grants are available locally?
    East Herts distributes UKSPF grants for tech, productivity, town‑centre projects, cultural events, community and climate initiatives through 2025 (Bishop's Stortford Independent, East Herts Green Party).

     

    🔹 Can I get a capital grant?
    Yes—via Launchpad 2 you may access grants of £3,000–£5,000 coupled with mentoring (East Herts Launchpad 2).

     

    🔹 Do I qualify for business rates relief?
    Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses can claim 40% relief on rates for 2025–26, up to £110,000—apply through the Council’s Relief form (East Herts District Council).

     

    🔹 What support exists for start‑ups in East Herts?
    Start‑Up Loans and free mentoring via Hertfordshire Futures' “Get Enterprising” for businesses trading under 5 years (Hertfordshire Futures).

     

    🔹 Are there sector‑specific programmes?
    Yes—create Growth supports creative sector SMEs, and Launchpad 2 targets manufacturing, life sciences, digital, and related sectors (East Herts Launchpad 2, Hertfordshire Growth Hub).

     

    🔹 Can I apply for multiple programmes?
    Yes—as long as you meet eligibility and comply with each programme's rules.

     

     

     

     

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