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    Last update 22/07/2025

    2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Exeter, UK


    🔹 Introduction

    Exeter offers a supportive business environment featuring government-backed loans, local grants, and tailored support from Exeter City Council alongside the Heart of the South West Growth Hub to help startups and SMEs grow.


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    • Amount: £500–£25,000

    • Interest: Fixed 6% p.a., includes mentoring and planning support

    • Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, trading under 36 months

    • Apply via: 👉 GOV.UK – Apply for a Start‑Up Loan


    🔹 Local Grants & Support

    Exeter City Grants Programme

    • Purpose: Small grants to support community, cultural, or local business initiatives

    • Amount: Up to £2,500 per project from an overall £50,000 budget

    • Focus Areas: Exwick, St Thomas, Newtown, Beacon Heath, City Centre, and more in 2025/26 (content.govdelivery.com, Startup Grant, LinkedIn)

    • Rounds: Typically three annually—prev. closed: 16 June 2025, decisions 7 July 2025 (LinkedIn)

    • Apply via: Exeter Grants Programme page (exeter.gov.uk)


    UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Prosper Business Support

    • Support: Free business coaching, digital reviews, workshops, and grant navigation

    • Administered by: Exeter City Council and HotSW Growth Hub (exeter.gov.uk, LinkedIn)


    🔹 Regional Support

    Heart of the South West Growth Hub

    • Services: Bespoke advice, funding searches, R&D, innovation, net zero guidance

    • Eligibility: Businesses across Devon (including Exeter), Somerset, Plymouth, Torbay (heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk, heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk)

    • Access: Via online enquiry or workshop booking


    Innovation & Resilience Fund (IRF4)

    • Grants: £3,000–£30,000 for equipment, facility upgrades, or resilience projects

    • Match funding: 30% required

    • Next closing round: EOIs by 23 July 2025, applications close 15 August 2025 (LinkedIn)


    Exeter Science Park Support

    • Opportunities: Business incubation, Grow-On space, innovation partnerships

    • Funding backbone: Financed via Local Growth Deal and Getting Building Fund (Wikipedia)


    Business Rates Relief & Energy Efficiency

    • Schemes: Retail, hospitality & leisure relief; business rates exemptions up to £110,000 for eligible firms (exeter.gov.uk)


    🔹 How to Access Support

    1. Define your funding goal – startup, community, equipment, green.

    2. Match needs to local or regional schemes – Exeter grants, IRF4, Start-Up Loans.

    3. Confirm eligibility – location, sector, project scale.

    4. Prepare materials – business plan, forecasts, proposals, quotes.

    5. Apply through appropriate channel – Exeter Council grant portal or Growth Hub.

    6. Monitor deadlines – e.g., IRF4 by 23 July, Exeter grants in mid-year, Start-Up Loans anytime.

    7. Attend workshops – funding application best practices via Growth Hub (LinkedIn, exeter.gov.uk, Startup Grant, LinkedIn, content.govdelivery.com)


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Subscribe to Exeter City Council newsletter to stay informed (content.govdelivery.com)

    • Use Growth Hub events for peer-learning and funding insights

    • Consider Exeter Science Park for technology-led ventures

    • Take advantage of business rates relief if eligible


    🔹 Contact & Further Information

    • GOV.UK Start‑Up Loan ➤ Apply here

    • Exeter City Grants Programme ➤ [Exeter grants page] (link from Exeter site) (Wikipedia, LinkedIn, exeter.gov.uk)

    • Prosper Business Support (UKSPF) ➤ Via Exeter Council business/funding pages (exeter.gov.uk)

    • Growth Hub Grant Searches & IRF4 ➤ [Heart of the South West Growth Hub] (heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk)

    • Business rates & relief info ➤ Exeter business‑rates relief scheme (exeter.gov.uk)

    • Exeter Science Park ➤ via park website (Wikipedia)


    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     

    🔹 What grants are available in Exeter?
    – Exeter City Grants (up to £2,500) targeting local community and business projects.
    – Prosper business support via UKSPF programmes.
    – IRF4 grants (£3k–£30k) for resilience and equipment funding throughout 2025 (Startup Grant, exeter.gov.uk).

     

    🔹 How much can I borrow through Start‑Up Loans?
    Between £500 and £25,000 with fixed 6% interest, repayable over 1–5 years, including mentoring support.

     

    🔹 When is the next Exeter grants round?
    Applications typically round three annually; Round 1 closed 16 June 2025, decisions made 7 July 2025 (Startup Grant, LinkedIn).

     

    🔹 Who qualifies for IRF4 funding?
    SMEs in Devon needing investment in equipment, facilities, or resilience—EOI by 23 July 2025 (LinkedIn).

     

    🔹 Do I need a business plan?
    Yes—essential for all funding types (loans and grants).

     

    🔹 Can I apply for multiple grants or loans?
    Yes, as long as you meet individual eligibility and comply with each scheme’s rules.

     

    🔹 What support is available for innovative or green projects?
    – IRF4 for resilience upgrades
    – Prosper business support includes innovation and transition guidance
    – Opportunities at Exeter Science Park (Startup Grant, exeter.gov.uk, Wikipedia)

     

    🔹 How can I reduce my business rates?
    Check if eligible for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure relief, potentially up to £110,000 support (exeter.gov.uk).

     

    🔹 Where do I start?

    1. Identify your goal

    2. Explore eligibility

    3. Connect with Growth Hub or Council

    4. Prepare your application

    5. Apply before deadlines

    6. Follow up promptly

     

     

     

     

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