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    Last update 19/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Government‑Backed Loans for Startups in Hackney (UK‑Wide Guide)


    Introduction

    Hackney is a vibrant hotspot for startups and small businesses. This guide covers the latest local grants and government‑backed loan schemes available in 2025. All links are up-to-date, fully visible, and point to official sources.


    Local Support from Hackney Council

    🔹 Hackney Council Business Support

    • Offers grants, loans, coaching, mentoring, and business advice via the Business Support Programme (Hackney Council Business Support) (startupgrant.co.uk, hackney.gov.uk)

    • The current 2024–25 programme provides tailored support to up to 250 businesses with a £700,000 package, covering coaching, workshops, grants, net-zero support, energy audits, workspace access, and mentorship (hackney.gov.uk)


    National Government‑Backed Loan Schemes

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)


    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme

    • Offered up to £2 million for businesses needing working capital—now closed to new applications


    🔹 Bounce Back Loan Scheme

    • Also close to new applicants


    Other Local & Community Grants

    • Hackney VCS Grants Programme (2025) for voluntary/community groups—round opens Summer 2025 (hcvs.org.uk, facebook.com, startupgrant.co.uk, hackney.gov.uk)

    • Hackney Central Impact & Ideas Fund: Distributed £600,000 among 23 local enterprises—focus on resilience, innovation, and sustainability (Hackney Council News)

    • Hackney Community Energy Fund: Grants up to £5,000 for energy-saving property retrofits; deadline 31 July 2025 (hcvs.org.uk)


    Beyond Government Finance

    • Crowdfunding (e.g. Kickstarter, Indiegogo) for public-backed capital

    • Angel Investment & Venture Capital: Suited to high-growth startups seeking equity investors


    Eligibility Guidance

    • Start‑Up Loans: UK-resident founders with viable business plans and suitable credit

    • Local Grants: Available to Hackney-registered SMEs, social enterprises, and community groups

    • Energy & Net Zero Grants: Must act on audit recommendations for premises retrofits


    Application Process

    1. Identify relevant support (loan, grant, or coaching)

    2. Gather required documentation: plan, forecasts, identity, premises

    3. Apply online—via GOV.UK (Start‑Up Loan) or Hackney Council portals

    4. Attend any interviews, site visits, or training sessions

    5. Receive the decision and comply with the funding conditions


    Additional Tips


    Contact & Further Information


    FAQs

    ▫️ What support can I get from Hackney Council?
    Grants, loans, coaching, mentoring, workspace, and net-zero energy audits through Hackney Impact and council programmes. (hackney.gov.uk, Instagram)

     

    ▫️ How do I access Start‑Up Loans?
    Apply via GOV.UK, with mentoring provided as part of the national scheme.

     

    ▫️ Are the Recovery Loan and Bounce Back schemes still available?
    No — both are closed to new applicants.

     

    ▫️ What are the local community grants?
    Hackney VCS Grants open summer 2025; Hackney Community Energy Fund offers up to £5,000 for net-zero retrofits. (hackney.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk)

     

    ▫️ Who runs Hackney Impact?
    A consortium including Allia, East End Trades Guild, Hackney CVS, Better Futures, and Social Founders offering coaching, net-zero advice, and workspace. (Hackney Business Network)

     

    ▫️ How do I get net-zero funding?
    First, get a free energy audit; then apply for follow-on net-zero retrofit grants via Hackney Impact. (hackneyimpact.com)

     

    ▫️ Where can I find business events and networks?
    Join Hackney Business Network via the council/business portal for access to local events and peer meetups. (hackney.gov.uk, Hackney Business Network)

     

     

     

     

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