Top Startup Grants in Harborough, UK: Unlock Funding Opportunities

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Last update 21/07/2025

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Grants and Government-Backed Loans for Startups and Small Businesses in Harborough District (2025 Guide)

Looking to start or grow a business in Harborough District? While the council doesn’t offer direct business grants, there are several valuable funding opportunities, government-backed loans, and local business support schemes to help entrepreneurs and SMEs succeed.

💸 Key Business Funding Opportunities

✅ Start-Up Loans (UK Government)

Receive up to £25,000 in unsecured personal loan funding for new or growing businesses, with 12 months of free mentoring and support.
🔗 Apply via Start-Up Loans

✅ British Business Bank

A national development bank offering finance options such as loans, equity funding, and guarantees to support SME growth.
🔗 Explore finance options

✅ Harborough Rural Grant Scheme (via REPF)

Targeted at businesses in rural parts of the district, this grant supports capital projects that improve productivity, create jobs, or promote innovation.

Grant Amounts: £5,000–£20,000
Sectors: Farming diversification, low-carbon tech, creative industries, heritage, and rural tourism
Match Funding: Minimum 10–25% required
Deadline: 30 June 2025
🔗 Apply online
🔗 More about rural grants

✅ The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

Provides interest-free loans of up to £20,000 for individuals aged 18–45 starting or expanding a business in Leicestershire or Rutland.
🔗 Learn more

✅ The Harry James Riddleston Charity

Another interest-free loan option for eligible individuals under 45 in the area.

🏢 Local Business Support in Harborough

Harborough District Council – Business Support

Offers guidance on grants, funding schemes, and local enterprise support.
🔗 Business Support Portal

Invest in Harborough

A hub for economic development, inward investment, and access to local grant programmes.
🔗 Invest in Harborough

East Midlands Chamber & Enterprise Agencies

Great resources for networking, workshops, and funding advice.

📌 How to Access Business Funding in Harborough

Identify your business needs – equipment, renovation, tech adoption, etc.
Check your location – ensure you qualify (especially for rural grants).
Create a solid business plan – include forecasts, objectives, and use of funds.
Prepare documentation – such as quotes, match funding proof, and financials.
Apply early – grant schemes often have limited rounds.
Seek guidance – contact Harborough’s business support team or partner agencies.

📞 Contact Information

Harborough District Council
🌐 harborough.gov.uk/business-support
📞 01858 821100
✉️ business@harborough.gov.uk

Sir Thomas White Loan Charity
🌐 stwcharity.co.uk
📞 0116 204 6620

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 Does Harborough Council offer business grants?
They don’t offer direct grants for all businesses but do provide rural business grants via the REPF scheme.

🔹 What is the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme?
It’s a capital grant for businesses based in rural Harborough, offering between £5,000 and £20,000 to support growth and diversification.

🔹 Am I eligible for a Start-Up Loan?
Yes, if you’re a UK-based entrepreneur or early-stage business with a solid business plan.

🔹 Can I apply for both a grant and a loan?
Yes, many businesses combine grant funding with Start-Up Loans or interest-free loans from charitable providers.

🔹 What’s the deadline for rural grant applications?
The current round closes on 30 June 2025.

🔹 How do I apply for the Sir Thomas White Loan?
Check the stwcharity.co.uk website for the next application window and eligibility criteria.

🔹 Can I get help preparing my application?
Yes—Harborough District Council, the Invest in Harborough portal, and local enterprise agencies can assist.

🔹 Are there funding options for people under 45?
Yes—both the Sir Thomas White and Harry James Riddleston charities provide interest-free business loans for individuals aged 18–45.

🔹 How often do grant schemes change?
Grant schemes are reviewed annually—visit harborough.gov.uk or subscribe to council alerts.

🔹 What other support can I access in Harborough?
Networking events, business planning workshops, LEP funding, and one-to-one mentoring are available via local chambers and Invest in Harborough.

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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