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    Last update 19/07/2025

    2025 Government‑Backed Loans & Grants for Startups and Small Businesses in Havering (UK‑Wide Guide)


    Introduction

    This guide highlights key national government-backed loan schemes and local grant opportunities accessible to startups and small businesses in Havering in 2025. All links are official, up-to-date, and fully visible for easy access.


    Government‑Backed Loan Schemes

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)


    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme

    • Purpose: Business support via working capital, investment, or refinancing

    • Amount: Up to £2 million

    • Note: Closed to new applications


    🔹 Bounce Back Loan Scheme

    • Status: Closed to new applicants; previously offered up to £50,000 with government backing


    National Grants and Finance Platforms

    These national programmes are also available to businesses in Havering:


    Local Business Support & Grants

    🌱 Business Support & Advice (Havering Council)

    • Single point of contact: Business Development Team supports startups, expansion, and relocation

    • Services: Advice on recruitment, training, finance, planning, networking, and events

    • Contact:
      Business Development Team, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BB
      Email: businessdevelopment@havering.gov.uk (London Borough of Havering)

    🌐 Networking & Innovation Support

    • Support via Havering Chamber of Commerce & Industry

    • KEEP+ programme (through Anglia Ruskin University) helps SMEs innovate

    • Access the London Business Hub for broader resources (London Borough of Havering)


    Eligibility Guidance

    • Loans: UK-registered businesses with a strong business plan, forecast, and clean credit history

    • Grants / UKSPF: Local businesses or community groups delivering improvements in skills, enterprise, or town centres in Havering (GOV.UK)


    Application Process

    1. Choose the right loan or grant scheme for your needs.

    2. Prepare documents: business plan, forecasts, registration and credit info.

    3. Apply via GOV.UK (Start-Up Loans) or through Havering Council/business partners (for UKSPF-led programmes).

    4. Attend interviews, workshops, or assessments if needed.

    5. Monitor outcomes and comply with reporting/business metrics requirements.


    Additional Tips

    • Network through Havering Chamber or local meetups.

    • Gain mentoring via Start‑Up Loans and educational support programmes like KEEP+.

    • Use digital templates and guidance from GOV.UK, British Business Bank, Innovate UK, and London Business Hub.


    Contact & Further Information


    FAQs

    ▫️ What loans can I apply for in Havering?

    • Start‑Up Loans (£500–£25k) with mentoring

    • Recovery Loans (closed to new applicants)

    • Bounce Back Loans (now closed to new applications)

     

    ▫️ How much UKSPF funding is Havering allocated?
    £856,358 for 2025–26, supporting community, business, and skills interventions (Startup Grant, npt.gov.uk, democracy.havering.gov.uk).

     

    ▫️ Who should I contact for local business support?
    The Havering Business Development Team at the Town Hall, Romford — email [email protected] (Startup Grant, London Borough of Havering).

     

    ▫️ Where can I find networking opportunities?
    Join the Havering Chamber, KEEP+, or access the London Business Hub via the council (content.govdelivery.com, London Borough of Havering).

     

    ▫️ What should I prepare before applying for a loan?
    A solid business plan, cash-flow forecast, UK registration, and strong credit profile.

     

    ▫️ Are there apprenticeships or business mentoring grants?
    Council-supported programmes like KEEP+ offer innovation mentoring; apprenticeship grants are available through central schemes (see council rates/funding pages).

     

    ▫️ How do I apply for a Start‑Up Loan?
    Apply online via GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan.

     

    ▫️ Is the Recovery Loan Scheme still open?
    No—it's now closed to new borrowers.

     

     

     

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