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Last update 21/07/2025

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Grants and Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Inverclyde: Your 2025 Funding Guide

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner in Inverclyde, there’s a wide range of financial support available to help your business succeed. This guide covers key grants, government-backed loans, and expert resources to help you apply with confidence.

💸 Grant and Loan Programmes

✅ New Business Start-Up Grant

Up to £750 or 50% of eligible costs for businesses trading for less than 6 months.
Find out more via Business Gateway Inverclyde.

✅ Business Assistance Grant

Covers 50% of capital costs, up to £5,000, to support business growth and investment.

✅ New Business Marketing Grant

Provides up to £500 or 100% of project costs for marketing campaigns, including digital ads.

✅ Business Digital Grant

Get up to £1,000 (50% match) for investing in digital technologies and tools.

✅ Capital Equipment Grant

Offers up to £2,000 (50%) to help fund the purchase of vital capital equipment.

✅ Business Training Grant

Up to £500 for training costs (50% match) to upskill staff and strengthen your workforce.

✅ Business Exporting Grant

Provides up to £1,000 (50%) for export development activities, such as market research or trade fairs.

✅ Grant for Tourism Businesses

Offers up to £1,000 (50%) for projects that enhance tourism experiences in Inverclyde.

✅ Property Assistance Scheme

Funding of up to £10,000 (50%) for improvements to commercial premises, such as signage or security.

✅ Towards Net Zero Grant

Grants of up to £2,000 (50%) to help reduce energy usage and support sustainable upgrades.

✅ Staff Wellbeing Grant

Up to £500 (50%) for initiatives that support mental and physical health in the workplace.

🏦 Government-Backed Loans

✅ Business Loan Scheme

Interest-free loans from £5,000 to £25,000, repayable over 1 to 5 years, to help with start-up costs, equipment, or cash flow.

✅ Special Intervention Loan Fund

Loans of up to £50,000 for businesses facing financial challenges. Contact the council directly for details.

🧭 Key Resources

Business Gateway Inverclyde
Local advisors offering free support and help with applications.
Visit Business Gateway Inverclyde
Inverclyde Council – Business Grants and Loans
Overview of all available schemes and how to apply.
Visit Inverclyde Council Business Support

📞 Inverclyde Council Contact Information

Website: www.inverclyde.gov.uk
Phone: +44 1475 717171
Email: Use the contact form on the council website or visit your local council office.

🧾 Advice on Applying

Start with Business Gateway: Their advisors help match you with the right scheme.
Check eligibility: Each grant or loan has clear criteria—ensure your business qualifies.
Build a strong application: Include your business plan, cost breakdown, and growth goals.
Apply early: Funding is limited—don’t wait until deadlines approach.
Ask for help: Many local support services can improve your application’s quality.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I apply for the New Business Start-Up Grant?
Apply via Business Gateway Inverclyde, where you’ll find the application form and guidance.

What does the Business Assistance Grant cover?
It funds up to 50% of capital expenditure, capped at £5,000, for business development projects.

Can the New Business Marketing Grant be used for online advertising?
Yes, it covers 100% of approved marketing activities, including digital ads and promotional content.

Who qualifies for the Business Digital Grant?
Any local business investing in new technologies or digital improvements can apply.

How much can I claim under the Capital Equipment Grant?
You can claim up to £2,000 or 50% of equipment purchase costs.

Is there funding for staff training?
Yes, the Business Training Grant offers up to £500 to cover half of employee training expenses.

What is available for businesses looking to export?
The Business Exporting Grant provides up to £1,000 or 50% for export-related costs.

Are tourism businesses eligible for specific support?
Yes, the Grant for Tourism Businesses supports the development of local tourism projects up to £1,000.

What does the Property Assistance Scheme include?
It supports signage, accessibility improvements, and security enhancements—up to £10,000 or 50%.

How does the Towards Net Zero Grant help?
It encourages energy efficiency and sustainability through up to £2,000 in matched funding.

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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