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

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a small business owner in Inverclyde seeking financial support? Inverclyde offers several grant and loan programs tailored to help startups and small businesses thrive. This guide will delve into the opportunities available and provide advice on how to navigate the application process successfully.

Grant and Loan Programs

Grants

New Business Start-Up Grant
Offers up to £750 or 50% of eligible costs to cover start-up costs for businesses that have commenced trading within the last 6 months. Find out more.
Business Assistance Grant
Provides up to 50% of eligible capital expenditure costs, with a maximum of £5,000, to assist businesses in achieving specific growth objectives. Learn more.
New Business Marketing Grant
Supports businesses new to the area with up to £500 or 100% of costs for a marketing project. Explore details.
Business Digital Grant
Up to £1,000 is available to cover 50% of costs for businesses seeking to enhance their digital capabilities or implement new technologies. More information.
Capital Equipment Grant
Provides up to £2,000 or 50% of costs for the purchase of new capital equipment essential for business growth. Read more.
Business Training Grant
Offers up to £500 to cover 50% of training costs for employees, aiding skill development and business growth. Details here.
Business Exporting Grant
Supports businesses looking to expand into international markets with up to £1,000 or 50% of eligible costs. Find out more.
Grant for Tourism Businesses
Aimed specifically at tourism-related businesses, this grant provides up to £1,000 or 50% of costs for projects enhancing tourism experiences. Learn more.
Property Assistance Scheme
Offers up to £10,000 or 50% of costs for projects involving commercial premises, such as improvements, signage, and security measures. More information.
Towards Net Zero Grant
Encourages businesses to reduce their carbon footprint with up to £2,000 or 50% of eligible costs for energy-efficient investments. Explore details.
Staff Wellbeing Grant
Supports employee wellbeing with up to £500 to cover 50% of costs for initiatives promoting physical and mental health in the workplace. Read more.

Government-Backed Loans

Business Loan Scheme
Provides interest-free loans between £5,000 and £25,000, repayable over 1 to 5 years, to help businesses with various needs, including start-up costs, equipment purchases, and working capital. Learn more.
Inverclyde Council Special Intervention Loan Fund
Offers loans of up to £50,000 to support businesses experiencing financial hardship.

Key Resources

Business Gateway Inverclyde
Your local point of contact for business support and advice. They can assist you in identifying suitable funding opportunities and guide you through the application process. Visit Business Gateway Inverclyde.
Inverclyde Council - Business Grants and Loans
Provides detailed information about available grants and loans, along with eligibility criteria and application forms. Visit Inverclyde Council - Business Grants and Loans.

Inverclyde Council Contact Information

Website: Inverclyde Council
Phone: +44 1475 717171
Email: Contact via the official website or visit local offices for more personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I apply for the New Business Start-Up Grant?
- Visit the Business Gateway website or the specific link provided above to access the application form and further details.
What costs are covered by the Business Assistance Grant?
- This grant covers up to 50% of eligible capital expenditure costs up to a maximum of £5,000.
Can I use the New Business Marketing Grant for online advertising?
- Yes, this grant can cover marketing projects, including online advertising and promotional activities.
Who is eligible for the Business Digital Grant?
- Businesses looking to enhance their digital capabilities or implement new technologies are eligible.
What is the maximum amount I can receive from the Capital Equipment Grant?
- You can receive up to £2,000 or 50% of the cost of new capital equipment.
Is there funding available for staff training?
- Yes, the Business Training Grant provides up to £500 to cover 50% of training costs.
What support is available for businesses wanting to export?
- The Business Exporting Grant offers up to £1,000 or 50% of eligible costs for export-related activities.
Are tourism businesses eligible for specific grants?
- Yes, the Grant for Tourism Businesses provides funding for projects that enhance tourism experiences.
What is the Property Assistance Scheme?
- This scheme offers up to £10,000 or 50% of costs for improvement projects involving commercial premises.
How does the Towards Net Zero Grant support businesses?
- It provides up to £2,000 or 50% of eligible costs for investments aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

This guide aims to help you navigate the various funding opportunities available in Inverclyde to support your business growth and sustainability. For more personalized guidance, don't hesitate to contact Business Gateway Inverclyde or Inverclyde Council directly.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE

INVESTMENT

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.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT