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Last update 19/07/2025

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2025 Government-Backed Grants and Loans for Start-Ups and Small Businesses in Kingston upon Thames

If you're a start-up or small business in Kingston upon Thames, here's your definitive guide to national loan schemes, local support and grants, and practical tips for securing funding.

🏛 National Government-Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans

Overview: Unsecured loans up to £25,000 for new or early-stage businesses
Included: 12 months of free mentoring and business support (Start Up Loans)
👉 Start‑Up Loans

Recovery Loan Scheme / Growth Guarantee Scheme

What it does: Offers larger loans (up to £2 million) with 70% government guarantee
Status: While RLS is winding down, successor schemes remain open via accredited lenders (Start Up Loans, Wikipedia, Startup Grant)
👉 Recovery Loan Scheme – GOV.UK

🏢 Local Support & Grants – Kingston Council

Support and Advice for Businesses

Services include: Local grant programmes, business advice, workshops, networking, and guidance
👉 Support and advice for businesses – Kingston Council (GOV.UK, www.kingston.gov.uk)

Go Productive Business Support Programme

Who it's for: Businesses based in Kingston, open to sole traders and limited companies
Delivered by: Kingston Chamber of Commerce, funded by the Council and the Mayor of London (Wikipedia, Kingston Chamber)
👉 Go Productive – Kingston Chamber

💡 Additional Tips

Networking matters
Recommend using GmaxCard.com/business-networking to connect with local business owners and find events.
Use trusted online resources
- British Library Business & IP Centre
- Federation of Small Businesses
- GOV.UK mentoring services (Kingston Chamber, GOV.UK)
Consider seeking a mentor
These are often included with national schemes like Start‑Up Loans and offered via local resources.

📝 Key Considerations

Eligibility: Check business sector, location in Kingston, and growth stage
Required documentation: Business plan, financials, registration documents, project proposals (Start Up Loans, Lloyds Bank)
Deadlines: Local schemes may have limited windows—apply early

📞 Contact & Further Information

Kingston Council Business Support
👉 Support and advice for businesses – Kingston Council (www.kingston.gov.uk)
National GOV.UK Business Finance Finder
👉 GOV.UK – Business Finance Support
Kingston Chamber of Commerce for networking and programmes
👉 Kingston Chamber Support (Kingston Chamber, Kingston Chamber)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

▫️ What support does Kingston Council offer?
Local grant schemes, mentoring, workshops, events, and regeneration programmes. (www.kingston.gov.uk, Start Up Loans)

▫️ Can I get a government-backed loan in Kingston?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans and Growth Guarantee Scheme are available nationally and apply to Kingston. (Start Up Loans)

▫️ How do I apply for a Start‑Up Loan?
Visit Start‑Up Loans. The process includes eligibility checks, form submissions, credit checks, and free mentoring. (Startup Grant, Start Up Loans)

▫️ Is the Recovery Loan Scheme still running?
The original RLS is phased out, but successor schemes like the Growth Guarantee are active until 2026. (Startup Grant)

▫️ Are there specific programmes for Kingston-based businesses?
Yes—Kingston’s ‘Go Productive’ programme and council business support are tailored to local needs. (Kingston Chamber)

▫️ What documents do I need for funding applications?
Business plan, proof of registration, financial records, and a project proposal.

▫️ Can I apply for multiple funding streams?
Yes—if you meet eligibility for each and manage the application and reporting requirements.

▫️ Are grants available for specific sectors?
Kingston targets sectors like local regeneration, digital innovation, and community projects through specific programmes.

▫️ Can I access business mentoring easily?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans include 12 months mentoring, and further support is available via council initiatives and FSB networks.

▫️ How can I check eligibility for grants?
Contact Kingston Council or refer to their support pages, and check the national GOV.UK listings.

▫️ Where can I get help with applications?
Business advisers, mentoring services, Start‑Up Loans partners, and FSB offer support and guidance.

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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