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Last update 20/07/2025

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Manchester City Council 2025: Loans & Local Support for Startups & Small Businesses

Manchester provides a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small businesses, offering government‑backed loans, city-level grants, and regional investment schemes aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and resilience.

🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans
Loans from £500 to £25,000, at ~6% APR, with 12 months of mentoring from the British Business Bank.
👉 Start‑Up Loans
Recovery Loan Scheme
Ongoing national scheme via the British Business Bank to help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID‑19.

🔹 Manchester City Council Support

**Manchester City Council Business Support**
Offers advisory services, live chat, and access to loan & grant funding, including workspace development and business events.
👉 Manchester City Council Business Support (manchester.gov.uk)
**Business Investment Fund**
Administered via GMCA, provides £250,000 to £5 million in loans or equity to businesses creating jobs in Greater Manchester.
👉 Via Manchester City Council "Loans for businesses" page (manchester.gov.uk)

🔹 Regional & North West Funding

Greater Manchester Business Investment Fund
Commercial loans/equity of £200k–£5m for job‑creating businesses in sectors like digital, low carbon, manufacturing, and life sciences (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk).
Foundational Economy Innovation Fund
Grants of up to £11,000 for SMEs trialling new ideas in essential services; successful applicants may progress to £60,000 in phase two (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk).
North East Business Support & Investment
Grants of £3,000–£8,000 and loan/investment support ranging £10,000–£2 million for SMEs across the North West (manchester.gov.uk, Centre for Sustainable Innovation).
Energy Efficiency Grants
Up to £5,000 available for SMEs across Greater Manchester to fund heating upgrades, LED lighting, and energy‑saving equipment (Greater Manchester Business Board).

💡 Getting the Right Funding

Establish your need: startup, innovation, recovery, energy efficiency, or workspace.
Confirm eligibility—sector, turnover, location, growth potential.
Consult the GM Business Growth Hub (free specialist guidance) (GM Business Growth Hub).
Apply for suitable loan or grant schemes viathe Council or GMCA portals.
Leverage mentoring and application support through City Council and Growth Hub resources.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What funding is available for workspace projects?
The Council offers support via loan and grant schemes to help SMEs develop workspace under the Business Investment Fund (democracy.manchester.gov.uk, greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk, manchester.gov.uk).

Q2: How do I access the Foundational Economy Innovation Fund?
Suitable SMEs in sectors like retail and education can trial innovations with grants up to £11,000 initially (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk).

Q3: Are there energy‑efficiency grants available?
Yes—SMEs can apply for up to £5,000 to fund energy upgrades under GMCA’s green economy initiative (Greater Manchester Business Board).

Q4: How large can my business loan be?
Loans range from £250k–£5m under the Greater Manchester Business Investment Fund, with smaller loans via Start‑Up or Recovery Loan schemes (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk, manchester.gov.uk).

Q5: Where can I find business support and advice?
GM Business Growth Hub offers funding navigation and mentoring. Contact them at 0161 359 3050 or bgh@growthco.uk (GM Business Growth Hub).

🧭 Next Steps

Visit:
- Manchester City Council Business Support
- GM Business Growth Hub
Contact:
- Growth Hub: 0161 359 3050 / bgh@growthco.uk
- City Council Business Support: via website link or phone
Prepare:
- Business plan and financial forecasts
- Project details for loan/grant applications
- Energy upgrade strategies if pursuing green 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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