🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit

Learn More

Get Support

National Grants

National Grants Get My Funding Pack How To Apply Eligibility Create Business Plan Preparation For Grants Get Support

Last update 21/07/2025

Request a call

Grants and Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Midlothian, UK: Your 2025 Funding Guide

If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner in Midlothian looking for funding, you're in the right place. Midlothian Council and national organisations offer a range of grants and government-backed loans to support your startup journey and business growth. This guide outlines key opportunities and offers practical advice to help you apply successfully.

💸 Grant and Loan Programmes

✅ Midlothian Business Start-Up Grant

Offers up to £2,000 for businesses that have started trading within the last 12 months. Funds can be used for early-stage growth, equipment, marketing, or premises.
More info: Midlothian Council Business Support

✅ Business Association Fund

Grants of £1,500 are available for businesses that work together on local projects through a business association.
More info: TEPF Business Association Fund

🏦 Government-Backed Loans

✅ Business Loans Scotland

Loans from £25,000 to £100,000 for businesses that can’t access bank funding. Fixed interest rate of 6%, repayable over 5 years.
More info: Business Loans Scotland

✅ Start-Up Loans UK

UK government-backed loans of £500 to £25,000 for new businesses less than 2 years old. Includes free mentoring and business support.
More info: Start-Up Loans UK

🧭 Key Resources

Business Gateway Midlothian – Local business support and funding guidance
Visit Website
Midlothian Council – Business Advice & Support
Visit Website
Find Business Support – Scottish Government
Explore Funding

📌 Advice on Applying

Contact Business Gateway Midlothian for expert guidance.
Review eligibility for each scheme before applying.
Submit a strong application with a solid business plan and clear use of funds.
Apply early to avoid missing deadlines.
Seek support from advisors or consultants to boost your chances.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of businesses are eligible for the Midlothian Business Start-Up Grant?
New businesses based in Midlothian that have started trading within the last 12 months.

How can the Business Association Fund benefit my business?
It funds local collaborations between businesses to support economic or community-based projects.

What are the terms of the loans offered by Business Loans Scotland?
Loans range from £25,000 to £100,000, fixed at 6% interest, with repayment terms of up to 5 years.

Can startups apply for the Start-Up Loans scheme?
Yes, startups trading for less than 24 months can apply for personal loans and receive mentoring.

Where can I get help with my grant or loan application?
Business Gateway Midlothian offers free one-to-one support, workshops, and tools.

What should I include in my business plan when applying for funding?
A summary of your business model, market strategy, projected finances, and how you’ll use the funding.

How often do funding opportunities open in Midlothian?
Timings vary. Check with Midlothian Council and Business Gateway regularly for updates.

Are there grants specifically for adopting digital technology?
Yes, some funding schemes support digital upgrades. Ask Business Gateway about current options.

What kind of support does the Find Business Support site offer?
It lists live grants, loans, training, and advice services tailored to Scottish businesses.

Who can help me confirm my eligibility?
Business Gateway Midlothian advisors can walk you through the criteria and help prepare your application.

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.

FREE BUSINESS TOOLS