Funding Opportunities in Newport: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses

Newport City Council, dedicated to fostering a thriving business ecosystem, provides a range of financial assistance options to support startups, small businesses, and new ventures within its borders. Whether you're embarking on your entrepreneurial journey or seeking to expand your operations, explore the grants and government-backed loans available to power your ambitions.

Grants

Newport Business Grants: Provides funding to small and medium-sized businesses in the city to help with start-up and other costs. Grants of up to £2,500 are available for businesses outside the city centre and grants up to £5,000 for those located within the city centre.
- Newport Business Grants
Accelerated Growth Grants: Offers grants of between £25,000 and £75,000 towards capital investment for established or new companies to set up premises or for existing city businesses to accelerate their plans for growth.
Net Zero Newport Business and Community Decarbonisation Programme: Offers match-funded grants of up to £30,000 to local businesses to cover building surveys, energy efficiency upgrades, and the installation of renewable energy infrastructure. The program also offers free technical advice, decarbonisation plans, support, and networking opportunities.

Government-Backed Loans

Loans to New Businesses: Offers loans of up to £1,000 to pre-startups and new businesses under 12 months old. The loan can be used for various purposes, including plant and equipment, ICT equipment, software, marketing projects, building works, and alterations.
- Loans to new businesses | Newport City Council
Start-Up Loans Wales: Provides government-backed personal loans and mentoring for new businesses in Wales.
- Start Up Loans Wales
Development Bank of Wales: Offers various loan and equity investment options to support Welsh businesses at different growth stages.
- Development Bank of Wales
The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme: Works with 18 to 30-year-olds to turn big ideas into a business reality through the Enterprise Programme.
New Enterprise Allowance (NEA): Allows unemployed people to retain some benefits for up to 6 months after starting a business. A loan and mentoring scheme is also available.

Council Contact Details

Website: Newport City Council
Phone: +44 1633 656656
Email: council@newport.gov.uk

Advice on Applying

Contact Business Wales or Newport City Council: Reach out to them for guidance on the most suitable funding options for your business.
Check Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria carefully for each grant or loan program to ensure your business qualifies.
Prepare a Strong Application: Submit a well-structured application with a clear business plan, financial projections, and a detailed explanation of how you'll use the funding.
Meet Deadlines: Be aware of submission deadlines and ensure you submit your application on time, as late applications may not be considered.

Key Resources

Business Wales: The Welsh Government's business support service provides information and guidance on funding, starting, and growing a business.
- Business Wales
Swansea Council - Business Support: Offers information on various business support programs and funding opportunities specific to Swansea.
- Swansea Council - Business Support
Find Business Support: The Welsh Government's website allows searching for funding and support programs based on your location and business needs.
- Find Business Support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum grant available for new businesses in Newport?
- The Newport Business Start-Up Grant offers up to £10,000 depending on location and specific business needs.
Are there grants available for businesses focusing on digital development?
- Yes, the Swansea Digital Development Grant provides up to £2,000 to enhance digital capabilities.
What support is available for businesses focusing on sustainability?
- The Net Zero Newport Program offers match-funded grants up to £30,000 for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy installations.
Who qualifies for the UK Steel Grant in Newport?
- New startups or businesses under two years old within the Swansea Council area can apply for up to £500 to cover 50% of project costs.
What is the interest rate for loans from Business Loans Scotland?
- Loans from Business Loans Scotland typically have an interest rate of around 11%.
How can Start Up Loans Wales help new business owners?
- This program offers personal loans from £500 to £25,000 with 12 months of free mentoring to help start or grow a business.
What is the purpose of the Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme?
- It helps young entrepreneurs aged 18-30 develop their business ideas with training, mentoring, and access to funding.
Can businesses use the Development Bank of Wales for large projects?
- Yes, this bank provides loans and equity from £1,000 up to £5 million for various growth stages and needs.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant?
- This grant is open to local businesses, social enterprises, and public bodies for projects that enhance town centers in mid-Wales.
How does the New Enterprise Allowance support new entrepreneurs?
- NEA helps unemployed individuals start businesses by allowing them to retain some benefits and providing access to loans and mentoring.

By navigating through these FAQs and utilizing the resources provided by Business Wales and Newport City Council, entrepreneurs can effectively tap into the available financial support to boost their business ventures in Newport.

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