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Last update 21/07/2025

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Grants and Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in North Lanarkshire, UK (2025 Guide)

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner in North Lanarkshire looking for funding? The council and partner organisations offer several grants and loan options to help you start, grow, or adapt your business. This guide outlines the key programmes available in 2025.

🧾 Grant and Loan Programmes

Grants

Business Start-Up Fund
Provides up to £2,500 for pre-start businesses to help them launch. Eligible costs include IT, websites, stock, and premises setup.
🔗 Business Start-Up Fund – North Lanarkshire

Business Growth Fund
Grants of up to £20,000 to support strategic growth, job creation, or safeguarding roles. Focused on SMEs planning long-term development.
🔗 Business Growth Fund – North Lanarkshire

Net Zero Business Challenge Fund
Supports SMEs with projects reducing environmental impact — including energy efficiency, renewables, or waste reduction.
🔗 Net Zero Business Challenge Fund

Small Business and Self-Employed Support Scheme
Up to £5,000 for marketing, digital upgrades, consultancy, and innovation support for micro and small businesses.
🔗 Small Business & Self-Employed Scheme

Energy Audit Voucher
Covers the cost of professional energy audits to help you reduce energy waste and lower costs.
🔗 Energy Audit Voucher – North Lanarkshire

Expert Help
Eligible businesses receive up to 5 days of fully funded, specialist business consultancy.
🔗 Expert Help – North Lanarkshire

Government-Backed Loans

Loan Funding (Council-Managed)
North Lanarkshire Council provides access to loan funding for businesses seeking to expand.
🔗 Loan Funding Enquiry – North Lanarkshire

🔍 Key Resources

North Lanarkshire Council: Business Support Overview
Business Gateway Lanarkshire: Visit Gateway
Find Business Support (Scotland-wide): Search Grants

💡 Advice on Applying

Start with Business Gateway – Free guidance on grants, loans, and business planning.
Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet criteria before applying.
Write a Strong Application – Clear business plan, projections, and explanation of how the funds will be used.
Watch the Deadlines – Submit early to avoid missing out.
Get Extra Support – Advisors and consultants can boost your application success.

📞 Contact Info

Council Site: northlanarkshire.gov.uk/business
Gateway Lanarkshire: bgateway.com/lanarkshire
Phone: 0300 123 1020
Email: Use the council contact form

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Business Start-Up Fund?
This fund offers up to £2,500 to help pre-start businesses cover essential startup costs.

How can I apply for the Business Growth Fund?
The Business Growth Fund offers up to £20,000 to support SME growth. Details are available on the North Lanarkshire Council website.

What is the Net Zero Business Challenge Fund?
A grant that supports projects aimed at improving sustainability, such as energy efficiency or reducing carbon footprint.

Who is eligible for the Small Business and Self-Employed Support Scheme?
Micro and small businesses operating in North Lanarkshire with plans for marketing, digital upgrades, or growth.

What does the Energy Audit Voucher cover?
It funds a professional audit to identify opportunities for energy savings and cost reductions.

How do I access expert advice through the Expert Help programme?
Eligible businesses receive up to five days of fully funded consultancy support. Contact Business Gateway Lanarkshire for more.

Are loans available for growing my business?
Yes. North Lanarkshire Council offers business expansion loans. Reach out to their business support team for guidance.

Where can I learn more about business funding in the area?
Visit northlanarkshire.gov.uk/business for the latest schemes and guidance.

Can I apply for more than one grant or loan?
Possibly. Check each programme’s terms or ask Business Gateway for clarification.

What should I include in my business plan?
Your goals, financials, use of funds, and expected outcomes should be clearly outlined.

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