2025 Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups in Stafford, UK

🌟 Introduction

This guide focuses on active or upcoming grant funding and loan support available to startups and SME businesses in Stafford Borough. Includes local council schemes, national loans, and regional support, ensuring no expired or closed funding is listed.

💰 Available Grants

🔹 Stafford Borough Business Growth Grant

• Purpose: Capital or revenue investment to help SMEs expand.

• Funding: Grants range from £2,000 to £25,000, covering up to 80% of eligible costs (£200,000 total fund).

• Status: Open until 30 November 2025, subject to available funds.

• Eligibility: At least 2 years trading, over 75% turnover business-to-business, under 250 employees.

• Apply via:
  [Stafford Borough Business Growth Grant – Stafford Borough Council](staffordbc.gov.uk)

🔹 High Street Boost Grant

• Purpose: Support businesses in Stafford, Stone, Eccleshall town centres for marketing, equipment, training and business improvements.

• Grant Size: £2,000–£20,000, up to 80% of project costs.

• Status: Next round expected in early 2026; similar programme offered in 2025. Subscribe for updates.

• Apply via: Council Business Funding page.

🔹 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)

• Purpose: Capital grants up to £65,000 for rural businesses in Stafford Borough to invest in innovation or diversification.

• Status: Open until 31 March 2026, funds subject to availability.

• Apply via: Stafford Borough Council Grants portal.(staffordbc.gov.uk)

🔹 Green Solutions & Loan Schemes

• Purpose: Energy assessments and low carbon grants up to £100,000 (50% match) and interest-free green loans from £5,000–£200,000.

• Eligibility: Stafford Borough or wider Staffordshire premises.

• Apply via: Staffordshire Business & Environment Network (SBEN).

💼 Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans – British Business Bank

• Amount: Up to £25,000 per founder with free 12-month coaching.

• Eligibility: New businesses under 24 months trading.

• Apply via: GOV.UK Start‑Up Loan platform.

🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS)

• Purpose: Financing for larger growth, export, or cash flow improvements.

• Amount: Up to £2 million, provided via accredited lenders.

• Apply via: British Business Bank portal.

🔹 Staffordshire Business Loan Fund

• Overview: Unsecured loans from £10,000 to £150,000 to support business expansion in Staffordshire (<50 employees).

• Apply via: Staffordshire County Council (through BCRS partnership)(staffordbc.gov.uk)

🏛️ Regional Business Support

🔹 Stoke-on‑Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub – Stafford Access

• Offers: Advice, grant assistance, workshops, and loan signposting tailored for businesses in Stafford Borough.(Stoke on Trent Staffordshire Growth Hub, staffordshire.gov.uk)

• Contact: 0300 111 8002 or GrowthHub@staffordshire.gov.uk

🔹 Staffordshire County Council – Get Started & Growth Support

• Fully-funded packages for businesses under five years old (digital, accounting, HR, etc.).

• Apply via: Staffordshire County Council site(staffordshire.gov.uk, staffordshire.gov.uk)

✅ Eligibility & Next Steps

• Use the Council’s Business Funding enquiry form or helpline to apply or check eligibility.

• For towns and rural businesses, verify postcode eligibility for REPF.

• Growth Hub advisors offer support to secure funding and develop bid materials.

📝 How to Apply – Process at a Glance

1. Choose the appropriate grant or loan.

2. Prepare documents: business/project outline, photos, cost estimates, match-funding proof.

3. Draft proposal aligned to scheme objectives: growth, sustainability, town regeneration.

4. Submit via official Council or lender portal/email.

5. Monitor deadlines:

   • Business Growth Grant: until 30 Nov 2025

   • REPF: until 31 Mar 2026

   • High Street Boost: seasonal window

6. If approved, complete expenditure within stipulated time and provide relevant reports.

💡 Additional Tips

• Use Growth Hub workshops to refine your application.

• Join local business groups via Staffordshire Chambers or SBEN for networking.

• Set alerts for grant workshop dates and application extensions.

• Try digital networking via:
  https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking

📬 Contact & Resources

• Stafford Borough Council – Business Support & Grants: via official site.

• Growth Hub – Stafford Borough Access: Stoke‑on‑Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub(Stoke on Trent Staffordshire Growth Hub)

• Get Started & Grow / Business Loan Fund: Staffordshire County Council site(staffordshire.gov.uk, staffordbc.gov.uk, staffordshire.gov.uk)

• SBEN / Green Solutions details: Staffordshire Business & Enterprise Network(staffordbc.gov.uk)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(Spaced for clarity)

🔹 Is the Stafford Borough Business Growth Grant open?
Yes. Applications are open until 30 November 2025 or until funds run out. Priority is first come, first served.(staffordbc.gov.uk)

🔹 Can I apply for rural funding?
Yes—REPF is active until 31 March 2026, subject to availability. Rural businesses in Stafford parts are eligible.(staffordbc.gov.uk)

🔹 What amount can I request for green improvements?
Green Solutions offers energy grants up to £100,000 plus interest-free green loans via SBEN.(staffordbc.gov.uk)

🔹 What loans are available for new businesses?
Start-Up Loans offer up to £25,000; the Recovery Loan Scheme provides larger sums via lenders.

🔹 How do I access support for applications?
Contact the Growth Hub or submit an enquiry via the Council’s Business Grants Finance page. Assistance is available for funding proposals.(staffordbc.gov.uk, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire Growth Hub)

🔹 Which documents are needed to apply?
Typically: ID, proof of address, company/business profile, cost quotes, evidence of match funding, project timelines.

🔹 How can I stay updated on future rounds or extensions?
Subscribe to Stafford Borough Council updates, Growth Hub newsletters, and Staffordshire Skills Hub alerts.