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    Last update 29/07/2025

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


    🌟 Introduction

    This guide provides the most up‑to‑date grant and loan support available in Stevenage, covering local council schemes, national loans, and regional business hub support, with applications that are either active or reopening soon, and excluding closed rounds.


    đź’° Available Grants


    🔹 Stevenage Start‑Up Business Grant

    • Amount: £500–£2,000 non‑repayable.

    • Eligibility: Businesses up to 3 years trading or pre‑start in Stevenage, plus recent advice from either Wenta’s Get Enterprising programme or the Herts Growth Hub Business Support Team.

    • Status: Active. Latest application window closed mid‑June 2025. Check the Council’s site for new rounds.

    • Apply via:
      [Stevenage Business Start‑Up Grant – Stevenage Borough Council] (stevenage.gov.uk, stevenage.gov.uk)


    🔹 Hertfordshire Start‑Up Programme (County Match‑Funded Grants)

    • Purpose: Match-funded grants of £500–£3,000 for new start-ups in Hertfordshire.

    • Status: Ongoing regional scheme; open to Stevenage applicants via county portal or Growth Hub.

    • More info:
      [Stevenage Start-Up Funding overview – investinstevenage.co.uk] (investinstevenage.co.uk)


    🔹 Innovate UK Grant Funding

    • Purpose: Innovation and R&D grants or loans for technology-led business proposals.

    • Apply via: GOV.UK or Innovate UK’s official website. Suitable businesses can also be supported by Herts Growth Hub advisors.


    💼 Government‑Backed Loans


    🔹 Start‑Up Loans – British Business Bank

    • Amount: Up to £25,000 per applicant.

    • Eligibility: Business trading less than 24 months. Advice required prior to application.

    • Apply via: GOV.UK Start-Up Loans Programme


    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS)

    • Purpose: For businesses needing finance for growth or cash flow.

    • Amount: Up to £2 million (subject to lender assessment).

    • Apply via: British Business Bank’s accredited lender portal


    🏛️ Local & Regional Business Support


    🔹 Stevenage Borough Council – Business Advice & Support

    • Offers general support, grant updates, and workspace guidance at the Business Technology Centre (btc).

    • [Invest in Stevenage – Business Support portal] (stevenage.gov.uk, stevenage.gov.uk)


    🔹 Hertfordshire Growth Hub

    • Provides free Grant Finder, 1:1 support, mentoring, workshops, and signposting to county schemes like Hertfordshire Start‑Up Programme and Innovate UK.

    • [hertsgrowthhub.com] (hertsgrowthhub.com, Hertfordshire Futures)


    🔹 Get Enterprising Programme (Hertfordshire Futures)

    • Free specialist support for early-stage businesses, including coaching, workshops, and networking. Runs until end of 2025.

    • Delivered by Wenta and Hertfordshire Futures.

    • (Hertfordshire Futures, btcstevenage.co.uk)


    âś… Eligibility Guidance


    • To access Stevenage grants, seek recent advice from Wenta or Herts Growth Hub.

    • Check postcode eligibility and match funding requirements for Hertfordshire Start‑Up Programme.

    • For innovation-focused projects, speak with Growth Hub advisors to explore Innovate UK options.


    📝 Application Process


    1. Identify applicable grants or loans.

    2. Seek required advice support (e.g. from Growth Hub or Wenta).

    3. Prepare documents: photo ID, address proof, business plan, 12-month financial forecast.

    4. Draft clear funding usage aligned with scheme goals (e.g. innovation, local jobs).

    5. Apply via council or lender platform.

    6. Submit supporting documents and attend interviews if requested.

    7. Monitor for new grant rounds—some open seasonally.

    8. If successful, spend funding as agreed and retain documentation for compliance.


    đź’ˇ Additional Tips


    • Keep your business plan concise and data‑driven.

    • Subscribe to Growth Hub and council newsletters for updates on new funding rounds.

    • Explore digital networking tools such as:
      Gmax Card Business Networking

    • Join local events at the Business Technology Centre and Hertfordshire Growth Hub for mentoring and connections.


    📬 Contact & Resources



    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    (Extra spacing added for readability)


    🔹 Is the Stevenage Start‑Up Grant still open?
    The most recent round closed in June 2025. Future rounds may open later in 2025—check the council site for updates.


    🔹 Can I apply for Hertfordshire Start‑Up Programme if based in Stevenage?
    Yes. The county match‑funded grant applies to Stevenage businesses and offers between £500–£3,000 funding.


    🔹 How do I access Innovate UK funding?
    Apply via Innovate UK’s portal, but Growth Hub advisors can offer guidance and support during the process.


    🔹 What support is available beyond grants?
    Growth Hub Strats and Wenta offer free mentoring, networking, workshops, and ongoing business advice.


    🔹 How much can I borrow via loans?
    Start‑Up Loans provide up to £25,000; the Recovery Loan Scheme offers up to £2m for growth‑oriented businesses.


    🔹 What documents are essential for applications?
    You’ll typically need photo ID, proof of address, a business or project plan, financial forecasts, and matching funding proof.


    🔹 How can I stay updated on upcoming funding?
    Register with Hertfordshire Growth Hub, subscribe to council updates, and follow local enterprise channels for announcements.

     

     

     

     

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