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    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in Stirling Council, UK


    Introduction

    Stirling Council and partner agencies offer diverse grants and government-backed loans via Business Gateway Stirling, STEP (Stirling Enterprise Park), and other regional funding programmes to support local entrepreneurship, resilience, and sustainable growth.


    Advice on Applying

    1. Contact Business Gateway Stirling
      Expert advisors provide tailored funding guidance and application support via the STEP-operated Business Gateway. (startupgrant.co.uk, Invest in Stirling, Business Gateway | Business Gateway)

    2. Understand Eligibility Criteria
      Each funding stream has specific criteria, such as geography, business stage, or match-funding requirements.

    3. Prepare a Strong Application
      Include a coherent business plan, financial projections, cost estimates, and, where relevant, details on job creation or carbon savings.

    4. Meet Deadlines
      Be aware of application timelines. Some grants (like Premises Improvement) close on 8 August 2025. (startupgrant.co.uk, Stirling Council)

    5. Seek Extra Support
      STEP, Business Gateway, and Business Energy Scotland can assist with planning, green measures, and grant applications. (Stirling Council)


    Grant & Loan Programmes

    🔹 STEP Start‑Up Grant

    • Amount: Up to £1,000 for brand-new Stirling businesses. (stepscotland.co.uk)

    • Purpose: Supports early-stage idea development and entrepreneurship.


    🔹 Firstport – Social Entrepreneurs Fund (Start It)

    • Purpose: Supports aspiring social entrepreneurs.

    • Amount: Up to £5,000 for start-up costs (incorporation, branding, etc.). (LinkedIn, startupgrant.co.uk)


    🔹 Business Resilience & Growth Fund


    🔹 UKSPF Premises Improvement Grant

    • Amount: £2,000–£20,000 per business, from a total UKSPF-funded pot of £200,000. (Stirling Council)

    • Purpose: Enhances façade, energy efficiency, and townscape; projects must be completed by 31 Mar 2026. (Stirling Council)


    🔹 STEP – Growth Pipeline & Business Support

    • Programme: For ambitious businesses (across key sectors) planning significant turnover and job growth. (Invest in Stirling)


    🔹 Other Grants

    • Go Forth Stirling BID Member Grants: 50% funding up to £500. (goforthstirling.co.uk)

    • Community & Environment Grants: £100–£800 for local groups; up to £10,000 via Clackmannanshire & Stirling Environment Trust. (Stirling Council)

    • Community Enterprise Grant: UKSPF-funded, £3,000–£5,000 for social enterprise ventures. (Stirling Council)


    Government‑Backed Loans

    • Start‑Up Loans: £500–£25,000 personal loans with mentoring—available UK-wide via Business Gateway.

    • Business Loans & Recovery Loan Scheme: Provided through Business Loans Scotland and the British Business Bank via accredited lenders. (startupgrant.co.uk)


    Key Resources

    • Business Gateway Stirling (via STEP): Comprehensive support for funding readiness and access. (Business Gateway | Business Gateway)

    • Funding Stirling: Stirling Council’s online toolkit to browse local funding programmes. (Stirling Council)

    • STEP (Stirling Enterprise Park): Incubator space, strategic guidance, growth advice. (Invest in Stirling)


    Council Contact & Info


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     
    🔹 What’s the STEP Start-Up Grant?
    A one-off £1,000 grant for new Stirling businesses. (startupgrant.co.uk, stepscotland.co.uk)

     
    ▫️ Tell me about the Business Resilience Fund.
    Offers up to £25,000 for matched innovative, digital, job-creating, or green projects. (startupgrant.co.uk, Invest in Stirling)

     
    🔹 Can I improve my shop front?
    Yes, via UKSPF Premises Improvement—£2,000–£20,000 grants, closing 8 Aug 2025. (Stirling Council, Stirling Council)

     
    ▫️ Where does social enterprise funding come from?
    The Firstport Start It programme offers grants up to £5,000 for early-stage social ventures. (LinkedIn)

     
    🔹 Can I get a government-backed loan?
    Yes—from Start‑Up Loans or Business Loans Scotland, with mentoring and support. (startupgrant.co.uk)

     
    ▫️ What support does STEP provide?
    Affordable workspace and incubation support, alongside pitching and investor readiness via Gateway to Investment. (Invest in Stirling)

     
    🔹 Are there small grants for BID members?
    Yes—Go Forth BID offers matched funding up to £500 for member businesses. (goforthstirling.co.uk)

     
    ▫️ Is there funding for community groups?
    Yes—£100–£800 via Stirling Council grants; up to £10,000 from the Environment Trust. (Stirling Council)

     
    🔹 When do funded projects need to finish?
    Projects under UKSPF grants (e.g. Premises Improvement) must be completed by 31 March 2026. (Stirling Council, Stirling Council)

     
    ▫️ How do I apply?
    Contact Business Gateway Stirling or email the supportfund mailbox for the Premises grant; use Funding Stirling to explore all schemes.

     

     

     

     

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