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Last update 20/07/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Stockport, UK

Introduction

Stockport Council, in partnership with regional bodies, provides essential support for startups and small enterprises. While direct grants are limited, various funding options—including loans and local initiatives—are available to help your venture succeed.

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans

Amount: £500–£25,000
Rate: 6 % APR
Includes: 12 months’ mentoring

Stockport facilitates this scheme via the British Business Bank in partnership with Manchester Growth Company (stockport.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk, Marketing Stockport, stockport.gov.uk).
Apply at: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

🔹 Stockport Business Finance Scheme

Loan amount: £500 to £250,000
Interest: 10–15 % over up to 5 years
Purpose: Supports startup, growth, and export finance (Wikipedia, Marketing Stockport, stockport.gov.uk).

Local Support & Funding

🔹 Stockport Business Support Hub

Services: Free advice, coaching, workshops at Merseyway Innovation Centre
Delivered by: Stockport Council, GM Growth Hub, and partners (One Stockport).

🔹 Restaurant Grant Programme

Grant amount: Up to £11,000 for independent hospitality businesses (2025 round) (stockport.gov.uk).

🔹 Community Funding (Stockport Fund)

Supports local projects and initiatives via small grants (stockport.gov.uk).

🔹 Underbanks Building Owner Grants

Grants for heritage-led shopfront restoration and building repairs (stockport.gov.uk).

Additional Regional Options

🔹 Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Funding

Offers grants and loans via the GM Growth Hub, including export, energy, and innovation programmes (Marketing Stockport).

🔹 Private Investment

Angel investors or venture capital may suit high-growth startups—platforms like Angel Investment Network can help find contacts.

How To Find the Right Funding

Clarify your need: Start-up, digital growth, premises improvement, energy efficiency?
Explore options: Council schemes, Start‑Up Loans, GMCA, regional grants.
Check eligibility: Loan terms, sector focus, property ownership, trading history.
Prepare a strong application: Include a business plan, quotes, and market analysis.
Seek advice: Attend the Business Support Hub or book 1-to-1 sessions.
Apply on time: Use correct forms and meet deadlines.

Contact & Further Information

Stockport Business Support Hub
Monthly drop‑in at Merseyway Innovation Centre (startupgrant.co.uk, assets.ctfassets.net, One Stockport).
Stockport Business Finance Scheme
Info and applications via Business Finance Solutions (stockport.gov.uk, Marketing Stockport).
Stockport Council – Business Finance Support
Visit: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/business-finance-support (stockport.gov.uk).
Restaurant Grant Programme 2025: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/news/restaurant-grant-programme-returns-for-2025 (stockport.gov.uk).
Start‑Up Loans: https://www.startuploans.co.uk (Wikipedia).
GM Growth Hub / GMCA programmes: via growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk pages (One Stockport, stockport.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

▫️ Does Stockport Council offer direct grants?
Yes—hospitality grants, heritage shopfront funding, and community project grants are available, though limited.

▫️ What loans are accessible locally?
Start‑Up Loans (£500–£25k) and Business Finance Scheme loans (£500–£250k) are available through Stockport and regional partners (startupgrant.co.uk, Marketing Stockport).

▫️ What is the Restaurant Grant Programme?
A 2025 initiative offering independent eateries grants of up to £11,000 (stockport.gov.uk).

▫️ How can I improve my shopfront or business premises?
Apply via the Underbanks Heritage Grants, aimed at restoring shopfronts and buildings (stockport.gov.uk).

▫️ Can I get export or energy efficiency support?
Yes—loans and grants are available via GM Growth Hub, including export loans and renewables funding (Marketing Stockport).

▫️ How long will a loan take to be approved?
Decisions for Start‑Up Loans are usually within weeks; Business Finance Scheme decisions typically take 2–4 weeks (Marketing Stockport).

▫️ Where can I get help preparing applications?
Visit the Stockport Business Support Hub at Merseyway Innovation Centre or contact Stockport Council’s finance team.

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.

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