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    Last update 20/07/2025

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


    Introduction

    Sunderland offers a thriving environment for startups, supported by Sunderland City Council, the North East LEP, and regional initiatives. This guide outlines where to find grants, loans, and expert support in 2025.


    Government‑Backed Loans

    🔹 Start‑Up Loans

    • Loan value: £500–£25,000

    • Interest: Fixed at ~6% APR

    • Includes: 12 months’ mentoring

    • Eligibility: UK residents launching or operating a business for under 3 years

    • Apply via: https://www.startuploans.co.uk


    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme / British Business Bank

    • Although the formal Recovery Loan Scheme expired, similar finance is available via the British Business Bank and the North East Combined Authority

    • Sunderland businesses can access low-cost loans via these schemes


    Local Support & Grants

    🔹 Sunderland Business Support Fund


    🔹 Community Development Fund

    • Supports new and expanding community/co-operative enterprises under the Sunderland City Council CLLD programme (North East Growth Hub, Sunderland City Council)

    • Delivered locally (e.g. in Pallion, Silksworth) with adviser support through NE BIC


    🔹 Wear Together (Social Enterprise Support)

    • Free coaching, expert 1-2-1 advice, workshops and small grants for social enterprises (North East BIC)

    • Delivered by North East BIC, funded via UKSPF (2025) (North East BIC)

    • Contact: 0191 516 6138


    🔹 BREEZ – Business Renewables Energy Efficiency Sunderland

    • UKSPF-funded grants covering 50% of eligible costs (up to £241,400 total) to upgrade business energy efficiency (Sunderland City Council)

    • Includes advice and non-financial support

    • Delivered by: Sunderland City Council’s Business Investment Team


    🔹 Regional Business Growth Fund

    • Capital grants to support business growth and job creation, funded via UKSPF (~£2.01 million allocated locally) (Sunderland City Council, MySunderland)

    • Delivered by UMi Commercial Ltd on behalf of Sunderland City Council


    🔹 Enterprising Sunderland

    • Support & grant programme for pre-start, startup, innovation, and growth — includes mentoring, workshops, and more (Sunderland City Council)

    • Delivered by NE BIC with multiple partners (e.g. Prince's Trust)


    Additional Funding Options

    🔹 North East LEP & Growth Hub

    • Offers wider finance programmes including Creative Growth Loans and Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (debt from £25k–£2m, equity up to £5m) (North East BIC, North East Growth Hub)

    🔹 Private Investment

    • Angel investors and venture capital available for high-growth businesses—platforms like Angel Investment Network can help make connections


    How to Find the Right Funding

    1. Clarify your need — e.g. startup launch, equipment upgrade, energy retrofit

    2. Research schemes — via Sunderland City Council, North East Growth Hub, and GOV.UK

    3. Check eligibility carefully — including location, business type, and grant purpose

    4. Build a robust plan with financials, quotes, and project impact

    5. Engage support — book meetings with Sunderland advisors or NE BIC experts

    6. Apply online, attend workshops, and ensure timely submission


    Contact & Further Information


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    ▫️ What is the Sunderland Business Support Fund?
    A grant covering up to 40% of eligible costs (£3k–£6k projects), aimed at supporting local enterprises to grow and improve (Sunderland City Council, startupgrant.co.uk, growwithnbsl.org.uk).

     

    ▫️ Who is eligible for Wear Together support?
    Social enterprises and cooperatives based in Sunderland — from ideation to scaling (North East BIC).

     

    ▫️ How can I get energy efficiency funding?
    Apply for BREEZ funding, covering 50% of upgrade costs, delivered via Sunderland’s Business Investment Team (Sunderland City Council).

     

    ▫️ What does Enterprising Sunderland offer?
    Mentoring, workshops, and innovation support for startups and existing businesses across Sunderland (Sunderland City Council).

     

    ▫️ Can I access large-scale loans or equity?
    Yes — via NE Growth Hub schemes, including the North Powerhouse Investment Fund II (loans up to £2m, equity up to £5m) (North East Growth Hub).

     

    ▫️ Are Start‑Up Loans still available?
    Yes—nationwide via the British Business Bank, offering £500–£25,000 loans with mentoring.

     

    ▫️ How long will I wait for a decision?
    Grant programmes typically decide within weeks; larger regional schemes may take up to 12 weeks due to the review process.

     

    ▫️ Can I combine grants and loans?
    Yes—using grant funds for capital costs and financing growth or working capital with loans is allowed when criteria permit.

     

    ▫️ Where can I get help preparing applications?
    Contact the Sunderland Business Investment Team, NE BIC advisors, or Growth Hub experts for one-to-one support.

     

     

     

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