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    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Swansea, UK

    Introduction

    This guide outlines the financial support available in 2025 for startups and small businesses in Swansea and is applicable across the UK. It covers government grants, loans, local council support, and application advice. Use it to navigate funding options efficiently and access official sources easily.


    Available Grants

    UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Swansea Council

    • Purpose: Supports pre-startup, growth, innovation, and carbon-reduction projects.

    • Amounts:

      • Pre-start: up to £10,000

      • Growth: up to £50,000

      • Innovation: up to £10,000

      • Carbon reduction: up to £25,000

    • Eligibility: Swansea‑based SMEs meeting fund criteria; match-funding required.

    • Details & apply: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/businessfunding (Swansea, LinkedIn)

    Swansea Business Start‑Up Grant

    • Purpose: One-off support for new businesses in Swansea.

    • Amount: Typically around £750 (via Prince’s Trust) or discretionary from the council.

    • Eligibility: Businesses trading for under two years; Swansea area.

    • Details: via Prince’s Trust Entrepreneur Programme or Swansea Council funding page (Swansea)

    Transforming Towns: Placemaking Grants

    • Purpose: Council-led placemaking and town-centre revitalisation.

    • Amount: Varies (part of £11.4 m town‑centre programme) (Swansea, Instagram)

    • Apply: See Swansea Council's town regeneration pages.

    Innovate UK / UK Innovation Competitions


    Government‑Backed Loans

    Start‑Up Loans

    Recovery Loan Scheme / British Business Bank

    • While formal RLS ended, the British Business Bank continues low-cost loans backed by government.

    • Amounts: Up to £25,000 for early-stage businesses (Swansea)

    Development Bank of Wales

    • Amounts: £1,000–£5 million (combining debt, mezzanine, equity) (Swansea)

    • Interest: Typically 4–12%, fixed

    • Eligibility: Welsh businesses at various stages

    • Apply: via https://developmentbank.wales


    Local Council Support

    • Swansea Council – Financial support for businesses
      Central portal for all funding schemes: grants, loans, workshops (Swansea, Wikipedia)

    • Invest Swansea – Business Support
      Includes innovation, green grants, town regeneration and partner introductions (investswansea.com)


    Eligibility Guidance

    • GOV.UK Grant Search – comprehensive national listing

    • Business Wales – local support, mentoring, guidelines (gov.uk, Business Wales)

    • Contact the Swansea Council Business Team directly for local-specific queries.


    Application Process

    1. Identify suitable grants/loans.

    2. Gather documents:

      • Business plan

      • Financial forecasts

      • Proof of identity/address

      • Quotes for project costs

    3. Apply online via the council or a funding platform.

    4. Attend workshops/advisory sessions offered by Business Wales or Prince’s Trust.

    5. Wait for decision (typically within weeks to a few months).

    6. Upon approval: sign agreements, receive funds, deliver project, submit reports.


    Additional Tips


    Contact & Further Information


    FAQs

    🔹 What grants are available through the Shared Prosperity Fund?
    Pre‑start (£10k), growth (£50k), innovation (£10k), carbon‑reduction (£25k); match‑funding required.

    🔹 Can I combine a grant and a loan?
    Yes, many projects allow blending grants with loans (e.g., Start‑Up Loans or Development Bank of Wales).

    🔹 How long does a Start‑Up Loan take?
    If well prepared, funds may arrive within a month; typical timeline 1–5 weeks (Business News Wales, Swansea, British Business Bank).

    🔹 What mentoring is provided?
    Start‑Up Loans include 12 months’ mentoring; Business Wales offers workshops and adviser support.

    🔹 I’m innovation-focused—what should I apply for?
    Innovate UK competitions or the innovation grant (£10k) via the Shared Prosperity Fund.

    🔹 Do I need proof of address and multiple quotes?
    Yes—most schemes require identity, address, and at least two project cost estimates.

    🔹 What if my application is rejected?
    Seek feedback, refine your plan, and consider reapplying or exploring alternative support.

    🔹 Are rural businesses eligible?
    Yes—Shared Prosperity Fund includes rural areas; council funding covers Swansea region.

    🔹 Who can help with business planning?
    Business Wales advisors and Prince’s Trust mentors are ideal for plan refinement.

     

     

     

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