2025 Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups in Tandridge, Surrey, UK

🌟 Introduction

If you're launching or growing a business in Tandridge District, Surrey, this 2025 guide is your essential resource. It outlines current grants, government‑backed loans, and local support services available for start-ups and early-stage enterprises, complete with verified links and clear eligibility information.

💰 Available Grants

🔹 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) – Surrey / Tandridge

• Purpose: Provide capital grants to rural businesses and community projects.

• Amount: Between £2,500 and £50,000 (sometimes up to £120,000 for farm diversification).

• Eligibility: Businesses, charities or community groups based in rural parts of Tandridge with ≤50 employees.

• Use of Funds: Equipment, infrastructure, green tourism, farm diversification, and digital upgrades.

• Status: Applications open in 2025; rural coverage includes Tandridge.

• Apply via:
  Surrey County Council / Business Surrey – Rural business grants overview  (LinkedIn, Business Surrey)

🔹 Surrey Economic Growth Fund

• Purpose: Support growth-focused businesses across Surrey, including Tandridge.

• Streams: Business Growth Grants (£10k–£50k, 50% match), Innovation Spaces Fund (min. £50k), Future Surrey Fund (high-impact projects).

• Who Can Apply: SMEs, social enterprises, training providers, academic institutions, and councils.

• Apply: Expression of interest via the Business Surrey portal. Round one opens in 2026.

• Apply via:
  Business Surrey / Surrey County Council – Economic Growth Fund details (surreycc.gov.uk)

🔹 Surrey Innovation & Research: SETsquared & Surrey Research Park

• Purpose: Incubation and support for high‑tech, knowledge‑based start-ups.

• Eligibility: Tech or innovation‑led businesses, often early‑stage or university spin-offs.

• Benefit: Access to incubation space, mentoring, and networking via SETsquared at Surrey Research Park.

• Info:
  SETsquared at Surrey University and its Surrey Technology Centre (Wikipedia, surreycc.gov.uk, Wikipedia)

💼 Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans – British Business Bank

• What it is: Government-supported personal loans of up to £25,000 for businesses trading under 24 months.

• Included: Business mentoring, support and templates.

• Apply via:
  GOV.UK – Start-Up Loans programme

🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS)

• Purpose: Support businesses with cash flow, growth or export; loans from £25,000 up to £2 million depending on provider.

• Eligibility: UK businesses meeting standard government criteria.

• Apply via: Accredited lenders via British Business Bank site

🏛️ Local & Regional Business Support

🔹 Tandridge District Council – Business Advice & Funding

• Offers a continuously updated Business Grant Finder database, funding advice, licensing support and local resources.

• Visit:
  Tandridge District Council – Business Advice, Funding & Resources page (startupgrant.co.uk, tandridge.gov.uk)

• Hosts regular business events and networking workshops, e.g. “Accelerate Growth” sessions.

• Visit: Tandridge Business Events page (tandridge.gov.uk)

🔹 Surrey Chambers of Commerce / Business Surrey

• Provides business support, regional funding updates, networking and advocacy.

• Visit: Surrey County Council / Business Surrey funding hub and Chamber resources (Business Surrey)

✅ Eligibility Guidance

• Use the Business Grant Finder on Tandridge Council’s website to explore local and national funding options.

• Refer to the Business Surrey website for county-wide schemes like REPF and the Economic Growth Fund.

• Consider innovation-driven programmes via SETsquared, ideal for tech start-ups.

• For personalized support, contact Surrey Chambers or Tandridge Council business services.

📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step

1. Choose applicable funding schemes based on your business's location, stage and sector.

2. Gather documentation: photo ID, proof of address, business plan, financial forecasts, cost quotes.

3. Draft a strong plan: clearly outline goals, use of funds, expected outcomes, and match funding details.

4. Apply online via official scheme portals: Business Surrey, Tandridge Council, Start‑Up Loans.

5. Submit supporting evidence (quotes, invoices, project maps, etc.).

6. Attend interviews or follow‑up calls if requested.

7. Await decision: REPF rounds on a rolling basis; Economic Growth Fund rounds in defined windows.

8. If successful, follow the grant terms strictly, especially for retrospective spending and record‑keeping.

🧠 Additional Tips

• Clearly define the planning objective and the amount needed.

• Tailor applications to scheme-specific priorities (e.g. rural development, tech innovation).

• Use local networking platforms: Tandridge Council events, Surrey Chamber meetings.

• Engage with incubators and tech networks via SETsquared & Surrey Research Park.

• Expand your network with online business groups such as:
  https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking

📬 Contact & Further Information

• Tandridge Council – Business Advice & Funding:
  tandridge.gov.uk – Business Advice, Funding & Resources (tandridge.gov.uk, Business Surrey, Wikipedia, startupgrant.co.uk)

• Tandridge Business Events & Networking:
  tandridge.gov.uk – Business Events (tandridge.gov.uk)

• Surrey County Council / Business Surrey – Funding Hub:
  businesssurrey.co.uk – Funding and Grants (Business Surrey)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(Leaving extra spacing below for improved readability)

🔹 What grants are available to start‑ups in Tandridge?
Eligible start‑ups can apply for REPF grants (up to £50k or more) in rural areas. Businesses across Surrey—including Tandridge—can seek Business Growth Grants (£10k–£50k) via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. (startupgrant.co.uk, surreycc.gov.uk)

🔹 Can I borrow money through government-backed schemes?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans offer up to £25,000 for businesses under two years old, and the Recovery Loan Scheme offers larger lending for growth and cash flow needs.

🔹 Is Tandridge District excluded from rural funding?
No—parts of Tandridge are eligible for REPF if located in designated rural zones. Confirm eligibility on Business Surrey. (startupgrant.co.uk, Business Surrey)

🔹 What kinds of projects are funded under the Surrey Economic Growth Fund?
Funding supports capital investment, innovation hubs, training facilities, product development and job-creation projects across Surrey. (surreycc.gov.uk)

🔹 Are there grants specifically for tech and innovation companies?
Yes—SETsquared (incubated at Surrey Research Park) offers support and space for high-tech or research-based ventures. (Wikipedia)

🔹 Where can I get advice on preparing an application?
Attend events hosted by Tandridge Council, Surrey Chamber of Commerce, or Business Surrey to access mentoring, workshops and peer support. (tandridge.gov.uk, Business Surrey)

🔹 How long does the decision process take?
REPF applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; Surrey Economic Growth Fund decisions are aligned to quarterly funding rounds. The expression of interest stage typically comes first.

🔹 What documents do I need to apply for the grant schemes?
Photo ID, address proof, comprehensive business plan, quotes/cost breakdowns, match funding proof (if required).

🔹 How can I stay updated on regional funding?
Subscribe to the Business Surrey newsletter, follow Tandridge Council updates, and engage with Surrey Chamber events or networks.