2025
100% FREE
BUSINESS TOOl

Starting or growing a business in Taunton Deane (now part of Somerset West & Taunton)? You're in the right place.
This 2025 guide outlines the best grants, government-backed loans, and local business support available for new or early-stage businesses in the area — all with working links and up-to-date details.
Purpose: Help 18–30 year olds in Somerset launch their first business
Amount: Up to £500
Eligibility: Ages 18–30, living in Somerset/BANES/North Somerset, business in early or pre-launch stage
Use of Funds: Equipment, branding, training, tools, websites, insurance
Apply via:
SWEF Start-Up Grant – Somerset CF
Bath & North East Somerset – SWEF
Purpose: Support growth for businesses trading under 2 years
Amount: Up to £2,000
Eligibility: Ages 18–30, trading under 2 years, some sales history, based in Somerset/BANES/North Somerset
Use of Funds: Product development, expansion, booking systems, training
Apply via:
SWEF Business Grant – Somerset CF
Purpose: Capital funding for rural businesses and community infrastructure
Amount: £7,500–£75,000 (50% match funding required)
Eligibility: Must be located in a rural area or “hub town” (e.g. Wellington, but not central Taunton)
Status: Open from 1 May to 19 September 2025 (or until funding is exhausted)
Apply via:
Somerset Council – Rural Fund Info
📧 Email: REPF@somerset.gov.uk
What is it? Personal loans up to £25,000 for businesses less than 2 years old
Extras: Free 12 months of mentoring
Apply:
Start Up Loans – GOV.UK
Purpose: Growth or cashflow support for UK businesses
Amount: Up to £2 million (subject to lender approval)
Available Through: Accredited lenders
Check Eligibility:
British Business Bank – Recovery Loan Scheme
Central hub for all council-supported business grants, including REPF
Includes guidance and application links
Free business advice, funding search tools, startup support
First stop for any entrepreneur in the Taunton area
📞 Call: 03456 047 047
Offers mentoring, networking, and access to grants via its “Finance Finder”
Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder to find suitable schemes:
Visit: GOV.UK Finance Finder
Confirm local grant eligibility via:
Somerset Council Business Grants
Not sure where to begin? Contact the Growth Hub for personalised help.
Choose your scheme: Match your business stage and location
Prepare documents: ID, proof of address, business plan, forecasts
Draft a strong plan: Include goals, funding needs, and use of funds
Apply online: Use links above for each scheme
Submit evidence: Include invoices, quotes, or bank statements as required
Follow up: Be ready for interviews or clarifications
Receive funding: Spend according to grant rules (keep receipts)
Be specific about how funds will help your business
Build a realistic and clear cash flow forecast
Attend local networking events and join a business support group
Connect with entrepreneurs via platforms like:
Gmax Business Networking
Somerset Council Grants & Support:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and-licences/funding-and-grants-for-business/
Heart of the South West Growth Hub:
https://www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/
Somerset Community Foundation (SWEF):
https://www.somersetcf.org.uk
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🔹 What grants are available for startups in Taunton Deane?
SWEF Start-Up and Established Grants are ideal for 18–30-year-olds. The REPF scheme supports capital projects in rural or semi-rural areas.
🔹 How much can I borrow with a Start-Up Loan?
You can apply for up to £25,000 through the government-backed Start-Up Loans scheme.
🔹 Is Taunton Deane eligible for Rural England Prosperity Fund?
Most of Taunton is excluded, but nearby towns like Wellington may qualify. Check the REPF area map or contact Somerset Council.
🔹 What makes a good business plan for funding?
Include clear goals, cash flow projections, target markets, and how you'll use the money.
🔹 Can I get help writing my application?
Yes — contact the Heart of the South West Growth Hub or the Somerset Chamber for free guidance.
🔹 How long does it take to get a grant decision?
SWEF decisions are made monthly. REPF is on a rolling basis and may close early when funds are used.
🔹 What documents do I need to apply?
Typical documents include: photo ID, business plan, cost breakdowns, and financial forecasts.
🔹 Where can I meet other entrepreneurs?
Try free networking events through the Growth Hub or online at:
https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking
Value Ad helps new businesses save 50% to 80% on essential services like marketing and
development. These savings act as an alternative investment, fueling growth.
Service providers gain valuable initial customers, helping them grow and attract investment.
It's a win-win for everyone!
This App/website is not affiliated with any government agency. We collect and organize information from publicly available government websites and provide direct links to these official sources.
For accurate details and to apply for grants or loans, please visit the relevant government websites linked within the App/website.
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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