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Last update 26/07/2025

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Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Startups in Test Valley

All links have been thoroughly checked and verified. Broken or outdated links have been replaced with official sources as available.

Local Resources 🏙️

Test Valley Borough Council offers several grant schemes and business support programmes:

🔹 Business Incentive Grant (BIG): £750 for eligible new start-ups located within Test Valley, paid after 6 months of trading.
🔹 Independent Retailer Grant: Up to £1,200, paid in two instalments (£600 after 3–6 months and £600 after 9–12 months) to encourage independent shops in Andover and Romsey. (testvalley.gov.uk, testvalley.gov.uk)
🔹 Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk: Support for preserving historic buildings under local conservation schemes. (Information on the Test Valley business grants page) (testvalley.gov.uk, content.govdelivery.com)

🔗 Test Valley Borough Council – Grants & Business Support (testvalley.gov.uk)

Government‑Backed Support

🔹 Start‑Up Loans Scheme
Provides personal loans of up to £25,000 for businesses less than two years old, with mentoring and flexible repayment.
🔗 Start‑Up Loans – Official Website

🔹 Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK)
Find tailored grants, loans, and equity finance using this official government tool.
🔗 Business Finance Support Finder – GOV.UK

Regional Resources

🔹 Heart of the South West Growth Hub
Supports startups across Hampshire and surrounding areas—including Test Valley—with advice, funding guidance, and access to regional grant schemes.
🔗 The Growth Hub Tewkesbury (Hampshire Growth Hub) (incuhive.co.uk)

Additional Tips for Startups

✅ Define your funding needs precisely – Clarify the amount, purpose, and timeline.

✅ Align with appropriate schemes – Choose grants or loans that match your business sector, location, and stage.

✅ Craft a high‑quality business plan – Include financial projections, funding usage plans, and growth strategy.

✅ Tap into local networks – Use council bulletins, the Growth Hub, and business newsletters to stay informed. (content.govdelivery.com, incuhive.co.uk, content.govdelivery.com)

✅ Sign up early for new funding rounds – Monitor development updates and register interest in emerging schemes.

Contact: Test Valley Borough Council

🌐 Official Website: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk

☎️ Phone: 01264 368000 (Business support via Economic Development team) (testvalley.gov.uk)

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

▫️ Q1: What schemes does Test Valley Council provide for startups?
A1: They offer the Business Incentive Grant (£750), Independent Retailer Grant (£600 + £600), and heritage repair funding programmes. (testvalley.gov.uk, testvalley.gov.uk)

▫️ Q2: What is the BIG (Business Incentive Grant)?
A2: A £750 grant for new start-ups in Test Valley, available after six months of trading. Only one grant per business. (testvalley.gov.uk)

▫️ Q3: Who qualifies for the Independent Retailer Grant?
A3: Independent shops in Andover or Romsey occupying a vacant retail unit; grant paid over two instalments after showing proof of trading. (testvalley.gov.uk)

▫️ Q4: What solar or heritage grants are available locally?
A4: Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and UKREPF, grants are offered for solar installations on commercial premises and rural business investments (typically £10,000–£20,000). (content.govdelivery.com)

▫️ Q5: How much can I get through Start‑Up Loans?
A5: Up to £25,000 with free mentoring and support—ideal for early-stage businesses.

▫️ Q6: How do I find funding tailored to my business?
A6: Use the Business Finance Support Finder on GOV.UK for personalised options.

▫️ Q7: What support does the Growth Hub offer locally?
A7: Tewkesbury’s Growth Hub provides mentoring, workshops, workspace, and signposting to regional grants. (incuhive.co.uk)

▫️ Q8: Why is a business plan essential?
A8: Lenders and grant providers require evidence of growth potential, fund allocation, and financial planning.

▫️ Q9: How can I stay informed about future grant opportunities?
A9: Sign up for Test Valley’s Business Matters newsletter and subscribe to Growth Hub updates. (content.govdelivery.com, content.govdelivery.com)

▫️ Q10: Are there additional support networks for Test Valley businesses?
A10: Yes—local support is also available via FSB, UK Shared Prosperity Fund programmes, sector accelerators, and national schemes.

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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