🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
shadow shadow shadow shadow shadow
    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan, UK


    Introduction

    The Vale of Glamorgan, known for its vibrant coastal economy, offers various grants, loans, and support schemes for startups and small businesses. This guide outlines the most relevant financial support available in 2025, including local council funding, national schemes, and expert business advice.


    Available Grants

    🔹 Vale Business Start-Up Bursary


    🔹 Vale Business Development Grant Fund


    🔹 Strong Communities Grant Fund

    • Purpose: To support community-based projects within the Vale of Glamorgan.

    • Amount: Up to £15,000

    • Deadline: 30 April 2025 (Projects must be completed by 31 March 2026)

    • Apply: Email scgfapplications@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk


    Government-Backed Loans

    🔹 Start-Up Loans Wales (British Business Bank)

    • Purpose: Personal loans to help individuals start or grow a business.

    • Amount: £500 – £25,000

    • Extras: Includes 12 months of free mentoring

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


    🔹 Development Bank of Wales

    • Purpose: Provides loan and equity finance to support Welsh businesses at all stages.

    • Amount: From £1,000 to £5 million

    • Apply: https://developmentbank.wales


    Local Council Support

    The Vale of Glamorgan Council offers:

    • Guidance on funding options

    • Business planning and mentoring

    • Property support and growth schemes

    🔗 Council page: https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/working/Business-Support/Business-Funding.aspx
    📞 Phone: 01446 706100
    📧 Email: economic@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk


    Eligibility Guidance


    Application Process

    1. Identify which grants or loans best match your business goals

    2. Review full eligibility and match funding requirements

    3. Prepare key documents: business plan, cash flow forecast, quotes

    4. Submit application through the council or the relevant body

    5. Follow up with Business Wales advisors for additional support

    6. Track progress and deliver required project outputs on time


    Additional Tips


    Contact & Further Information


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     
    🔹 What expenses are covered by the Vale Business Start-Up Bursary?
    It can fund equipment, location costs, and professional advice to help launch your business.

     
    ▫️ Can I apply for both a grant and a loan for the same project?
    Yes — but each funding source must support different elements of your project.

     
    🔹 What should I include in my business plan?
    Include goals, market research, unique selling points, financial projections, and expected outcomes of funding.

     
    ▫️ Where do I get the application forms?
    Application forms are available on the Vale Council website and the Business Wales portals.

     
    🔹 Who can help with financial forecasting?
    Business Wales advisors or a qualified financial consultant can assist.

     
    ▫️ What are the loan terms with the Development Bank of Wales?
    They offer flexible terms based on your business type and the amount borrowed.

     
    🔹 Are there any sector-specific grants available?
    Some funds may prioritise sectors like green energy, digital, or manufacturing — check each scheme’s focus.

     
    ▫️ Can startups with no trading history apply?
    Yes — especially for bursaries and Start-Up Loans. Some large grants may prefer businesses with 12+ months of trading.

     
    🔹 How long does funding take to arrive after approval?
    Timelines vary by scheme — council grants may take a few weeks; loans may process faster depending on paperwork.

     
    ▫️ What if my application is rejected?
    Request feedback, refine your proposal, and reapply or consider alternative funding options.

     

     

     

    We use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary to operate the website.Please read our cookie policy.

    We use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary to operate the website. Additional cookies are only used with your consent. We use the additional cookies to perform analyses of website usage and to check marketing measures for their efficiency. These analyses are carried out to provide you with a better user experience on the website. You are free to give, deny, or withdraw your consent at any time by using the "cookie settings" link at the bottom of each page. You can consent to our use of cookies by clicking "Agree". For more information about what information is collected and how it is shared with our partners, please read our cookie policy.

    • Required to run the website
    • Monitoring website usage and optimizing the user experience
    • Evaluation of marketing actions
    • Storage of your preferences from previous visits
    • Collecting user feedback to improve our website
    • Recording of your interests in order to provide customised content and offers
    Cookie Settings Accept