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Last update 20/07/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Start‑ups & Small Businesses in West Dunbartonshire, UK

Introduction

West Dunbartonshire Council and Business Gateway West Dunbartonshire provide a suite of grants and support programmes to boost entrepreneurship, growth, and local economic recovery.

Available Grants

🔹 Business Start‑Up Grant

Purpose: Assists individuals 18+ with initial business expenses.
Amount: £500
Requirements: Must submit a business plan and proof of trading (e.g. bank account, ID) (West Dunbartonshire Council).

🔹 Recovery & Growth Grant

Purpose: Helps SMEs trading for≥12 months to fund projects that safeguard or create jobs.
Amount: Up to £10,000, funding 50% of incurred costs (min. spend £10k). (Find Business Support)

🔹 Business Development Grant

Purpose: Supports diverse growth projects—marketing, training, capital investment.
Basis: 50% matched funding, scale dependent on project. (Find Business Support)

🔹 Early Stage Growth Grant

Purpose: For new businesses (<3 years) demonstrating potential and planning to expand.
Amount: Up to £1,500, funding 50% of project costs. (West Dunbartonshire Council)

🔹 Social Enterprise Growth Grant

Purpose: Helps social enterprises grow and increase social impact.
Amount: Up to £3,000, 50% funding. (Funding Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council)

🔹 Green Skills Training Grant

Purpose: Covers green-skills training costs.
Amount: Up to 75%, maximum £3,000 per company. (West Dunbartonshire Council)

🔹 Towards Net Zero Grant

Purpose: Supports energy-efficient and low‑carbon technology adoption.
Amount: Up to £10,000, covering 50% of eligible costs. (NerdWallet)

🔹 Shared Prosperity Fund – Shop Front Improvement

Purpose: Enables shopfront enhancements to improve local high streets. (NerdWallet)

🔹 Enhancing Tourism Events & Attractions Grant

Purpose: Supports new/existing tourism events or attractions that boost visitor numbers and jobs.
Amount: Up to £10,000, funding all or part of project costs. (Find Business Support)

🔹 Other Key Grants

UKSPF Employer Recruitment Incentive – For job creation.
Family Prosperity Job Enhancement Scheme – Supports staff facing employment barriers.
Cyber Security Grant, Trade Development Grant, Graduate Recruitment Fund, Childminder Grant – Available via Business Gateway & Invest in West Dunbartonshire. (LinkedIn, West Dunbartonshire Council)

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Business Loans Scotland

Access loans via Scottish Government-backed schemes, such as the Recovery Loan Scheme.
Available through Business Gateway, aimed at those unable to secure traditional lending. (Business Gateway | Business Gateway)

Key Resources

Business Gateway West Dunbartonshire
- Phone: 0141 530 2408
- Email: westdunbartonshire@bgateway.com (West Dunbartonshire Council)
West Dunbartonshire Council Business Grants & Loans page: central hub for all current schemes. (West Dunbartonshire Council)
Find Business Support: National registry of Scottish funding programmes. (Find Business Support)

Advice on Applying

Contact Business Gateway early to identify suitable grants and loans.
Read eligibility criteria carefully—requirements vary by scheme.
Compile strong applications: include a business plan, quotes, forecasts, and evidence of job or community impact.
Ensure match-funding where applicable (e.g. Recovery, Development, Net Zero, Early Stage).
Apply early—many schemes have rolling deadlines and limited budgets.
Seek extra help from advisers for writing, pitching, or understanding grant terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 Who can apply for the £500 Start‑Up Grant?
Anyone aged 18+ in West Dunbartonshire starting a new business requires a business plan and proof of trading. (NerdWallet, West Dunbartonshire Council)

▫️ How much is the Recovery & Growth Grant?
Up to £10,000, funding 50% of costs for job‑supporting projects, requiring a minimum £10k spend. (Find Business Support)

🔹 What’s the Early Stage Growth Grant for?
For businesses under 3 years old, offering up to £1,500 to support expansion at 50% funding. (West Dunbartonshire Council)

▫️ Can I get Net Zero funding?
Yes—up to £10,000 for energy-saving projects with 50% matched funds. (West Dunbartonshire Council, NerdWallet)

🔹 Are there grants for tourism businesses?
Yes—a grant of up to £10,000 supports events and attractions that drive tourism and job creation. (NerdWallet, Find Business Support)

▫️ Are loans available locally?
Yes—through Business Loans Scotland, accessible via Business Gateway for those unable to secure mainstream funding. (en.wikipedia.org)

🔹 Where can I get help applying?
Contact Business Gateway West Dunbartonshire (0141 530 2408 or email) or visit the Council’s grant pages online.

Value AD

2025

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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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