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    Last update 22/07/2025

    Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Startups in Worcester (2025)


    🔹 Local Resources

    Worcester City Council – Business Start‑Up Grant

    • Amount: Up to £1,500 (match‑funded)

    • Eligibility: Start‑ups or trading under 12 months, based in Worcester, with a business plan and recent business advice (Worcester City Council, Worcester City).

    • Use of Funds: Building works, equipment, fixtures, website, software—must be one-off costs and matched pound-for-pound (Worcester City).

    • Apply via: Worcester City Council’s Business Start‑Up Grant page. Scheme is currently closed, but reopening is anticipated (Worcester City).

    • Funded by: UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of a £2.96 m local allocation (Worcester City Council).

    • Contact: Economic Development Team at ☏ 01905 722106 or email economy@worcester.gov.uk (Worcester City Council).

    Worcester City Council – Business Growth Grant

    • For businesses trading over 12 months, offering up to £2,500 (home-based) or £5,000 (commercial premises) for growth-related spend (Worcester City Council).

    • Note: Funding currently fully allocated; expressions of interest being accepted (Worcester City).

    Worcestershire County Council – Enterprising Worcestershire


    🔹 Government‑Backed Support

    Start‑Up Loans

    🔗 Start‑Up Loans


    Business Finance Support Finder

    • A GOV.UK scheme matcher to help startups and SMEs find relevant grants, loans, and investor support.

    🔗 Business Finance Support Finder


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Clearly define funding needs: Expense categories, amount, timing.

    • Match the funding: Ensure you're ready to meet grant match-funding requirements.

    • Prepare a rounded business plan: Cover financials, market analysis and planned use of funds.

    • Take advantage of support: Utilise council advice, Growth Hub workshops, and Worcestershire mentoring.

    • Network actively: Join Worcestershire Growth Hub and local business forums to learn about opportunities early.


    📞 Contact Details


     

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     

    🔹 Q1: How much can I get from the Worcester Business Start‑Up Grant?
    A1: Up to £1,500, matched funding required—available to startups under 12 months old in Worcester City (Worcester City).

     

    🔹 Q2: Who is eligible for the Worcester Business Growth Grant?
    A2: Businesses trading over 12 months; grants range from £2,500 to £5,000, currently fully allocated (Worcester BID, Worcester City Council).

     

    🔹 Q3: What is the Enterprising Worcestershire grant range?
    A3: £1,000 to £10,000, 60% match-funded for businesses under 3 years across Worcestershire (excluding Worcester City direct— contact via Growth Hub) (Worcestershire County Council).

     

    🔹 Q4: How much can I borrow via Start‑Up Loans?
    A4: Up to £25,000 per director, with mentoring included.

     

    🔹 Q5: Can I apply for more than one grant?
    A5: Yes, multiple schemes are available if eligibility criteria are met for each.

     

    🔹 Q6: How often do these grants open?
    A6: Worcester City grants reopen periodically—subscribe to mailing lists and monitor council updates.

     

    🔹 Q7: What counts as match-funding?
    A7: Valid funds are those you allocate yourself—e.g., savings, loan, or investment covering the required percentage.

     

    🔹 Q8: Is there support beyond just funding?
    A8: Yes—coaching, mentoring, workshops (via Enterprising Worcestershire and Growth Hub), plus council business advice.

     

    🔹 Q9: Are rural or retail-focused grants available?
    A9: Retail Enhancement Grants exist for shop refurbishment; check Worcester BID and council notices (Worcester BID).

     

    🔹 Q10: Who do I contact for help with applications?
    A10: Worcester City Economic Development Team via ☏ 01905 722106 or email economy@worcester.gov.uk; Growth Hub via the Worcestershire County Council site.

     

     

     

     

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