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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Rushcliffe, UK

Introduction

Supporting startups, early-stage ventures, and small businesses across Rushcliffe (including West Bridgford, Bingham, Radcliffe-on-Trent) in 2025, this guide covers grants, government-backed loans, and local support schemes, with clear eligibility info, how to apply, and verified links to official sources.

Available Grants

🔹 High Street Small Business Grant (UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Rushcliffe Borough Council)

Purpose: Improve shopfronts, digital infrastructure, energy efficiency, and accessibility for high street businesses.
Funding: Up to £5,000, covering up to 70% of project costs.
Eligibility:
- Independent retail/hospitality/leisure businesses trading for at least 6 months, with 1–50 employees, turnover under £10m, and registered in Rushcliffe.
- Must provide upfront funding and claim reimbursement later.
Timeline: Applications open from 1 April 2025, close when funding is allocated; projects must be completed and claimed by 31 March 2026.
Apply / Enquiries: Email ukspfenquiries@rushcliffe.gov.uk and refer to the official guidance:
https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/business/supporting-business/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/ (rushcliffe.gov.uk, rushcliffe.gov.uk, rushcliffe.gov.uk, rushcliffe.gov.uk)

🔹 UKSPF & Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Capital Grants

Purpose: Larger-scale investment for projects aligned with visitor economy, decarbonisation, innovation, business growth or rural development.
Funding: Grants of £1,000–£40,000, covering up to 40% of total project cost.
Eligibility: Projects must be based in Rushcliffe and deliver outcomes aligned with UKSPF/REPF objectives. Must spend funding between 30 June 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Apply: Contact the Economic Growth team via ukspfenquiries@rushcliffe.gov.uk. Visit guidance documents here:
https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/news-area/rushcliffe-businesses-invited-to-apply-for-grants-of-up-to-40k-through-ukspf-and-repf/ (rushcliffe.gov.uk, East Midlands Combined County Authority)

🔹 Energy for Business Grant (University of Nottingham / Rushcliffe Business Partnership)

Purpose: Once offered EU-backed support (40% funding, up to £8,000) for energy-efficiency and sustainable tech.
Status: The specific scheme appears to have closed by March 2024; current equivalents are embedded in UKSPF grants above. Confirm via the Rushcliffe Business Partnership page for updated local energy grants. (startupgrant.co.uk)

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan range: £500 to £25,000
Interest rate: Fixed 6%, with 12 months of free mentoring
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, with a trading or pre‑start business under 3 years old
Apply:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

🔹 Growth Guarantee Scheme & Enterprise Finance Guarantee (British Business Bank)

Purpose: Provides guarantees for SMEs to access term loans, overdrafts, asset/invoice finance—even without full security.
Eligibility: UK-based SMEs; loans up to £1m
Apply via accredited lenders; learn more at:
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options/debt-finance/growth-guarantee-scheme

Local Council Support

🔹 Rushcliffe Borough Council – Economic Growth Team

Offers free advisory support on:

Available grants and funding programmes
Business development support
Premises and recruitment guidance

Visit their business support hub for resources and updates:
https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/business/supporting-business/ (startupgrant.co.uk, content.govdelivery.com, rushcliffe.gov.uk)

Eligibility Guidance

Use the official GOV.UK Business Finance Support tool:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
Contact Rushcliffe Economic Development Team to confirm local scheme eligibility.
East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub can assist with application and guidance:
https://growthhub.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk (East Midlands Combined County Authority, rushcliffe.gov.uk)

Application Process

Identify your suitable scheme (e.g. UKSPF high street, UKSPF/REPF capital).
Prepare documentation:
- Project/business description
- Quotes and cost estimates
- Evidence of eligibility and match funding
Contact ukspfenquiries@rushcliffe.gov.uk for pre-application discussion.
Submit formal application (via email or form).
Await decision—assessed on first-come, first-served basis.
Complete project, pay costs, then submit reimbursement claim with invoices and proof.
Ensure completion and claims are made before March 2026.

Additional Tips

Network & Mentor: Use platforms like
https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking for peer support and opportunities.
Apply early — especially for schemes that close once funds are exhausted.
Match funding is mandatory — ensure you can cover project costs upfront.
Keep track of eligibility periods and changes — some schemes may be renewed or updated annually.

Contact & Further Information

Rushcliffe Economic Growth Team (UKSPF enquiries): ukspfenquiries@rushcliffe.gov.uk
Rushcliffe Business Support Hub:
https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/business/supporting-business/ (rushcliffe.gov.uk, West Bridgford Wire, East Midlands Combined County Authority, rushcliffe.gov.uk, rushcliffe.gov.uk, D2N2 Growth Hub)
British Business Bank – Start Up Loans & Growth Guarantees:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan and
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options/debt-finance/growth-guarantee-scheme

FAQs – Business Grants and Loans in Rushcliffe (2025)

🔹
Are there grants for online or non‑retail businesses?
While the High Street Grant targets retail/hospitality areas, UKSPF capital grants (£1k–£40k) support broader business types, including digital or innovation projects.

🔹
How much funding is available?
High Street Grant: up to £5,000. UKSPF/REPF capital grants: £1,000–£40,000. Start Up Loans offer up to £25,000.

🔹
Can new businesses (pre‑launch) apply?
Yes—Start Up Loans support pre-start businesses. UKSPF/Rural grants require projects to be fully defined and costed.

🔹
Is a business plan needed?
Not required for some grant schemes, but recommended for loan applications or larger capital grants that assess viability.

🔹
What is the approval timescale?
High Street Grants: awarded first‑come, first‑served (within weeks). Capital grants and loans: usually 2–6 weeks.

🔹
Can I combine a local grant with a loan?
Yes—if scheme rules allow it and applications are aligned.

🔹
Are there fees to apply?
Grants have no application fees. Start Up Loans charge no arrangement fees; other lenders may include minimal fees or interest charges.

🔹
Is funding restricted to high‑growth industries?
Most schemes are open to diverse sectors—retail, services, hospitality, artisan and creative businesses included.

🔹
Can I use funds for marketing or website upgrades?
Yes—eligible expenditure includes digital marketing, accessibility improvements, and energy-saving upgrades, depending on the scheme.

🔹
Where can I get help with my application?
Reach out to Rushcliffe Council’s Economic Growth team or East Midlands Growth Hub. Start Up Loans also offer free mentoring for 12 months.

Value AD

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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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