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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants and Loans for Start‑ups and Small Businesses in Blaby, UK

Introduction

Blaby District Council, in collaboration with local and regional partners, offers several funding opportunities and support services to help new and established businesses grow. This guide outlines the current options for 2025, including grants, loan income, and local business support.

Available Grants

Grow Your Business Grants & Digitalisation Support

Purpose: Supports businesses in adopting digital technologies, expanding operations, creating jobs, and increasing operational efficiency.
Support may include: Grants for e-commerce, digital marketing campaigns, IT upgrades, and growth initiatives.
Eligibility: Businesses based in the Blaby District committed to growth or modernisation.
More info: Visit Blaby District Council's business support page for details and sign-up alerts. (blaby.gov.uk,)

Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund

Purpose: Delivered via the Business Gateway Growth Hub, this fund aims to help micro and small businesses bounce back from recent economic pressures.
Typical awards: Vary; focus on recovery, resilience, upskilling, or business transformation.
Eligibility: Small or micro-businesses across Leicestershire, including Blaby. (LLEP)

Blaby District Community Grants

Purpose: Supports voluntary and community sector organisations with capital, revenue, or green projects benefiting local residents.
Amounts:
- Capital Green Grants: up to £5,000 (20% match required)
- Large Capital Grants: up to £5,000 (50% match)
- Small Capital or Revenue Grants: up to £500
Eligibility: VCS organisations or community-facing ventures in the Blaby District.
Scheme is open for 2025–26; deadlines include 19 Sept, 5 Dec 2025, and 6 Mar 2026. (blaby.gov.uk)

Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Amount: Up to £25,000 per individual founder.
Rate: Fixed interest approximately 6%, repayable over one to five years.
Includes: A year of free mentoring and business guidance.
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, with businesses trading under 36 months.
Apply via: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

Local Business Support

Leicestershire Business Advice Service

Delivered by: Exemplas in partnership with Blaby District Council through UKSPF funds.
Offers: One-to-one business advice, start-up workshops, accelerator programmes, and access to funding.
Available to: Businesses located in Blaby and across Leicestershire. (cosbyparishcouncil.gov.uk, Business Gateway Growth Hub)

Business Gateway Growth Hub

Services include: Impartial funding advice, grant navigation, webinars, and business diagnostics for new and growing enterprises.
Coverage: Leicestershire-wide. (LLEP)

Eligibility Guidance

Grow Your Business Grants require a commercial base in the Blaby District and a commitment to digital or operational growth.
Recovery Fund targets small or micro-businesses impacted by recent disruptions.
Community Grants are specifically for social or nonprofit organisations serving residents.
Start‑Up Loans require viable business plans and standard borrower checks.

How to Apply

Select a suitable funding route—e.g. digital growth, recovery support, start‑up loan.
Confirm eligibility, including business type, location, trading history, and match‑funding needs.
Prepare supporting materials: business plan, cost estimates, trading proof, marketing or digital proposals.
Submit your application via the council business pages, Growth Hub portal, or Start‑Up Loans portal.
Provide all documentation clearly, including match funding or quotes.
Await decision, typically 4–6 weeks for council or Growth Hub grants; loans may vary.

Additional Tips

Subscribe to updates via the Blaby District Council to receive grant round notifications.
Use the Leicestershire Business Advice Service for tailored support and workshop access.
Engage with the Business Gateway Growth Hub for diagnostic sessions, application coaching, and peer groups.
Maintain records—especially matching invoices, receipts, and project delivery details—for audit purposes.

Contact & Further Information

Blaby District Council – Business Support
📞 0116 272 7575
📧 economicdevelopment@blaby.gov.uk
🌐 https://www.blaby.gov.uk/business-licensing-and-investment/business-support (blaby.gov.uk, blaby.gov.uk, cosbyparishcouncil.gov.uk)

Leicestershire Business Advice Service (Exemplas)
✅ Free workshops and advisor support for local businesses
📞 0116 454 2917 (via Business Gateway Growth Hub)
Explore via the council's business pages (Business Gateway Growth Hub, blaby.gov.uk)

Business Gateway Growth Hub
🔗 https://bizgateway.org.uk — signposting, grant info, local enterprise resources (leicestershire.gov.uk)

FAQs about Grants and Loans in Blaby

🔹 Are tech or online business grants available in Blaby?
No specific tech grants locally—but digital and marketing costs may be included under the Grow Your Business grant stream if they align with eligibility criteria.

🔹 How much funding can I receive?
Business grants: from £500 to £5,000 (community or recovery schemes); Recovery Fund amounts vary. Start-Up Loans: up to £25,000.

🔹 Can pre‑start businesses apply?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans are open to pre‑start and early-stage businesses. Council grants typically require an established base or a clear project plan.

🔹 Can I access multiple programmes?
Yes—strategic combination is possible if each fund covers a separate element of your growth strategy, and funding rules are adhered to.

🔹 Are there any application fees?
No—grant and advisory applications are free. Loans carry interest but no application fee.

🔹 Can funds be used for salaries or operational expenses?
Start‑Up Loans may cover operational costs. Council grants usually focus on capital, digital transformation, or recovery-related projects.

🔹 How long until I receive a decision?
Council or Growth Hub decisions typically take around 4–6 weeks. Loan processing may vary depending on the completeness of your application.

🔹 Where can I get help applying?
Reach out to the council's Business Support team, consult the Business Gateway Growth Hub, or attend local workshops via the Exemplas advice service.

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.

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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.

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