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Last update 01/08/2025

2025 Grants & Government‑Backed Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Cherwell District, UK

Introduction

If you're starting or growing a business in Cherwell District, a range of grant schemes, government-backed loans, and regional support programmes is available in 2025.

This guide details current funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and where to find trusted assistance.

Available Grants

🔹 Cherwell Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Business Grant

Purpose: Capital grants for rural businesses in the Cherwell District (excluding urban centres).
Funding: Typically £5,000–£20,000 per business via a competitive two-stage application process.
Eligibility: Businesses trading for at least one full financial year in eligible rural areas and attended the launch webinar (OxLEP Business).
Apply: Via OxLEP Business portal — Expression of Interest opened in October 2024 and full applications in November; claim all spend by 27 March 2025 (enspire.ox.ac.uk).

🔹 Cherwell Business Spark (UKSPF – Enterprise Oxfordshire)

Purpose: Program for new ventures and individuals to build business fundamentals, market understanding, and financial confidence.
Support: Workshops, planning tools, and peer support.
Eligibility: Cherwell-based pre-start or newly trading businesses (cherwell.gov.uk, cherwell.gov.uk).
Apply: Register via Enterprise Oxfordshire online (cherwell.gov.uk).

🔹 Cherwell Business Accelerator (UKSPF – Enterprise Oxfordshire)

Purpose: Growth-focused support for SMEs, including strategic review, leadership development, and peer networking.
Eligibility: Established businesses based in Cherwell ready to scale.
Duration: Runs through March 2026 (cherwell.gov.uk, cherwell.gov.uk, enspire.ox.ac.uk).

🔹 Energy Efficiency Grants via Energy Solutions Oxfordshire (ESO)

Purpose: Free energy assessments and followed by match-funded grants (up to £10,000) for implementing decarbonisation measures.
Eligibility: SMEs in Cherwell District (cherwell.gov.uk, cherwell.gov.uk).

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Loan amount: £500–£25,000 per founder, at ~6% fixed APR, repayable up to five years.
Included: 12 months of free mentoring and planning support.
Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, businesses trading under 36 months.
Apply via: GOV.UK support tool and local advisers.

Local & Regional Support

🔹 Cherwell District Council – Business Support Hub

Offers grant updates, advisor referrals, support on planning, low-carbon advice, and business resilience.
Visit: Cherwell business support page (startupgrant.co.uk).

🔹 Oxfordshire Growth Hub / OxLEP Business

Provides the Business Support Tool to match businesses with relevant funding and support, as well as access to Spark, Accelerator, and REPF programmes.
Contact: enterpriseoxfordshire.com and OxLEP Business website (OxLEP Business).

Eligibility & Application Guidance

Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support finder for national programmes.
Contact Cherwell Economic Development Team at economic.development@cherwell-dc.gov.uk for local grant clarity.
Common required documents:
- Business plan & year one action plan
- Forecast financials
- Formal quotes for capital costs
- Evidence of match funding (if required)
- Proof of trading location/status

Application Steps

Identify appropriate grant or loan for your business stage and sector.
Confirm eligibility using OxLEP or council criteria.
Gather required documents.
Submit Expression of Interest or full application via OxLEP/Enterprise Oxfordshire platform.
If shortlisted, submit full documentation.
Await decision; successful applicants must deliver the project and comply with monitoring requirements.

Additional Tips

Join peer networks and masterclasses offered through Cherwell Accelerator for high-impact support (OxLEP Business, startupgrant.co.uk, facebook.com, enspire.ox.ac.uk, Enterprise Oxfordshire).
Register for OxLEP newsletters to stay updated on re-opening of funding streams.
Use https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to connect with local entrepreneurs, mentors, and peers.

Contact & Further Information

Cherwell District Council – Business Support & Funded Opportunities:
https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/199/business-support-and-advice/207/support-loans-and-grants (cherwell.gov.uk)

Email: economic.development@cherwell-dc.gov.uk • Tel: 01295 227001
OxLEP Business / Enterprise Oxfordshire (for REPF, Spark & Accelerator programmes):
https://enterpriseoxfordshire.com/business-support (startupgrant.co.uk, OxLEP Business, OxLEP Business)
Energy Solutions Oxfordshire – Low Carbon Support: consult via Oxfordshire Growth Hub (cherwell.gov.uk)
GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder:
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

FAQs

🔹 Which funding schemes are open in Cherwell for startups in 2025?
Cherwell Business Spark (for start-ups), Cherwell Business Accelerator, the rural REPF grant (capital £5k–£20k), and energy grants via ESO.

🔹 Is grant funding available for rural SMEs?
Yes—REPF Rural Business Grant offers up to £20,000 capital support for eligible rural enterprises (cherwell.gov.uk, OxLEP Business).

🔹 Is help available if I’m not yet trading?
Yes—Business Spark offers foundational support for pre-start and newly trading entrepreneurs in Cherwell.

🔹 Can I apply for both grant and accelerator support?
Absolutely—many businesses start on Spark or Accelerator and subsequently access REPF capital funding if eligible.

🔹 Are there loans for new businesses?
Yes—Start-Up Loans of up to £25,000 per founder are available and accompanied by mentoring support.

🔹 What’s covered in the energy efficiency support scheme?
ESO provides a free assessment and grants up to £10,000 for green upgrades like insulation, heat pumps or solar installation.

🔹 What documentation is needed to apply for grants?
Business plan, forecasts, quotes for project costs, proof of match funding, proof of trading or rural location.

🔹 Who can help with my application?
Contact Cherwell’s Economic Development team or OxLEP via Enterprise Oxfordshire / Growth Hub.

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