2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Breckland, UK

Introduction

Breckland Council provides a range of funding and finance support to regional startups and SMEs through capital grants, shopfront improvement schemes, and national loan programmes. This guide explains the main funding routes, eligibility, application process, contacts, and useful pointers.

Available Grants

Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) – Breckland Business Support Scheme

• Purpose: Capital grants for new and growing rural businesses to invest in assets that enhance productivity, capacity or diversification

• Amount & Streams:

  • New Business Start‑up: £500–£1,000

  • Medium‑Growth Rural Business Grant: £500–£2,499

  • High‑Growth Rural Business Grant: £2,500–£50,000

• Match Funding: Minimum 50% match required

• Eligibility: Business must be based in Breckland; new startup or trading 12+ months; projects must complete by 1 December 2025 (Breckland Council)

• Apply via: Breckland Council Business Grants Information page (Breckland Council)

Shopfront Repair and Redecoration Small Grants Scheme

• Purpose: Supports façade improvements for commercial properties in Breckland market towns

• Amount: Up to 75% of eligible costs, capped at £5,000 per property (Breckland Council)

• Eligibility: Open to business tenants or owners in commercial units; works must comply with design guidance and planning consent; grant must be claimed post‑completion; scheme closes when funds exhausted (Breckland Council)

• Apply via: Breckland Council’s shopfront grant page, including application forms, schedule of works, and terms & conditions (Breckland Council)

Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

• Amount: Up to £25,000 per individual applicant

• Rate: Fixed interest (approx. 6%), repayable over 1–5 years

• Extras: Free mentoring and support via the British Business Bank scheme

• Eligibility: UK-based individuals aged 18+, trading less than 36 months

• Apply via: Start‑Up Loans Company via GOV.UK

Where to Find Information

• Breckland Council – Business Grants Information: official page for updates and sign-up to email alerts (Breckland Council)

• Breckland Council – Shop Front Grant Scheme: details on eligibility, guidance, forms, and grant terms (M+A Partners)

• New Anglia Growth Hub: for broader business support across Norfolk & Suffolk, including mentoring, peer networks, and grant navigation

• GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder: search tool for national and sector-specific grant and loan options

Eligibility Guidance

• REPF Grants require a business location in Breckland, trading duration as specified per stream, capital-only spend, and match funding

• Shopfront Grants require planning or listed-building consent, compliance with design guidance, and post-grant retention of works for 3 years

• Start‑Up Loans draw on personal eligibility criteria, business viability, and founder credit checks

Application Process

1. Define project scope: capital upgrade, façade improvement, or startup investment

2. Check eligibility: verify trading history, location, funding requirements, and deadlines

3. Prepare documents: business plan, financial forecasts, quotes, ownership/lease verification, proof of match funding

4. Complete application: for REPF/Shopfront via Breckland Council; for Start‑Up Loans via the national portal

5. Submit required paperwork: include visuals, schedules of works, consent evidence, receipts

6. Decision timeframe: Council panels typically respond within 6 weeks; loans vary by provider

Additional Tips

• Sign up for email alerts on the Breckland Council grants page to be notified of new rounds (M+A Partners, Breckland Council, Breckland Council)

• Use New Anglia Growth Hub programmes for mentoring, peer support, and networking across Norfolk

• Leverage https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to build B2B connections and grow your network

• Maintain organised financial records and photos of before/after improvements in case of audit or reporting

Contact & Further Information

Breckland Council – Economic Development / Business Growth
📞 01362 656 870
📧 business.support@breckland.gov.uk
🔗 https://www.breckland.gov.uk/article/20371/Business‑Grants‑Information

New Anglia Growth Hub
For advice and assistance across Norfolk & Suffolk for SMEs
📞 via their website
🔗 https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk

FAQs about Funding in Breckland

 
🔹 Are there grants for online or tech-based startups in Breckland?
While no specific digital-focused grants are active, REPF and Shopfront grants are available for capital or premises improvement projects. Innovation-related funding may be accessed via Growth Hub signposting.

 
🔹 How much funding can I access?
REPF offers £500–£50,000 depending on stream; Shopfront grants up to £5,000; Start‑Up Loans up to £25,000.

 
🔹 Am I eligible if my business is not yet trading?
The REPF startup grant accepts businesses within their first year; most capital grants require prior trading history. Start‑Up Loans accept pre‑start applicants.

 
🔹 Can I apply for multiple schemes?
Yes — provided you meet the criteria for each scheme and use funds for distinct project costs.

 
🔹 Is there a cost to apply?
Grant and support applications are free. Loans carry interest and possible arrangement fees.

 
🔹 Can funding be used for marketing or operational costs?
REPF and Shopfront grants only fund capital costs. Start‑Up Loans may cover working capital. Check scheme-specific guidelines.

 
🔹 How long does the application process take?
Council grants take up to six weeks for decisions; Start‑Up Loans vary. Factor in planning or consent timelines where relevant.

 
🔹 Where can I get help preparing my application?
Contact Breckland Council’s Business Support team or use New Anglia Growth Hub’s coaching, peer networks, and mentoring services.