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    Last update 22/07/2025

    2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Epping Forest, UK


    🔹 Introduction

    Epping Forest District Council provides tailored support for small businesses through government-backed loans, business rates relief, and advisory programmes—delivered in coordination with Essex-wide support initiatives.


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)


    🔹 Local Support & Relief Schemes

    Business Support Helpline


    Business Rates Relief

    • Mandatory: Charities (80%) and rural settlement businesses (100%)

    • Discretionary: Up to 100% relief under Localism Act

    • Small Business Relief (2023 SSB) limits annual rate increases to £600/year (Epping Forest District Council)

    • Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief (2025–26) grants a 40% relief, capped at £110,000 per business (Epping Forest District Council)


    Qualis Community Benefit Fund

    • Purpose: Supports community-led projects benefiting EFDC tenants

    • Funding: Up to £5,000 (partnerships) or £500 (small grants) (Qualis Group)


    🔹 Regional Business Support

    Backing Essex Business

    • Free workshops, training, mentoring, finance support for EFDC businesses

    • Includes peer-networking ("Group2Grow") and tailored advice (Backing Essex Business)


    Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce

    • Hosts events like digital growth workshops and grants awareness sessions

    • Recent programme: Learning Disabilities & Autism Business Grants (round 3 open) (Epping Forest Chamber Of Commerce)


    🔹 How to Access Support

    1. Define your project needs – startup finance, advisory, rates relief, community support

    2. Check schemes – Start‑Up Loans, rates relief, Qualis fund, Essex business support

    3. Confirm eligibility – via Council helpline, Charity status, location/business type

    4. Gather documents – business plan, forecasts, premises classification, proof of status

    5. Contact support – Business Helpline, Essex Backing service, Chamber of Commerce

    6. Follow up – Apply early, respond quickly to advisors/grant panels


    🔹 Additional Tips


    🔹 Contact & Further Information


    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     

    🔹 Can I access a loan to start a business here?
    Yes—Start‑Up Loans between £500 and £25,000 at fixed 6% interest are available via GOV.UK.

     

    🔹 What business rates relief schemes exist?
    EFDC provides mandatory charity and rural relief; discretionary relief under Localism; small business rate increase cap (£600/year); and 40% RHL relief through 2025–26 (Epping Forest District Council).

     

    🔹 Are local grants available for community projects?
    Yes—Qualis Community Benefit Fund offers up to £5,000 for tenant-benefitting community schemes (Qualis Group).

     

    🔹 What business advice is available locally?
    EFDC’s Business Support Helpline offers free tailored business advice, and Essex-wide support is available via Backing Essex Business (Epping Forest District Council).

     

    🔹 Any networking or sector events in Epping Forest?
    Yes—Epping Forest Chamber hosts sessions on digital growth and disability-inclusive grants (Startup Grant).

     

    🔹 How do I find out about new grants?
    Subscribe to EFDC, Qualis, Essex County, and Chamber newsletters, and contact EFDC’s business helpline for updates.

     

    🔹 Can I claim more than one support scheme?
    Yes—as long as each programme’s eligibility and compliance rules are met.

     

     

     

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