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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Startups and Small Businesses in Pendle, UK

Introduction

This guide summarises the latest grant funding, government-backed loan options, and local support available in Pendle (Burnley, Nelson, Colne) as of 2025. All links have been verified to ensure they are active and relevant.

Available Grants

🔹 Pendle Innovation & Productivity Grants (UKSPF)

Supports investment in innovation, equipment, or R&D for small businesses across Pendle.
Offers up to £18,000, covering 60% of eligible costs.
Eligible businesses must operate from a commercial address within Pendle and demonstrate business innovation and productivity gains.
Application deadline: 31 July 2025.
Claim deadline: 28 February 2026.
Details & contact:
[Pendle Innovation & Productivity Grants – Pendle Borough Council](pendle.gov.uk)

🔹 Nelson Town Centre Business Resilience & Growth Grants

Facilitates major business investments in Nelson town centre under the Nelson Town Deal.
Grants range from £5,000 to £100,000, supporting job creation, renovations, or low-carbon growth.
One grant allowed per property; match-funded.
Apply by: 31 July 2025; claims by 28 February 2026.
Details & announcement:
[Nelson Town Deal grant scheme – official news page](Nelson Town Deal, Kneeshaws Chartered Accountants)

🔹 Premises Improvement Grants (Town Centre Facade Grants)

Available in the main Pendle towns such as Brierfield, Barnoldswick, and Barrowford.
Typically up to £3,000 for shopfront and façade enhancements (match-funded).
Contact Boost Lancashire Helpdesk for application support.
More information:
[Boost website – Pendle premises improvement support](Boost Business Lancashire, pendle.gov.uk)

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Unsecured personal loans between £500 and £25,000 at a fixed 6% interest rate.
Includes 12 months of mentoring and training.
Available to UK residents aged 18+, including pre-start businesses.
Apply via GOV.UK:
[Apply for a Start Up Loan](Startup Grants UK)

🔹 Growth Guarantee & Enterprise Finance Guarantee Schemes

Help SMEs access finance up to £1 million, even when offering limited security.
Available through accredited lenders listed on the British Business Bank website.

Local Business Support

🔹 Pendle Borough Council – Business Support Hub

Central resource listing all active grant schemes (innovation, resilience, shopfront) and access to application packs and business support.
Also includes advice on premises, social enterprise setup, and enterprise support.
Visit:
[Business Support & Advice – Pendle Borough Council](pendle.gov.uk, pendle.gov.uk)

🔹 Boost Business Lancashire Helpdesk

Serves as the Business Growth Hub for Lancashire, offering support, mentoring and grant navigation.
Connect via:
[Boost Business Lancashire website](Boost Business Lancashire)

Eligibility Guidance

Innovation Grants & Town Deal schemes require businesses to operate from a commercial address within Pendle and have viable proposals.
Innovation grant applicants must have traded for at least six months and hit outcomes like productivity or new-market products.
Premises grants require fitting within specific town centre zones.
Start Up Loans and EFG schemes follow national access rules via GOV.UK.

How to Apply

Choose the appropriate scheme (e.g. innovation grant, premises improvement, or Start Up Loan).
Prepare: project/business plan, quotes, match-funding documentation, and business viability materials.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) for grants before 31 July 2025, then a full application once invited.
Expect grant decisions within ~6 weeks; loan decisions typically within ~4 weeks.
If successful, complete work, then submit outcomes evidence (invoices, receipts, photos).
Ensure claims are submitted by the deadline (28 Feb 2026 for Pendle UKSPF grants).

Additional Tips

Apply early; limited funds operate on a first-come basis.
Keep documentation: invoices, quotes, correspondence, and before/after photos.
Use advisory support from Boost and the Council’s business teams to strengthen proposals.
Combine sources when permitted, such as an innovation grant plus a Start Up Loan.

Contact & Further Resources

Pendle Borough Council – Business Growth Team
Phone: 01282 661661 | Email: business@pendle.gov.uk
Boost Business Lancashire Helpdesk
https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk | Tel: 0800 488 0057 | info@boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk
Nelson Town Deal enquiries: Contact Mike Williams, Economic Development Officer at Pendle Council.
British Business Bank: Access via GOV.UK for Start Up Loans and Growth Guarantee schemes.

FAQs – Business Funding in Pendle (2025)

🔹
Are grants available for online-only businesses?
Only if the business is located within eligible zones and is undertaking eligible innovation work. Online-only businesses may apply for Start Up Loans.

🔹
How much funding can I get?

Up to £18,000 via innovation grants
Up to £100,000 via Nelson Town Deal schemes
Up to £3,000 for premises improvements
Start Up Loans available up to £25,000

🔹
Can pre‑start businesses apply?
Yes—for Start Up Loans and Flying Start coaching support. Grants generally require existing trading or premises.

🔹
Is a business plan required?
Yes, for all pathways. A clear plan with financial forecasts and project justification is essential.

🔹
What are typical timelines?
Grant decisions are often within 6 weeks; Start Up Loans typically take ~4 weeks. Town Deal grants follow panel schedules post-EOI.

🔹
Can multiple funding streams be combined?
Yes—if programme terms allow, e.g. combining grant funding with Start Up loans for matched investment.

🔹
Are there application charges?
No, for council grants and government-backed loans. Some private finance may include fees.

🔹
Does my business need to be high-growth?
No—the focus is on impact, innovation, and regeneration in Pendle rather than growth per se.

🔹
Can I use grants for marketing or training?
Eligible expenditure depends on the scheme—innovation grants can include technology, training, or marketing, supporting productivity gains.

🔹
Where can I get help with my application?
Speak to Pendle Council’s Business Growth Team or use Boost Business Lancashire for mentoring and guidance.

Value AD

2025

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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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