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    Last update 29/07/2025

    2025 Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups in Staffordshire Moorlands, UK


    🌟 Introduction

    This guide lists the current and upcoming funding and support programmes available for new and early-stage businesses in the Staffordshire Moorlands District. All grants and loans are verified as active or reopened soon; any expired or closed windows have been removed or clearly annotated.


    đź’° Available Grants


    🔹 Moorlands ‘To Thrive’ Business Development Grant

    • Purpose: Capital grants for SMEs trading for≥12 months to support growth through technology adoption or new service/product development.

    • Grant Size: £2,000–£10,000 (80% funding).

    • Status: Open on a rolling basis until 31 December 2025 or until all funds are allocated. (Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Cheadle COG)

    • Apply via: Staffordshire County Council email: tothrive@staffordshire.gov.uk


    🔹 Staffordshire Moorlands SME Growth & Innovation Grant

    • Purpose: Support innovation-led small businesses (capital and revenue) including micro-growth grants for tourism diversification.

    • Grant Size: Up to £15,000 (80% funding). Minimum 12 months trading. (jerromscf.co.uk, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, LinkedIn)

    • Status: Active until 2025 or until funding is exhausted; open for new applications.

    • Apply via: Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Business Funding pages.


    🔹 Staffordshire Moorlands Rural Business Development Grant

    • Purpose: Capital support for businesses in rural wards to upgrade infrastructure or diversify operations.

    • Grant Size & Status: Part of UKSPF/REPF funding rounds—open until funds run out or into 2025. (Staffordshire Moorlands District Council)

    • Apply via: Council’s Business Funding Finder or Growth Hub channels.


    🔹 Staffordshire Moorlands SME Skills Hub

    • Purpose: Up to £1,000 grant for non-accredited training via the Skills Hub, funded through UKSPF.

    • Eligibility: Businesses across Staffordshire Moorlands.

    • Status: Open, to be spent by March 2026. (LinkedIn)

    • Apply via: Skills Hub via Staffordshire Chambers (email skillshub@staffordshirechambers.co.uk).


    💼 Government‑Backed Loans


    🔹 Start‑Up Loans – British Business Bank

    • Loan Amount: Up to £25,000 with free mentoring.

    • Eligibility: Businesses trading under 24 months.

    • Apply via: GOV.UK Start-Up Loans portal.


    🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS)

    • Loan Amount: Up to £2 million via accredited lenders.

    • Use: Growth, export or cash flow needs.

    • Apply via: British Business Bank RLS portal.


    🏛️ Local & Regional Business Support


    🔹 Stoke‑on‑Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub


    🔹 Staffordshire County Council ‘Get Started and Grow’ Programme

    • What it offers: Fully-funded business support packages: marketing, legal, HR, finance, digital, and more.

    • Eligibility: Businesses up to 5 years old in Staffordshire (excluding Stafford Borough).


    âś… Eligibility & Guidance


    • Use Staffordshire Moorlands Business Funding Finder via the council website to check eligibility and apply.

    • The Growth Hub can help match you to county-wide programmes and support scheme applications.

    • SMEs in rural areas should check for REPF/UKSPF eligibility for rural development grants.


    📝 How to Apply – Summary


    1. Identify the most relevant grant scheme for your business’s stage and sector.

    2. Engage Growth Hub and/or Skills Hub for advisory support (mandatory for some grants).

    3. Prepare documents: business plan, ID, address proof, quotes/cost breakdowns.

    4. Submit via council portal or email as directed (e.g. EOI for ‘To Thrive’ grant).

    5. Keep evidence, invoices and match funding details for compliance.

    6. Monitor deadlines:

      • ‘To Thrive’: rolling to December 2025

      • Innovation/SME Grant: open until funds exhausted

      • Skills Hub training grants: open through March 2026


    đź’ˇ Additional Tips


    • Be clear and concise about the purpose and impact of funding requested.

    • Align proposals with policy objectives such as innovation, rural business, training or community impact.

    • Use Growth Hub workshops to hone your application.

    • Join local business networks or Staffordshire Chambers events.

    • Try digital networking via: Gmax Card Business Networking


    📬 Contact & Further Information



    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    (Extra spacing below for readability)


    🔹 Is the 'To Thrive' grant still open?
    Yes — it’s open until 31 December 2025 or until funds are allocated; applications are rolling. (Staffordshire Moorlands District Council)


    🔹 How much can I get from the SME Growth & Innovation Grant?
    Up to £15,000 for growth-minded SMEs (capital or revenue); eligibility requires at least 12 months of trading. (jerromscf.co.uk, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council)


    🔹 Can rural businesses access funding?
    Yes — the Rural Business Development Grant is open via UKSPF/REPF and remains active until funds are exhausted.


    🔹 Is training support still available?
    Yes — Skills Hub grants of up to £1,000 per business are currently open, to be used before March 2026. (LinkedIn)


    🔹 What loans can startups access?
    Start-Up Loans offer up to £25,000; the Recovery Loan Scheme covers larger finance needs up to £2 million.


    🔹 How do I stay informed on future opportunities?
    Subscribe to the council’s business newsletter, register with Growth Hub and follow Staffordshire Chambers or skills hub updates.


     

     

     

     

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