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Last update 20/07/2025

2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Tameside, UK

Introduction

Tameside Council supports startups, small businesses, and new ventures by offering expert advice, funding, and access to government-backed finance. While it doesn’t provide direct lending, it connects local businesses to a range of national and regional support.

Tameside Council Support

🔹 Business Start‑Up & Financial Guidance

Tameside Council offers free support for early-stage businesses, including advice, funding guidance, and signposting to loans and grants (tameside.gov.uk).

Grants & Local Schemes

🔹 Discretionary Grant Scheme (Closed)

A previous COVID-era discretionary grant closed in 2020; however, advice and future discretionary support may still be provided through the council (tameside.gov.uk).

🔹 Support for Social Economy Organisations

Action Together offers free training and one-to-one support for social enterprises and community initiatives in Tameside (actiontogether.org.uk).

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans

Personal loans between £500–£25,000 at ~6% APR, including 12 months’ mentoring, available to any UK resident starting a business.
Apply via: https://www.startuploans.co.uk

🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme / British Business Bank

Though the central Recovery Loan Scheme ended, similar finance support is available through the British Business Bank and Greater Manchester Combined Authority schemes (startupgrant.co.uk).

🔹 Greater Manchester Loans & Investment

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) provides funding to support regional growth—including initiatives from Homes England and the GM Growth Hub aimed at town centre regeneration (e.g., £135k revenue funding for Ashton) (tameside.moderngov.co.uk).

Other Funding Options

🔹 Private Investment

Angel investors and venture capitalists can back high-growth potentials—platforms like Angel Investment Network are useful for connections.

How to Find the Right Funding

Identify business needs (startup costs, digital launch, growth).
Research available options — from council advice to national loan schemes.
Check eligibility against criteria for each programme.
Develop a solid business plan, including forecasts and project rationale.
Use local support—book a session with Tameside advisors or Action Together.
Submit your application online with supporting documents.

Contact & Further Information

Tameside Business Start‑Up
Website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/businessstartup (startupgrant.co.uk, actiontogether.org.uk, tameside.gov.uk)
Phone: 0161 342 2000
Tameside Financial Advice & Funding Finder
Website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/businessfinancialadvice (startupgrant.co.uk, tameside.gov.uk)
Action Together (Social Economy Support)
Visit: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/support-social-economy-organisations-tameside (actiontogether.org.uk)
Start‑Up Loans: https://www.startuploans.co.uk
British Business Bank / GMCA Funding Programmes
Refer to GM Business Growth Hub via https://www.businessgrowthhub.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

▫️ Does Tameside Council offer direct grants?
No, current direct grants have closed, although support is available via regional or charitable schemes.

▫️ Are Start‑Up Loans still available?
Yes. These loans (£500–£25k) with mentoring are available nationwide.

▫️ Can I access support for town-centre growth?
Yes—GMCA funding, including revenue grants for town centre development (e.g., Ashton), is available (startupgrant.co.uk, tameside.moderngov.co.uk, actiontogether.org.uk, Facebook).

▫️ Who supports social enterprises in Tameside?
Action Together provides mentoring, training, and planning support (actiontogether.org.uk).

▫️ Where can I find help developing a business plan?
Advisers from Tameside Council and Action Together offer planning support.

▫️ How long does it take to receive funding?
Loan decisions may take 4–12 weeks. Council advice is immediate; grants depend on the scheme duration.

▫️ Can I combine loan and grant funding?
Yes, as long as the eligibility criteria are met and match funding is allowed.

▫️ Are COVID-era grants still available?
No. Most such schemes (like the Discretionary Grant) have closed (actiontogether.org.uk, startupgrant.co.uk).

▫️ How can I improve my chances?
Prepare accurate quotes, detailed forecasts, and a clear rationale supported by adviser feedback.

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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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