Business support
Britain has no single “start-up grant” — it has 129 separate schemes: grants, loans and equity. A grant is not repaid, a loan is, and a third of the schemes are tied to one county or town.
What support you qualify for
- Grant · amount on GOV.UK
BIC Innovation Grant Sunderland
Trading 1–2 years, Established · North EastOffers grants of 40% contribution towards innovative projects valued between £5,000 and £25,000. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Made Smarter London
Trading 1–2 years, Established · LondonThe Made Smarter adoption programme aims to empower and support London's manufacturing businesses. The programme has a particular focus on adopting digital technology. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Oldham Council Innovation Grant
Trading 1–2 years, Established · North WestInnovation grant scheme to support business growth, encourage inward investment, and drive productivity through innovation. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
South West Investment Fund (SWIF)
The scheme site does not openTrading 1–2 years, Established · South WestThe fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Sunderland Business Support Fund
Trading 1–2 years, Established · North EastGrants are available to support projects costing between £3,000 and £6,000 (excluding VAT). The Business Support Fund can cover up to 40% of eligible business spend. - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Productive Valley Fund
Not yet trading, Trading 1–2 years · LondonLoans of between £50,000 and £400,000, for projects such as premises refurbishment, building works and equipment purchases that will lead to increased productivity, job creation and business growth.
Where this comes from
The catalogue comes from GOV.UK search and refreshes every morning, last on 04.10.2026. We take no money to list anything; the decision is made by whoever runs the scheme.
Loan calculator
The monthly repayment and the total interest on a loan. Worked out in your browser. The other calculators →
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a month
principal — interest — total —
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The same amount under other programmes
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How this is worked out
On a reducing balance, the way Start Up Loans and banks do it. A “flat rate” in an advert means a real rate close to double: interest there is charged on the whole sum. Any arrangement fee is not included. Worked out in your browser.
Do you qualify for a Start Up Loan
The government start-up loan: £500–25,000 at 7.5% over up to five years, no security. It is a personal loan, not a company one — you are liable.
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What happens next
This checks the basic conditions, not the decision. Next come the business plan, the cash-flow forecast and your credit history. The scheme is run by the Start Up Loans Company, part of the British Business Bank.
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