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
Enterprise Grant Scheme - Bassetlaw
Not yet trading, Trading 1–2 years · East MidlandsPotential grant for people looking to start a new business or businesses in their first 3 years of trading in Bassetlaw. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Financial and Funded Support – Nottingham Trent University
The scheme site does not openEast MidlandsA range of support for businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Invest in - Nottingham
East MidlandsSupport for businesses looking to relocate or expand in the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire area. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
DRIVE35 Funding Programme
The scheme site does not openthe whole UK · Manufacturing, Science and technologyCapital and R&D funding for the UK automotive industry in the design, development and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles and their supply chain. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Heritage Enterprise (HE) - UK
the whole UKFunding to help restore neglected historic buildings and sites and unlock their economic potential. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Horizon Europe funding
Open for applicationsthe whole UKFunding for research or innovation that's ground breaking, improves European research standards or responds to challenges like climate change or food security. - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans
East MidlandsGovernment-funded loans for start-ups and businesses looking to grow across the East and South East Midlands. - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Enterprise programme for young people - UK
Not yet trading, Trading 1–2 years · the whole UKThe King's Trust helps young people aged 18 to 30 years who want to set up their own business in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. - Free
Kick Off in Business – business start-up and self employment online courses
Open for applicationsNot yet trading, Trading 1–2 years · regions: 6A free-to-access short online programme to help you start a business or become self-employed in England. - Free
Carbon Trust
regions: 8Specialist support and resources to help businesses cut carbon emissions, save energy and work on new technologies. - Free
HSE - Health and Safety Executive
regions: 9HSE is a national regulator and government department that supports employers, businesses and employees. - Free
Shaw Trust
regions: 9Shaw Trust is a national charity that supports disabled and disadvantaged people to prepare for work, find jobs and live more independently. - Free
Young Enterprise
Not yet trading · the whole UKYoung Enterprise offers initiatives for all ages from 4 to 25 to help start a business in the UK.
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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