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
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
Pendle Town Centre Premises Improvement Grants
North WestGrants of up to £3,000 (50% of costs) for shop front improvements across Pendle Town Centres are available. Any businesses, new or existing within a Pendle Town Centre could be eligible for funding. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Non-CO2 Programme
Trading 1–2 years, Established · the whole UKFunding for research and technology development to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive positions in civil aerospace. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) SME Programme
Trading 1–2 years, Established · the whole UKOffers funding for civil aerospace research and technology development in the UK. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Strategic Programme
Trading 1–2 years, Established · the whole UKFunding for research and technology development to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive positions in civil aerospace. - 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. - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Momentum Music Fund
the whole UK · 0 to 9 employeesThe Momentum Music Fund offers grants of £5k-£15k for artists/bands to break through to the next level of their careers. - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Equity and Loan fund in Greater Manchester
Trading 1–2 years, Established · North West£10m investment fund to support the growth of companies in the advanced manufacturing and materials sector in Greater Manchester. - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Liverpool City Region Flexible Growth Fund
Trading 1–2 years, Established · North WestProviding fee free, Interest subsidised loans up to £1m, this fund can provide up to 50% of eligible capital expenditure repayable over a maximum 5 year term. - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Growth Guarantee Scheme
The scheme site does not openTrading 1–2 years, Established · the whole UKThe Growth Guarantee Scheme is a government-backed scheme designed to support access to finance for UK businesses as they look to invest and grow. - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Enterprise Capital Funds Programme
The scheme site does not openTrading 1–2 years, Established · regions: 9Enterprise Capital Funds (ECFs) bring together private and public money to make investments in high growth, early stage, businesses. - Free
Chamber Low Carbon - Lancashire
Trading 1–2 years, Established · North WestChamber Low Carbon provides a range of 1-2-1 business support services specialising in energy, resource and water efficiency. - Free
Invest in - Fylde
North WestThe Invest in Fylde website showcases all there is to offer to businesses in Fylde. - Free
Carbon Trust
regions: 8Specialist support and resources to help businesses cut carbon emissions, save energy and work on new technologies. - Free
Able Futures
Open for applicationsTrading 1–2 years, Established · regions: 9Able Futures is a funded service that helps employees, self-employed people and employers manage mental health at work. - 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.
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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