In Britain, Small businesses and start-up loans in UK can benefit from grants and loans. In theory, entrepreneurs should apply for financial assistance as soon as possible, but many delay the process or aren’t aware that they are eligible. It’s worth knowing that you have options, as registering can take as little as two minutes. Whether you need funding to expand your business or seek funding to help you grow, here are the best finance options that are available in the UK.
Types of small business and start-up grants and loans in the UK
The Coronavirus grant and loan program
Despite the fact that Covid-19 has affected all businesses, small businesses have been particularly affected by it. A number of grants and loans were introduced by the government as a means of supporting the economy’s lifeblood.
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) – guarantees lenders 80% of the loan amount and pays interest and fees for the first year. It allows small businesses to access funding of up to £5 million. Until January 2021, the scheme will continue to operate.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – This scheme covers 80% of employees’ salaries when they’re out of work because of the Coronavirus pandemic and supports employers who cannot retain their staff because of the pandemic. Until March 2021, the scheme is open to workers who earn up to £2,500 per month.
The Kickstart Scheme – To reduce unemployment, the government provides funding to employers to hire Universal Credit recipients between 16-24 years old.
The Future Fund – Those in the innovation sector dealing with the pandemic can borrow between £125,000 and £5 million from the Future Fund. By the end of January 2021, you will be able to apply.
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS – A government program called the bounce back loan scheme (BBLS) will guarantee 100% of loans for SMEs worth up to 25% of their revenue for the first year, plus interest and fees. January 2021 is the deadline for applications.
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open or Closed) – For businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic or have been forced to close because of the second lockdown imposed by Covid-19, these two funding options are available.
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) – You could receive funding from the ARG through your local council if you don’t qualify for any other small business grants or loans.
Grants for small businesses
UK funding schemes are available for small businesses in need of a boost. Grants also come with no repayment requirements, even though they come with terms and conditions.
Grant Scheme for Seed Enterprise Investment – By offering tax relief to those who purchase shares, this grant fund encourages investors to invest in small businesses. Under the scheme, companies are eligible to receive up to £150,000 in awards.
Grow It – Provide up to £15,000 and expert guidance to organizations working on social projects that benefit the local community.
Business Gigabit Broadband Vouchers – Businesses located in remote areas will have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £3,500 to upgrade their broadband connections to gigabit speeds.
Lottery Grants for Arts Council Projects – People and organizations involved in creative projects, such as theatres and galleries, are receiving much-needed support from the Arts Council. Depending on the grant amount, small businesses can receive up to £100,000 in funding
CRACK-IT Challenges – This competition encourages collaboration between companies and universities to solve scientific or technological problems or develop new products. Applicants can secure contracts worth up to £1 million over three years if their application is successful.
The Tradeshow Access Program – With this program, organizations can gain access to international trade shows. Grants between £500 and £2,500 are available to small businesses that wish to participate in promotional campaigns or attend trade shows in foreign countries. Additionally, you will need to match the grant funds with your own funding. Foreign export contracts can also be built using the funds, along with market research and international business guidance.
Small business loans
The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) – Established by the British Business Bank to guarantee loans between £25,000 and £1.2 million, the EFG helps small businesses grow. An organization must be located in the UK and have annual revenue below £41 million to qualify.
NatWest Small Business Loans – The company offers a wide range of flexible business loans with terms up to 10 years. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is £1000 and £50,000; a guarantee or security may be required.
HSBC Small Business Loan – The bank offers a range of funding options for loans between £1000 and £25000. As part of the contract, the bank offers a three-month repayment holiday and a fixed interest rate. Between 12 months and 10 years are possible for repayment terms.
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Small Business Loan from Royal Bank of Scotland – RBS offers flexible small business finance options ranging from £1,000 to £50,000. With a fixed interest rate and a repayment period between one and ten years, you can choose to suit your needs.
Business Loans at Lloyds Bank – Lloyds Bank offers a wide range of financing options. You can borrow up to £25,000 at fixed or variable interest rates for a term of up to 25 years. In addition to loans exceeding £25,000, Lloyds also offers loans of up to £25 million for businesses with a turnover of over £250,000.
Funding Circle Business Loan – For entrepreneurs without assets to pledge as collateral, Funding Circle offers unsecured business loans. The loan amount can range between £50,000 and £500,000 if you have at least three years of business experience. A 12-month repayment plan is also available without an upfront fee.
The Greater London Investment Fund Loan (GLIF) – Your organization could qualify for up to £1 million of funding if you reside in the UK’s capital. If you cannot access private funding, we will approve a business model with potential for profit. For SMEs without collateral or with a poor track record, GLIF can be a useful option.
Friedrichs Foundation Loans – Fredericks Foundation Loans provide financing for small businesses that cannot otherwise secure it. Your credit rating will determine whether you can borrow between £2,500 and £15,000 if your business has been up and running for less than 24 months. The foundation offers up to £35,000 in funding to SMEs older than two years.
Start-up grants
Enterprise Allowance – An expert adviser connects start-ups with the program, which was developed by the government. Mentors will review your business plan and you may receive a weekly allowance up to £1,274 if you join the program successfully.
The Do It Awards – This scheme was created by Un Ltd to support entrepreneurs in their efforts to develop socially conscious organizations. Obtaining £5,000 in funding to start a thriving business is possible if you need to raise capital. As part of its commitment to small businesses, Limited provides all grant recipients with dedicated award managers and high-quality training opportunities.
The Eureka Eurostar’s Scheme – Eureka is an international funding program for small and medium-sized enterprises working in research and development. Until the project has a value of €360,000., it can receive 60 percent of R&D project costs through its Eurostar’s program. Through this scheme, you’ll be able to connect with SMEs and research institutions from around the world.
Plug-in van grant – Starting a business and needing a vehicle to get around could save you money with a government grant that allows you to purchase an electric van. Low-emission vans and trucks are eligible for government subsidies of up to 20% of the cost. You can receive $3000 in grant funds if you need a car for your business.
Start-up loans
The Start-Up Loan – A government-backed loan for entrepreneurs setting up a business. This is the most well-known start-up loan. Businesses may only invest up to £100,000 in their ventures. Each individual can receive up to £25,000 in awards. A fixed interest rate of 6% applies to this loan. In the event that the amount is approved, recipients will be given a five-year repayment period. Program participants also receive one year of business mentoring.
The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Award – Working with the Start Up Loans Company. The Prince’s Trust provides business owners between 18 and 30 with grants between £500 and £5,000 to help them start their own business. Loans carry a 6.2% annual interest rate.
Virgin Start-Up Loan – For entrepreneurs looking to start a business or expand. Virgin offers a loan scheme with funding that ranges from £500 to £25,000. There are no set-up fees or early repayment penalties, and you can choose a repayment period of one to five years.
What can an accountant do to help me get a grant or loan?
Your business’s financing scheme will be determined with the help of a financial specialist. This method of funding will increase your chances of gaining approval for your business. Accounting professionals can assess your repayment capacity and recommend the best option for your business loan application.
As well as helping you determine how much capital to generate. Once the money is in your account, an independent financial adviser can also help you decide what to do with it. It is important to discuss your funding options with a consultant and prepare any necessary documentation, including your business plan, during the consultation stage.
Our article on small business crowdfunding may also be helpful to you if you found this article helpful.