When it comes to starting a new business, securing capital for growth can be a challenging task. However, business grants offer a valuable opportunity for new businesses to obtain funding. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various business grants available in the UK and provide insights on how your business can improve its chances of securing funding.

Understanding Business Grants

Business grants are financial support provided by the UK government or private organizations to assist startups and small businesses with the necessary funding for their projects. These grants cover essential expenses required to get the business off the ground. The support can come in the form of money, property, or services that do not necessarily need to be repaid.

Find out more about business funding

Tax-Efficient Schemes for Small and Medium-sized Businesses

To assist your small or medium-sized business in applying for tax-efficient schemes like the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), Crest Legal can provide valuable support. These schemes raise money by offering tax reliefs to individual investors. To learn more about SEIS and EIS, you can find additional information here.

Different Types of Government Grants Available

If you’re a UK-based business seeking government funding options, there is a wide range of grants available, including:

1. Innovation grants: Provided by various funding bodies like Innovate UK, these grants support innovative ideas and business growth, particularly those stemming from the UK’s world-class research base.
2. The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Offers grants to sustain and transform the UK’s heritage, including investment in museums, parks, historic places, and cultural traditions.
3. R&D tax credits: Cash payments from the government to encourage companies to conduct research and development projects related to science or technology.
4. Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs): Voluntary partnerships between local authorities and businesses that provide business funding, support, and guidance in specific local areas.
5. New Enterprise Allowance: Provides funding and support to individuals looking to start or develop a business. Eligibility criteria include receiving Universal Credit, Job Seeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, or Income Support.
6. The Prince’s Trust: Supports young people aged 18 to 30 who aspire to start and run their own businesses. The Trust provides funding, resources, training, and mentoring.
7. Regional Growth Fund: Offers grants to businesses in specific regions of the UK, aiming to support economic growth and job creation.
8. Exporting for Growth: Designed to help businesses expand into international markets, this grant provides funding for activities such as market research and attending trade shows.
9. Carbon Trust Green Business Fund: Provides funding and support to businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally sustainable.
10. Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS): Offers advice and support to manufacturers in the UK, including grants for business improvement projects.
11. Local business support: Local authorities provide grants and funding for businesses within their geographic areas. For a comprehensive list of available schemes, refer to the relevant resources.

Grants for Tax Relief

Businesses can benefit from various grants offering tax relief, such as:

1. Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief: Encourages innovation and research in the UK by providing tax relief to businesses undertaking R&D projects. This relief allows companies to claim back up to 33% of their R&D costs as a tax credit, which can be used to offset corporation tax.
2. Patent Box: Enables companies to apply a lower rate of corporation tax (10%) to profits earned from patented inventions. This scheme incentivizes businesses to develop and commercialize new patented technologies.
3. Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS): Provides tax relief to investors who invest in qualifying startups. Investors can receive income tax relief of up to 50% of their investment and capital gains tax relief on any gains made from the investment.

4. Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS): Similar to SEIS but targeted at larger businesses, EIS offers income tax relief of up to 30% on investments of up to £1 million, along with capital gains tax relief on investment gains.
5. Business Rates Relief: This grant provides relief on business rates, which are taxes that businesses must pay for the premises they occupy. Relief may be available for up to 100% of the business rates payable, depending on the business’s location and nature.

Grants for Skills Development

There are numerous grants available to encourage skills development, including:

1. The Apprenticeship Levy: A government levy that applies to employers with a pay bill over £3 million per year. The collected funds are used to finance apprenticeships across the UK, allowing employers to use the levy to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment for their employees.
2. The National Skills Fund: A government fund that provides funding for training courses and apprenticeships. It aims to help individuals of all ages acquire the skills necessary for better job opportunities while assisting employers in investing in their workforce.
3. Innovate UK: A government-funded organization that offers funding and support to innovative businesses in the UK. Innovate UK provides grants for research and development projects and assists businesses in commercializing their ideas. They also run various programs and competitions to help businesses enhance their skills and capabilities.
4. The Skills for Growth Programme: A government-run program that offers funding to businesses in specific UK regions to aid in employee skills development. The program supports various training activities, including apprenticeships, work placements, and leadership and management training.

How Business Grants Can Be Utilized

Business grants can be utilized in various ways, including:

1. Training: Grants can fund training programs to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge, ultimately improving the business’s productivity and profitability.
2. Equipment: Grants can be used for purchasing new equipment or upgrading existing ones to enhance production processes, efficiency, and introduce new technologies.
3. Marketing: Funds can be allocated to advertising and promoting the business, helping it reach new markets and attract a larger customer base.
4. Research and Development: Grants can support research and development of new products and services, enabling business growth and establishing a unique market position.

The Benefits of Business Grants for Small Businesses

For small business owners, grants can be a vital source of funding that supports their business plans and strategies. Grants provide financial support for implementing business plans, allowing small businesses to invest in the necessary resources and infrastructure to achieve their goals.

Securing funding for small businesses can be challenging, especially for new ventures. However, small business grants offer initial funding for essential expenses like equipment, rent, and marketing. Additionally, grants enable small businesses to hire employees, provide training, and develop new products or services.

Grants provide a significant boost to small business finances, helping cover unexpected expenses and providing a safety net during slower business periods.

How to Secure Funding for a Startup in the UK

To embark on your funding journey, research the available funding options and identify those best suited to your business. Popular options include government grants, loans, and crowdfunding.

Government grants can provide substantial funding if your business meets the eligibility criteria. It’s crucial to research grants relevant to your business type and industry.

Applying for a business loan from banks or financial institutions is another avenue to explore. Loans offer significant funding but often require collateral and a strong credit history.

Crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter allow entrepreneurs to pitch their business idea to a wide range of investors, making it an excellent option for startups seeking diverse funding sources.