Stevenage Borough Council recognises that pre-start and early-stage businesses require that much-needed cash injection from the outset of their business journey. To help meet this crucial need for funding, the council has recently launched the Stevenage Start-up Business Grant.

The Stevenage Start-up Business Grant is specifically targeted at helping small businesses and is part of a wider offering of ongoing support from the council. The aims are to:

• encourage the creation of sustainable new businesses
• stimulate entrepreneurship and enterprise activities
• encourage innovation
• create new jobs in Stevenage.

Providing financial assistance and wider support to early-stage businesses can demonstrate a high potential for growth and positively impact the wider business community. Businesses that are eligible will be able to apply for a non-repayable grant of between £500 - £2,000 to cover the eligible costs of getting their business firmly off the ground. The amount of grant supported will depend on the stage of the business and project type.

To apply for funding, businesses must have recently received advice and guidance to support their business ideas and plans from Wenta’s Get Enterprising Programme or the Herts Growth Hub Business Support Team.

Grants are discretionary and dependent on available funds. Businesses can apply online with supporting information. Stevenage Borough Council will manage the scheme, with initial assessments undertaken by the council and final reviews by the Stevenage Start-up Business Grant Panel.

"We are delighted to support Stevenage pre-starts, early start-ups, and entrepreneurs by helping them overcome financial barriers and accelerate their growth.

“The council is committed to fostering innovation and empowering entrepreneurs who are shaping Stevenage’s future. We recognise the challenges new businesses face and want to ensure innovative ideas have the resources to thrive.

“The Stevenage Start-up Grant is a vital tool, providing funding and expert support to help businesses scale up and succeed, contributing to our local economy. Our goal is to create a thriving eco-system of support for start-ups that drives job creation and economic growth. The new grant scheme complements the award-winning Business Technology Centre’s existing advice and support services, creating a strong support system that drives job creation and economic growth.

“We encourage businesses to take advantage of this scheme to help them establish a long-term successful company within our town.”

Apply for funding and read the full application criteria by visiting the Stevenage Business Start-up Grant page.