Business grants, loans and other funding streams

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There are a variety of organisations that can offer help with funding, either through grants or access to loan funding, in order to start or grow your business.

Suffolk Business Grant Scheme

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Suffolk Business Grant Scheme is delivered by Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and West Suffolk Council.

The Suffolk district councils are looking to provide support to businesses across Suffolk to grow and become more productive, to encourage innovation and to become more environmentally sustainable through small grants to local SME businesses.

Businesses can apply for grants between £5,000 and £10,000, with a maximum grant intervention of 50%. An FAQ is available here.

Businesses wishing to apply or for further guidance and support should first contact the New Anglia Growth Hub to discuss their project ideas online or by calling: 0300 333 6536.

The specialist Business Growth Advisers will work with you to ensure your project is suitable for the grant scheme (or advise you of other potential more suitable grant schemes) and support you in developing your application as required. As part of the process, an initial in-depth diagnostic exercise will be undertaken by New Anglia Growth Hub Business Advisers to determine eligibility of your business and identify what type of support you require. The services of the Growth Hub are free and impartial, but you will need to register your details with them to access support.

Once you are ready to apply, please complete and submit this form.

New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Small Grant Scheme

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Small Grant Scheme is part of the Business Growth Programme delivered by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (New Anglia) in partnership with Nwes, Menta, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk County Council. Grants of up to £25,000 are available at up to 40% and previous recipients may re-apply.

Foundation East

Foundation East is a not-for-profit organisation that operates across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. They lend money to new businesses, existing businesses, self-employed people and social enterprises that can't get a loan from a bank or need additional funds to match bank lending.

Telephone: 01284 636 550

Prince's Trust

The Prince's Trust is a UK charity that works with young people aged 14-30, offering practical support through training, mentoring and financial assistance, to help them overcome barriers and realise their potential.

Their particular focus is on young people who have struggled at school, been in care, been in trouble with the law or are long-term unemployed.

Enterprise Europe Network

Enterprise Europe Network helps small business to make the most of the European marketplace. Working through local business organisations, they can help you:

  • Develop your business in new markets;
  • Source or license new technologies;
  • Access EU finance and EU funding.

 

Eastern New Energy 

Eastern New Energy, in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council,  provides free support to your business or organisation to optimise your low-carbon impact. We will give you the information you need to take effective actions to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs through our independent expert advice.

Whether you are an SME, individual, organisation or community group wanting to decarbonise your energy use, or supply and create low-carbon products or services, we are here to help you. We’re also able to support start-ups, low carbon product and service development and have grants available.

To find out more, get in touch with Chris Mussett using the details below or visit our website.

Email: Chris.Mussett@suffolk.gov.uk or Phone: 01473 264941.

Contact Details

Economic Development,
Ipswich Borough Council,
3E Grafton House,
15-17 Russell Road,
Ipswich,
IP1 2DE

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01473 432918