Funding and Government Grants

Local and National Funding

Businesses looking for financial help can find a range of available funding on this page. We have gathered the current funding programmes available below. The council will also offer grants and discounts depending on the current ongoing schemes; you can see a list of council grants below.

We distribute central government funding, but there are lots of other schemes your business may be eligible to apply for. To see all government initiatives including competitions and awards. Visit the official government site.

Government Finance Support

Finance Support

Rural Business Grant

West Berkshire Council is offering £297,994 to Rural Business across the district over two financial years, with £99,498 being provided in 2023/2024, and a further £198,495 in 2024/2025. The business grants will range between £10,000 to £40,000 and will be awarded to businesses on a rolling basis over the lifetime of the scheme.

The main aim of the REPF business grant is to stimulate economic growth within West Berkshire’s rural economy, in line with our Rural Economy Policy, by encouraging small businesses to invest in diversification ventures, sustainable energy, new production methods, and the conversion of derelict farm buildings for commercial use.

Successful projects should help to improve the long-term sustainability and resilience of the rural economy, and this will in turn help maintain the vibrancy and viability of our rural communities.

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rural west berkshire

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West Berkshire Council Funding

West Berkshire is dedicated to supporting businesses grow and recover after the pandemic. The council offer a range of schemes, from grants that businesses can apply for to business rate relief for businesses who have been impacted by Covid restrictions. You can find out the current ongoing schemes through the council website.

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Innovate UK (formerly known as Technology Strategy Board)

Offers funding, business support and networking platforms to help boost technology and innovation. The Smart Grants programme offers up to £100,000 of co-funding for R&D projects. Smart is aimed at SMEs with high growth and ambition.

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Further Schemes

Find Finance Online

The Finpoint Business Finance Finder is an online platform that allows businesses to get in front of hundreds of banks, alternative finance lenders and equity investors with just one simple online application.

Funders can view and express an interest in your anonymous application, and you then decide who you would like to discuss the opportunity with. Start your application online.

Finance Opportunities from the FSE Group

The FSE Group is committed to developing and delivering finance packages for the growth of both SMEs and social enterprises. Attracting a mix of public and private investment, they provide a range of finance solutions that can be tailored to the needs of their customers.

Offering loans and equity investments covering a range of £25,000 to £1million, their specialist fund managers combine their commercial track record with impact objectives to recognise and nurture true growth potential.

For more information visit the FSE Group website.

Angel CoFund

The Angel CoFund makes equity investments of between £100,000 and £1 million in smaller businesses in the UK. Their website has details on how to access this funding.

Start-Up Loans

Anybody living in the UK and who is at least 18 years old at the time of registration can apply for a Start Up Loan, even if they have already started a business. These loans are intended for start-ups, so they must not have been trading for longer than 24 months to access the loans. Their website has registration details and further information.