Call for Applications: Business Start Up Grant (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 19-Nov-2026

The Business Start Up Grant from Forest of Dean District Council provides up to £1,000 to help new businesses and social enterprises establish and grow in the Forest of Dean. Funding can support activities such as research and development, clean technology, premises, equipment, and launching new products or services, with applicants required to provide at least 10% match funding. What Is the Forest of Dean Business Start Up Grant? The Business Start Up Grant is a funding opportunity from Forest of Dean District Council designed to help new businesses and social enterprises establish themselves and contribute to a stronger local economy. The scheme supports the Council’s ambition to develop a thriving, low-carbon district that encourages innovation, sustainable growth, and resilient local businesses. The grant is intended for businesses at the start-up stage that can demonstrate a clear need for support and potential to contribute to the Forest of Dean’s economic development. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible applicants can apply for a maximum grant of £1,000 per application. The final amount awarded is determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must provide at least 10% match funding toward the total project cost.

Match funding can include:

Cash contributions Eligible in-kind contributions Applicants must explain how they will secure the required match funding as part of their application. What Can the Grant Fund? The Business Start Up Grant provides flexibility for applicants to propose activities that support the establishment and development of their business. Other eligible start-up activities that support business growth and innovation Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed expenditure will help establish or strengthen the new business. Why Does the Business Start Up Grant Matter? The grant is designed to support the development of a diverse and sustainable local business economy in the Forest of Dean. By helping new businesses overcome early-stage costs, the scheme can contribute to: Local economic growth Business innovation Sustainable enterprise Low-carbon development New products and services Stronger local towns and villages More vibrant business communities The scheme particularly supports businesses that can demonstrate measurable outcomes and a clear local need. Who Is Eligible? The grant is aimed at new businesses and social enterprises in the Forest of Dean. Applicants need to demonstrate that their proposed business has genuine potential and that grant funding will contribute to identifiable outcomes.

The application should establish:

Evidence of demand or need for the business. A clear business proposition. How the project will deliver one or more identified outcomes. How success will be measured and recorded. How the applicant will provide the required match funding. Applicants should check the latest Council guidance for the full eligibility requirements before applying. What Documents and Information Are Required? Applicants need to provide information demonstrating that their business is viable and that the proposed project has a clear purpose.

Key requirements include:

A business plan covering three years. A 12-month cash flow forecast. Evidence of business need or market demand. Details of the proposed project and expenditure. Expected project outcomes. A plan for measuring and recording success. Details of the required 10% match funding. An explanation of whether match funding will be provided through cash, in-kind support, or both. How to Apply for the Business Start Up Grant Applicants should prepare their business and project information before submitting an application.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Determine whether your new business or social enterprise operates within the Forest of Dean and meets the programme requirements.

Step 2: Define the Start-Up Project

Identify exactly what the grant will pay for. For example, you might propose equipment, clean technology, research and development, premises-related costs, or the launch of a new product or service.

Step 3: Demonstrate Market Need

Provide evidence that there is a genuine demand for your business, product, or service. This could include customer research, market information, identified gaps in local provision, or other relevant evidence.

Step 4: Prepare Your Business Plan

Develop a business plan covering the next three years. The plan should explain your business model, objectives, market opportunity, expected development, and longer-term sustainability.

Step 5: Prepare a Cash Flow Forecast

Provide a 12-month cash flow forecast showing expected income and expenditure. This helps demonstrate that you understand the financial requirements of establishing and operating the business.

Step 6: Arrange Match Funding

Identify how you will provide at least 10% match funding for the project. The contribution can include cash and eligible in-kind support, subject to programme requirements.

Step 7: Explain Your Expected Outcomes

Clearly state what the project will achieve and how you will measure its success.

Step 8: Submit the Application

Complete the application with all required supporting information and ensure the proposed expenditure and match funding are clearly explained. How Much Match Funding Is Required? Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the total project cost. For example, if a project costs £1,000 and the applicant requests £900 in grant support, the remaining £100 would represent 10% match funding. The applicant must explain how the contribution will be provided. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should connect the proposed spending directly to business growth and measurable outcomes.

Applicants should:

Clearly explain what their business does. Demonstrate genuine customer or market demand. Provide realistic financial projections. Explain exactly how the grant will be used. Demonstrate how the project supports innovation or