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Introduction
According to a recently published report by the Enterprise Research Centre titled The State of Small Business Britain 2025 Navigating Uncertainty, more than one-third (36%) of working age UK adults are now starting, running or planning to launch a business, which is the highest level for UK entrepreneurial activity since 1999 when this activity was first tracked. In terms of smaller businesses, including those starting out, micro-businesses represent 81% of all employer firms in the UK and employ 4.2 million staff between them.
The report highlights the top hurdles cited for those just starting out and new businesses, including what is now considered to be a crisis in terms of late payments coming in at £11bn annually across the UK with micro-businesses being the worst affected. Global and national economic uncertainty, increased levels of competition and high labour costs are being cited as the biggest barriers to turnover for micro businesses over the past 12 months.
Those looking to start a business are also concerned that there is a severe funding threat with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ending in March 2026 with no clear replacement funding fully outlined by the UK Government, meaning that local enterprise support infrastructure is at risk across the whole of the country.
Start-ups and entrepreneurs looking to set-up a new business can access finance in the form of grants and support in the form of expert advice, training and consultancy in their local area primarily from local authorities, business enterprise support organisations and universities.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Starting a Business Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund
Invest in Bradford is providing funding to support investment projects that create new businesses, improve productivity and expand or diversify existing businesses leading to sustainable growth and job creation. Funding is eligible for those looking to start-up in Baildon, Bingley, Ilkley, Keighley, Shipley and Silsden. Funding up to £315,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Financial Support for New Businesses – Start-up Grant
Rochdale Borough Council is providing funding available to support new independent retailers opening in selected empty units in the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale areas. The funding can be used towards costs including new doors, windows and signage, as well as other permanent work such as internal improvements. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Start-up School For Seniors
Start-up School For Seniors is providing support for individuals aged 50 and over across the UK who are looking to start their own business to apply to an six-week e-learning course. Participants will have the opportunity to apply for a £5,000 grant after they have completed the course.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Oli Bennett Charitable Trust
The Oli Bennett Charitable Trust scheme provides grants for entrepreneurs aged 18-30 to help them start a business or grow a new one. The scheme providers have specified a preference to provide funding for capital costs to assist in buying a business asset as opposed to providing funds for general expenses. Funding up to £2,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) South West Enterprise Fund Grants
Gloucestershire Community Foundation is providing funding available to individuals aged 18 to 30 who are not in education, employment or training and are looking to start a business or have been trading for under two years. Funding up to £2,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Forest of Dean District Council Business Start Up Grant
Forest of Dean District Council is providing grants for startup businesses to help them undertake capital projects, invest in R&D and install clean technologies, purchase of equipment and product or service launch Funding up to £1,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 21st May 2026
vii) 2025-2026 Business Seed Fund
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is providing funding for local unemployed, economically inactive or underemployed individuals to access bursaries as well as advice, training, mentoring and support to help start their own business. Funding up to £1,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Dacorum’s Den 2026
Dacorum Borough Council is running a competition that will provide prize funding for entrepreneurs in the local area to help them grow and develop a business idea. The scheme is open to individuals and businesses who have fewer than 10 employees and under £500,000 turnover, have a great business idea and are keen to expand their business in Dacorum. Funding up to £1,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 25th March 2026
How To Apply For Starting a Business Funding Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested individuals and businesses can speak to start-up advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.