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Introduction
According to a July 2026 Survey by 1st Formations of start-ups and small businesses, 90% of business owners are now happier following the launch of their company when compared to being an employee for someone else. In terms of income, 37% of business owners now earn more than when they were employed, 23% earn roughly the same and 40% earn less. In terms of work-life balance, a lot of business owners dedicate most of the week to their business activities with 32% stating they work 7 days a week, 21% working 6 days and 28% working 5 days. This highlights the fact that anyone planning to start their own business will need to put in a significant amount of time commitment in order to give their idea the best chance of success.
In Terms Of Barriers To Success, Small Business Owners Cited The Following Challenges
- 65% of owners felt the UK Government puts bigger business’ needs ahead of theirs
- 58% of owners are struggling with a lack of skilled workers being available from the EU post-Brexit
- 28% of owners have experienced barriers to funding due to discrimination
In Terms Of Hiring Plans, On What Basis Are Small Business Owners Looking To Hire Staff
- 53% are looking to take on contractors/freelancers
- 21% are looking to take on permanent staff
- 13% are taking on staff on a temporary basis
- 9% want to hire staff on a zero hours contract
- 4% have plans to take on apprentices
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 Business Start-Up Grants Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Pembrokeshire Start-up Fund
Pembrokeshire County Council is running a fund that aims to support the creation of new businesses in the county, resulting in the creation of jobs, which will improve the local economy. Eligible costs include purchasing of equipment, specialist commercial vehicles, equipment for enhancing outdoor trading, IT equipment, fixtures and fittings for a new office and marketing materials. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 29th January 2027
ii) Support For Startups
Tower Hamlets Council is running a programme that aims to support the survival and growth of early-stage startup businesses through a programme of funding, mentorship, technical assistance, workshops and networking opportunities. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Early Enterprise Support Scheme
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has a scheme that aims to fill the gap for business start-up funding and development funding for early-stage companies in the Western Isles. Part-time businesses will be able to apply for up £2,500 towards capital start-up costs. Full time businesses will be able to apply for up to £5,000. Projects will be funded up to 50% of eligible costs. Up to 70% is available to projects that include elements such as applicants under 30, net zero and cruise market product development. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) DreamFund
DreamFund is providing grants to anyone looking to kickstart a dream, an idea or a business across all of the UK. Funding is provided for start-up costs for a business idea or activity. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Business Start-up Fund
Bridgend County Borough Council is providing financial assistance to new or existing micro-businesses that are located, or are planning to locate, in Bridgend County Borough. Eligible costs can include, capital and computer equipment, building works and website development. Funding up to £4,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) StartSmart Programme
East Devon District Council is running a scheme providing small grants to entrepreneurs and early stage businesses to help them set up. Eligible costs can go towards either capital or revenue expenditure. Funding up to £2,500 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) New Business Start-Up Grant – Commercial Premises
Inverclyde Council is providing funding to support new businesses that are starting to trade from commercial premises in the area. These grants can be used for costs including the purchase of capital equipment, furniture or working capital. Funding up to £2,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Business Start-Up And Growth Grants 2026/2027
Hyndburn Borough Council is running a programme that offers financial support to both new enterprises and established businesses looking to invest, diversify or grow. Funding up to £2,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Business Start-Up 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.