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Introduction
According to NatWest and Beauhurst’s New Startup Index published in 2025, a total of 846,000 new companies started up in the UK in 2024, which was down by 3% on 2023. However, it brings the total number of active businesses registered with Companies House to 5.63 million, which is an all time high.
The industries with highest growth included the property sector, which saw 44,000 new businesses being founded, representing a 38% year-on-year increase in 2024. Takeaway shops and food stands saw the next largest sector increase at 14% year-on-year with 22,000 new start-ups added. Management consultancy businesses saw a 10.7% increase compared with 2023 with 38,000 new firms starting up.
Start-ups across any sector looking for help to get them through their first 12 months are advised to seek additional financial support in the form of grants to help with start-up costs and also get expert advice. Support is typically available on a local basis for those looking to start-up, from a range of sources, including local authorities, universities and business enterprise support organisations. Grants are available to cover a number of eligible start-up activities, including business planning, market research, research and development (R&D), purchasing equipment, hiring staff, securing premises, training and website development costs.
Here Is A Selection Of The Latest Business Start-up Funding Schemes
i) Oxford Seed Fund
The University of Oxford has a fund providing startups and entrepreneurs with access to capital and the network and support they need to develop and scale. Businesses must have an alumni or current researcher based at Oxford University. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Business Start-up Grant
Carmarthenshire County Council has a fund that supports the creation of new businesses in the county, resulting directly in the creation of jobs and thus improving the local economy, which will include support towards capital expenditure projects and specialist revenue expenditure where new jobs are created because of the financial support. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 30th September 2025
iii) Business Growth Grant – Enterprises Based in Commercial Premises – Starting a Business
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has a scheme that aims to support sustainable local businesses to set up, grow and diversify, contributing to creating a vibrant and strong local economy. The funding can be used for capital expenditure including equipment, plant or machinery, internal renovation works, energy efficiency measures and new website development. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Business Start-up Scheme
Isle of Man Department of Enterprise is running a scheme that aims to support new start-ups or businesses trading for less than 18 months, with an actual or predicted turnover between £25,500 and £100,000 within the first 12 months of trading. Funding of up to £6,000 is available as a reimbursement grant, living allowance or combination of both. Enhanced funding of up to £15,000 is available for key sectors including exporting businesses and childcare providers. Additionally, further assistance of up to £10,000 is available to support job creation.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) StartUp Mull
Foundation Scotland has a scheme that aims to improve the economic infrastructure of the Island of Mull through supporting new enterprises that benefit the Island community. Early stage businesses and existing businesses looking to substantially change how they operate are also invited to apply. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Pride In Our High Street
Telford and Wrekin Council is providing grants for businesses and entrepreneurs to help them start a new high-street business, diversify their current business, or move into self-employment. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Financial Support for New Businesses
Rochdale Borough Council has funding available to support new independent retailers opening in selected empty units. The funding can be used towards costs including new doors, windows and signage, as well as other permanent work such as internal improvements. Eligible locations for a new retail business in an empty unit includes Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Fly High Start-up and Enterprise Grant
City of Stoke-on-Trent Council is running a scheme backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to help entrepreneurs and businesses to start up, grow, and deliver economic investment in the city. Eligible expenses include ICT equipment, web development, new technology to support product and process development and innovation, marketing/branding and office equipment. Funding up to £3,000 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 businesses can speak to start-up specialists 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.
Want To Find More UK Business Start-up Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK business start-up funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/