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Introduction
According to the New Startup Index by Natwest and Beauhurst, 10 UK regions have seen an increase in new business formations in the first half of 2025, with a total of 426,000 new companies being formed across the country, signifying a significant recovery in activity when compared with the second half of 2024 where only 378,000 companies were formed, the lowest level recorded since 2021.
North East England saw the biggest increase in new companies with over 10,000 start-ups being formed in H1 2025, a 19% rise compared with H2 2024. Scotland (17.9%), West Midlands (16.9%) and North West England (16.5%) were the other top regions seeing the biggest gains when comparing H1 of 2025 with H2 of 2024.
The top sector for company formation in H1 2025 across the UK was application software with 34,700 new start-ups spanning mobile apps, productivity tools, creative software and gaming and entertainment offerings. Hospitality was the second biggest start-up area with 26,800 companies formed across new restaurants, pubs, cafes and takeaways and the third biggest sector was property development and construction with 25,100 new companies formed.
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 councils and enterprise support organisations. A significant amount of funding has been released for 2025-2026 as part of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) aimed at promoting creation of new businesses and generating jobs in every region across the UK.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Starting a Business Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Business Start-Up Fund
Neath Port Talbot Council is running a scheme providing funding to support affected individuals in the Tata Steel UK supply chain and Tata Steel UK employees that want to start their own business or become self-employed or may already be running a small/early stage business. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Business Growth Grant – Enterprises Based in Business Centres
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is running a scheme that aims to support sustainable local business 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, start-up costs and new website development. Funding up to £7,500 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) UKSPF 25-26 Start-up Grants
Dorset Council is running a UK Shared Prosperity Fund backed scheme providing funding to enable new and developing enterprises in the local area to grow and prosper. Prior attendance on a Startup course is required. Funding up to £4,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Build Your Business 2.0
The Business and IP Centre Northamptonshire is running a programme backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that aims to support small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone thinking of starting their own business. Participants will receive a raft of support, including webinars, workshops and access to specialist business databases, as well as access to start-up grants. Funding up to £2,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2026
v) New Business Start Up Grant
Orkney Islands Council and Business Gateway is running a scheme providing grants to entrepreneurs for startup projects that will help to create local employment opportunities and grow the rural economy. Funding up to £1,500 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Let’s Get Started Grant
Cannock Chase District Council is providing grants to individuals that have an idea for a sustainable business which over time has the potential to develop and create jobs in the local area. Funding up to £1,500 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Elmbridge Start Up Fund
Elmbridge Borough Council is running a scheme providing grants to entrepreneurs to assist with the costs of starting a business in the local area. Funding up to £1,000 is available and is matched towards 50% of total project costs.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Reigate and Banstead Business Support Grant
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is running a scheme providing grants to local entrepreneurs and micro-businesses wishing to start, develop or grow. Grants can be used to help fund things like marketing, new equipment or training. Funding up to £1,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Starting a Business 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.
Want To Find The Latest UK Starting a Business Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK starting a business funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/