Start-Up Support

There are 51,000 businesses headquartered in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire of which a large proportion are startups.

With Stoke-on-Trent having recently been named as one of the most attractive locations in the UK to launch a new business and Staffordshire’s three-year business survival rates being higher than the UK survival rate, our region provides an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to flourish.

This guide provides a summary of the sources of funding and support schemes that might be available to help you start up and take the next steps towards success.

Funding and Finance Schemes

0% Start-up loans

If you’ve a brand new business or your business is less than two years old, you could be eligible for an interest- free loan of between £3,000 to £5,000, which can be used for most purposes to allow you to fund those key purchases to get your business off the ground. The loan is unsecured, …

British Business Bank Start-Up Loan

The programme offers loans (from £500 to £25,000, at 6% interest) alongside free mentoring and support to individuals who are starting a new business or who have been trading for less than three years. https://www.startuploans.co.uk

Get Started and Grow programme

By Staffordshire County Council The Get Started and Grow programme provides accountancy support, digital marketing support including branding and website design and guidance on putting together cashflow forecasts and business plans. Cost: The programme is free and delivered by local professionals. Criteria: Any small business up to five years old can get support from the …

Business Start-up Support – South Staffordshire Business Hub

If you are thinking of starting a business, or you have recently taken the step into self-employment, speak to the South Staffordshire Business Hub to access the most recent information and support to help your business flourish and grow. We can help with: Support starting up a new business Support with regulation and red tape …

Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship – Staffordshire University

Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship – Staffordshire University This is a full-time, hands-on MSc that will deliver the skills, support and experience needed to help a start-up to stay up. The focus is on practice rather than theory, making it perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs who are hungry to get started in the world of business. …

Amazon Small Business Accelerator

Amazon Small Business Accelerator serves the evolving needs of the UK’s thriving small business community. The upgraded Accelerator is now available on Amazon and offers a suite of free-to-use resources for all startups, entrepreneurs and small or medium-sized businesses. Current and aspiring business leaders can now access more than 20 courses and 50+ videos of …

Digital Boost

Digital Boost is a free online platform that connects small businesses, charities and start-ups with volunteer experts so that they can learn essential skills and get the advice they need to grow their businesses. They offer: Unlimited 1:1 mentoring sessions with volunteer experts Small group live Masterclasses and events on popular business topics A Resource Centre with on-demand articles, blogs …

Support and mentoring for female entrepreneurs – British Business Bank

The British Business Bank has collated a list of some female-centric networks and support organisations that may help you to find support, mentoring and funding if you are a female entrepreneur looking to start a business. https://www.startuploans.co.uk/business-guidance/support-for-female-entrepreneurs/

Enterprise programme – The Prince’s Trust

This free programme enables 18 to 30-year-olds living in the UK to start their own business. By joining the programme, you’ll benefit from the skills, training and mentoring to make your business a success – along with the chance to apply for a low-interest personal loan for business purposes. https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/support-starting-business