Finance and funding
Getting the right type of finance for your business is essential. There are many different types available including loans, grants and investment; each of them designed to meet different needs.
Business grants
Forest of Dean District Council business start-up grant
Any locally based business or constituted social enterprise organisation can apply individually or in partnership for a maximum of £1,000 per application. Grant funding can be used towards a variety of business and social enterprise start-up activity including:
- research and development
- energy efficient and/or renewable energy installations, research, development, and staff training
- premises
- equipment and product or service launch
- support for agricultural, horticultural, and aqua-cultural based projects
To apply complete the form below and email it back to us with the supporting information to Regeneration@fdean.gov.uk. More details on eligibility criteria are available in the form. For any questions email or call us on 01594 810000.
The Business Start Up Grant application forms have recently been updated, please ensure you have read the new documents fully.
The closing dates for application rounds are:
- 23 November 2024
- 21 February 2025
- 23 May 2025
- 22 August 2025
- 21 November 2025
- 20 February 2026
Active Travel Grant Scheme
The Forest of Dean Active Travel Grant Scheme closed on 1 November 2024.
Community groups and organisations across the Forest of Dean are invited to apply for a £15,000 grant from the Forest of Dean Active Travel Grant Scheme (ATGS) to help fund projects that support and encourage active travel for residents.
Applicants will need to provide a minimum 20% ‘match funding’ contribution, i.e. £3,000 match funding for a £15,000 grant and there is £100,000 of funding to be allocated in total.
Applications for the grant will need to come from eligible organisations, including local businesses, charities, community groups, communities interest companies (CICs), or a limited range of Forest of Dean based, community focused statutory bodies, e.g. Parish Councils or schools.
Examples of Active Travel Schemes that could be funded include new or improved cycle parking or facilities, improvements to walking, cycling or wheeling signage or information boards. It could also include promotional or training events which promote behaviour change and ultimately help to increase walking, wheeling and cycling.
Rural England Prosperity Fund Rural Business Grants
In September 2022, the Forest of Dean District was identified by DEFRA as an eligible place for the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). REPF aims to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. The district was awarded an allocation of capital funding. The REPF is linked with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Both funding programmes share the same aims. See our webpage Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for information on all grants available.
Boost your business with faster broadband
Grants are available exclusively for Gloucestershire businesses that have yet to access super fast broadband and are not currently in a plan to deliver this. Grants of up to £25K of EU funding are available to access faster broadband. To find out if your business may be eligible visit the Fastershire website.
UK Research and Innovation
The UK Research and Innovation website has funding and support across all academic disciplines and industrial areas. You can use their website to search for funding opportunities.
Gloucestershire VCS Alliance
You can search for funding opportunities by signing up to the Gloucestershire Funding opportunities bulletin.
Business loans
British Business Bank
British Business Bank are a government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses. Whether you’re looking for finance to start a business, grow to the next level, or stay ahead of the competition, they delivering greater volume and choice of finance.
Folk2Folk
FOLK2FOLK is a national award-winning peer to peer lending platform who specialises in match-making local, rural and entrepreneurial business looking for a secured business loan. It matches them with individual investors looking to earn an attractive monthly interest rate to supplement their income.
Funding Circle
Funding Circle is an online peer-to-business lending platform connecting businesses and investors. Businesses get fast business loans and investors earn returns on their investments. Funding Circle has funded over £330m in business loans so far and has created an estimated 16,500 jobs across the country.
Start-up loan scheme
The Start-up Loan Scheme is a government funded initiative that provides a business loan together with a mentor for people starting up a new business.
SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is a not-for-profit organisation delivering loan finance across the South West to small and medium sized enterprises. For starting a business, struggling to raise finance or growing a social venture.
Debt advice
For free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems visit the Money Advice Trust's Business Debtline. Or visit the Citizens Advice Bureau.
For further information and finance schemes visit the Better Business Finance website.