Deadline Date: February 20, 2026
The Forest of Dean District Council is offering the Business Start Up Grant to support ideas for growth and help create vibrant and sustainable local towns, villages, and business hubs.
The focus areas of the opportunity are research and development, energy efficient and/or renewable energy installations, research, development, and staff training, premises, equipment and product or service launch, and support for agricultural, horticultural, and aqua-cultural based projects.
The Business Start Up Grant is available to any locally based business or constituted social enterprise organisation, either individually or in partnership, with a maximum of £1,000 available per application. Funding can be used towards a variety of start-up activities that help businesses take the next step toward establishing a sustainable presence within the district.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the new business will deliver two or more of the six identified outcomes and explain how success will be measured and recorded. Evidence of need or demand for the business or social enterprise is essential and may include consultation, informal or formal market research, or industry-specific research.
A business plan outlining aims and objectives over the next three years, along with a cash flow forecast for the next twelve months, must accompany the application. Applicants must also detail how they plan to raise additional financial support to complement the grant, whether through personal funding or other grant opportunities.
For more information, visit Forest of Dean District Council.
