Five Funding Sources for UK Small Businesses in 2025
If you're running a business in the UK, you already know how critical funding can be. Whether it’s cashflow to cover rent, capital to scale operations, or just breathing room while waiting on client payments financial support is a core part of keeping things moving. That’s why we’ve compiled five options you can actually apply for right now.
1. Community Café Fund For cafés and community-driven local spaces that bring people together, especially in underfunded areas. This microgrant offers up to £1,000 for day-to-day expenses: chairs, rent, bills, supplies, even teabags.
Target sectors: food, hospitality, social enterprises, neighbourhood venues.
Apply directly → https://thewaterfallfund.co.uk/funds/community-cafe-fund/
2. Start Up Loans (UK Government) A longstanding government scheme offering loans up to £25,000 per founder. Terms are relatively favourable, and this option suits early-stage operators in logistics, food delivery, beauty, digital services, and anyone getting started.
If you’re a solo founder or launching with a small team, this route is worth reviewing.
Apply through GOV.UK → https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan
3. Drive35 Innovation Fund Backed by UKRI, this fund targets growth-stage businesses innovating in logistics, transport, and manufacturing. If your product helps reduce emissions, improve fleet efficiency, or modernise supply chains this Net Zero-linked fund may align.
Ideal for: platform operators, EV support infrastructure, carbon-saving systems, or smart routing tech.
Details → https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/drive35-scale-up-fund/
4. Ampere Business Loan (Via Partner Platform) If your business already operates with Ampere, you may be eligible for a fast-track business loan up to £2,000,000. There’s no lengthy re-onboarding process: once approved, funds are deposited to your Ampere account within two business days.
This lending offer is available through our regulated partner and is subject to approval. FCA rules apply.
Learn more by visiting the business loan section at ampere.co.uk.
5. Sector-Specific Grants from Regional Growth Hubs While not listed above, don’t overlook your local council’s business support portal. Regional growth hubs and trade bodies frequently offer time-limited grants some as small as £300, others as large as £50,000+, particularly for creative industries and sustainable practices.
Check sources like:
- Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
- Growth Hubs (search by region)
- Arts Council and Innovate UK listings
These sources rotate often, so setting up an alert or email digest may save time.
At Ampere, we track and surface opportunities like these inside our SME toolkit, so businesses can spend less time searching and more time growing.
Ampere provides access to finance via regulated third-party lenders and does not offer independent financial advice. Terms and eligibility vary.
