Startup Grants for Founders Who Want to Stay in Control
Starting a business is hard work. Funding one? Even harder. Whether you’re building AI that tackles real-world challenges or creating a sustainable product for the future economy, access to capital is often the key to turning a great idea into a thriving business.
But every year, millions in grant funding go untouched across the UK. Thousands of startups miss out not because their ideas aren’t good enough, but because they don’t know where to look, don’t have the time to apply, or assume they won’t be eligible.
That’s exactly where GrantUp comes in.
We specialise in helping UK-based founders and innovative SMEs secure business start up grants. From finding the right opportunity to writing a funder-aligned application, we guide you through every step of the grant journey. No guesswork. No fluff. Just clear, practical support to help you secure the funding you need to scale without giving away equity or piling on debt.
.webp)
What Are Business Start Up Grants?
Business start up grants are non-dilutive funding routes(?) provided by organisations such as Innovate UK, regional authorities and EU funding bodies. These grants are designed to support businesses that are developing new ideas, creating jobs, or advancing innovation across key sectors.
There’s no shortage of government grants for new business ventures in the UK. The real challenge is knowing which ones align with your goals and how to secure them. We will break down how we help early-stage founders win government business grants and access non-dilutive capital through start-up business grants UK programmes.
Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid. Unlike investment, they don’t require you to give away equity. If your business is solving a problem, pushing innovation forward, or delivering impact, you’re likely to qualify for some form of grant support.
You don’t need to be a technical expert or a serial entrepreneur to be eligible. You need a clear value proposition, a roadmap to deliver, and the right support to communicate your vision effectively. That’s what we help with.
Grants vs Loans: What’s the Real Difference?
Grants and loans both provide funding but the differences in risk, repayment, and long-term impact are huge.
Feature | Startup Grants | Business Loans |
|---|---|---|
Repayment required? |  No |  Yes (with interest) |
Affects equity? | No | No |
Affects credit score? | No | Yes |
Funding purpose | Innovation, R&D, impact | General use |
Application process | Competitive, but non-financial | Financial background-based |
Best for | Startups with bold ideas and limited capital | Businesses with stable cashflow and short-term needs |
Grants remove the financial pressure that comes with loans and let you pursue bold, high-risk, high-impact ideas without compromise. They’re a smart first step for any startup looking to scale responsibly.
Common Types of UK Business Grants
Running a small business shouldn’t mean limited access to funding. With the right approach, you can unlock small business start up grants that fuel product development, hiring, and market entry without giving up equity or taking on risky loans. We help you identify and secure the most relevant grants for business growth. The UK offers a wide range of business grants tailored to different sectors, innovation types, and growth goals:
Regional Growth Funds
Horizon Europe
R&D Tax Credits
Creative Sector Grants
Net Zero & Sustainability Grants
Each comes with unique eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding levels. We help you navigate them all.
What Can You Use a Business Grant For?
Grant funding supports critical activities that directly impact your ability to innovate and grow. You can use a grant to fund research and development, carry out feasibility studies, or build and test a prototype. Grants can also help cover the costs of certification, compliance, and market-readiness.
Beyond product development, grants support team expansion, commercialisation activities, and international scale. Many founders also secure funding to deliver social impact or sustainability outcomes. The use cases are diverse and most are underutilised by startups.
Why Are Grants So Valuable for Startups?
Equity is expensive. Giving away shares too early can lead to reduced ownership, fewer options in future rounds, and less control over your company’s trajectory.
Grants allow you to:
How GrantUp Compares to Other Providers
You could try to do it yourself. You could hire a big consultancy. But here’s what makes working with us different:
Feature | GrantUp | DIY Approach | Big Consulting Firms |
|---|---|---|---|
Application support | Full writing, strategy & positioning | Self-led, time-intensive | Junior consultant-led, templated |
Success rate | 85% for eligible clients | Typically <20% | Varies (not always disclosed) |
Grant matching | Proactive, strategic & personalised | Self-researched | Often generic |
Speed | Fast turnarounds available | Slower due to DIY workload | Rigid timelines, large queues |
Pricing | Transparent, fixed | Free (but high time cost) | Expensive, often commission-based |
Post-award support | Support is on hand after your grant success | None | Sometimes extra, often not offered |
We don’t just help you apply we help you win. And then we help you make the most of it.
What You’ll Get With  GrantUp
Plus, you’ll get an R&D funding roadmap built to support you as you scale. Whether you’re preparing for your first grant or building a long-term funding strategy, we help you unlock consistent, non-dilutive capital.
Success Stories from Our Clients
.jpg)
.webp)
Our Proven Process
Step 1: Free Consultation
We assess your eligibility and match you to active grants
Step 2: Strategy Session
We map your funding journey and timeline
Step 3: Application Development
We write a funder-aligned, expert-reviewed proposal
Step 4: Submission & Liaison
We manage the submission and funder comms
Step 5: Post-Award Support
Paid support available to help you manage reporting, compliance, and successful delivery after you win funding
You’ll get end-to-end support, fast turnarounds, and a team that’s invested in your success.
FAQs
Are these grants only for tech companies?
No. Grants focus on innovation, funding for which is available across sectors from manufacturing and agriculture to media and sustainability.
Do I have to repay a grant?
No. Startup grants are non-repayable and non-dilutive.
How long does the application take?
It depends on the grant. Some are quick (2–4 weeks), others take a few months. We’ll work to your timeline and help you hit every deadline.
What stage should my business be at?
We work with everything from early-stage startups to revenue-generating SMEs. If you have a clear innovation angle, we can help.
Can you guarantee I’ll win funding?
No one can. But with an 85% success rate, we’ll give you the best possible chance.
What types of government business grants are available in the UK?
There are hundreds of government business grants across the UK, from Innovate UK and local councils to EU-backed schemes and specialist funding bodies. These grants support everything from early-stage R&D to sustainability innovation and market expansion. We help match you to the ones that fit your goals.
How can I get money to start a business?
There are several ways to fund a new business in the UK, including equity investment, loans, crowdfunding, and government grants. For early-stage founders, business start up grants are one of the most attractive options because they’re non-repayable and non-dilutive meaning you don’t owe anything back or give up shares.
Grants can help cover R&D, prototyping, hiring, market launch and more. The key is finding the right opportunities and crafting a strong application.
GrantUp helps you access government grants for new business ventures so you can scale faster, without the financial pressure. Book a free consultation to see what you’re eligible for.
How do I start a business with no money in the UK?
Starting a business without upfront capital is challenging but not impossible. Many UK founders bootstrap with free resources, low-cost tools, and most importantly: grant funding.
There are dozens of UK business grants designed to support innovation, sustainability, and job creation. These grants can fund your idea from concept to launch without needing to take out a loan or give away equity.
If you’ve got a high-potential idea but no capital,  GrantUp can help you unlock non-dilutive funding tailored to your business goals. Book your free strategy session to get started.
How much does the government give you to start a business?
The amount of grant funding available depends on your sector, stage, and the specific programme. Some local councils offer grants starting at ÂŁ5,000, while Innovate UK and Horizon Europe grants can go up to ÂŁ2 million or more for ambitious R&D projects.
You don’t need to be a big company to win a significant grant. Many early-stage businesses secure £50,000 to £500,000 in non-repayable capital to fund their growth.
Want to know how much you could access? GrantUp can map out your funding potential and match you to the right opportunities. Book your consultation here.
Why UK Business Grants Are the Smartest Money You’ll Never Repay?
Unlike traditional funding routes, UK business grants offer capital with no repayment, no interest, and no equity taken. For founders who want to maintain control and build real momentum, these business start up grants are often the smartest first move.
Ready to Unlock Grant Funding?
Let’s talk about your innovation, your business, and what you’re trying to achieve. We’ll assess your eligibility, suggest live opportunities, and walk you through what’s next.
Book your free consultation today: