Grants for Women in Business in the UK

Local councils in the U.K .have many resources for women's business start-ups.

According to Small Business U.K., there are many startup grants especially for women in the United Kingdom. Another difference is the matching aspect---some grants must be matched by the woman going into business. Amounts of grant funds vary by region with most being distributed directly via your local council. Biz Mums says of the 4,500 grants available in the United Kingdom, 96 percent of businesses are not claiming them.

Enterprising Women Research Grant - Glasgow

This startup grant is for women in Glasgow. The funds must be used for expenses relating to: market research, childcare, printing, phone expenses, postage, and other specific business activities. The amount of each grant is discretionary with applicants needing to demonstrate pre-start plans and financial need.

Enterprising Women

Adelphi Centre

12 Commercial Road

Glasgow, G5 0PQ

UK

001-44-141-420-3573

enterprising-women.org.uk

Women's Development Fund - Hartlepool

Another example of funding that is available from local sources, as of July, 2010, this is a £500 grant to assist women to pay for publicity and advertising when starting up a new business. As is typical with such local initiatives, grants are awarded to women in business in Hartlepool. A further grant may be available for training or childcare.

Hartlepool Borough Council

Bryan Hanson House

Hanson Square

Hartlepool, TS24 7BT

UK

001-44-1429-523-505

investinhartlepool.com

Women's Development Programme - Derry

Derry women may apply for this local grant providing their projects support equality, promote the connection between communities and neighbourhoods, raise awareness about women's issues and support women's access resources. Grant amounts are discretionary. Derry City Council can provide the specifics on application and availability of this and other grants for women in business.

Derry City Council

98 Strand Road

Derry, BT48 7NN

UK

001-44-28-7136-5151

derrycitygrantaid.com

Local Organizations and Councils

Your local council will undoubtedly have grant information for your type of business, in your area. Your council should also have information about any local organizations offering guidance to women in business. One such group is Enterprising Women Dorset. As the name suggests, this group is specific to Dorset. They offer links to other women's networks, events, and, as of July, 2010, information on a local leadership training grant of £1,000 for women in business.

Enterprising Women Dorset

enterprisingwomendorset.co.uk

References

• Business Link: National and Regional Resource
• Biz Mums UK: Getting a Business Grant
• Small Business UK: Grants Questions Answered

Resources

• A-Z Local Councils: Search Index
• JB4 : Searchable Grant Database
• Prowess: Financial Support for Women