How to Apply for the Fly High Start-Up Grant in Stoke-on-Trent: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to funding. If you’re a young entrepreneur in Stoke-on-Trent, there’s good news: the Fly High Start-Up Grant is here to help you take your business up a notch. This grant offers between £500 and £3,000 to support new businesses in their early stages. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the application process step by step, so you can secure the funding you need to make your business dreams a reality.

What is the Fly High Start-Up Grant?

The Fly High Start-Up Grant is part of the Fly High Start-Up & Enterprise project, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It’s designed to support new businesses in Stoke-on-Trent that have been trading for less than 12 months or individuals who are planning to start a business. The grant aims to help with business start-up and growth by providing financial assistance for specific expenditures such as ICT equipment, web development, marketing, and more.

Eligibility Criteria

The Fly High Start-Up Grant is primarily aimed at:

• Stoke-on-Trent residents who are planning to start a new business.
• New businesses that have been trading for less than 12 months.

Additionally, existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with 1 to 249 employees and an annual turnover of less than £42 million may be eligible for other aspects of the Fly High program. For this guide, we’ll focus on the application process for new start-ups.

P.s., If you’ve got an idea but still aren’t sure how to start, make sure to check out our article on ‘How to Start a Business in Stoke-on-Trent’. In the guide we explain the basics of setting up (it’s not as difficult as you may think!), and also talk about important global, national, then local considerations.

Key points to note before proceeding with your UKSPF grant application:

• Your business or planned business must be based in Stoke-on-Trent.
• Only one grant per applicant is allowed.
• The project funded by the grant must be delivered within Stoke-on-Trent.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Fly High Start-Up Grant involves several steps. While the exact process may vary, here’s a general guide to help you get started:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
2. Understand the Grant Requirements: Familiarise yourself with what the grant can and cannot be used for. The grant is intended for business start-up and growth activities, not for general running costs. Eligible expenditures include ICT equipment, web development, new technology for product or process development, marketing and branding, and office equipment. Ineligible expenditures include purchase of land and property, commercial vehicles, stock, employee wages, rent and business rates, insurance costs, and utility bills.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Although specific requirements may vary, it’s likely you’ll need:
   • A business plan or a detailed description of your project.
   • Information on how you intend to use the grant funds.
   • Financial projections or statements.
   • Proof of matching funds (50% of the grant amount).
4. Contact the Business Growth Team: Reach out to the Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Business Growth Team to express your interest in applying for the grant. You can contact them at:
   • Phone: 01782 238 091
   • Email: business.growth@stoke.gov.uk

They will provide you with the necessary application forms and guide you through the process.

5. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form carefully, providing all required information and attaching any necessary documents.
6. Submit Your Application: Follow the instructions provided by the Business Growth Team to submit your application.
7. Wait for Review: After submission, your application will be reviewed by the council. They may contact you for additional information or clarification.
8. Receive the Grant: If your application is successful, you’ll receive instructions on how to claim the grant and any conditions you need to meet.

Tips for a Successful Application

To increase your chances of securing the Fly High Start-Up Grant, consider the following tips:

• Be Clear and Concise: Clearly explain how the grant will help your business start or grow. Avoid jargon and be straightforward.
• Focus on the Data: It’s a baseline expectation in business for ideas, gut feelings, and opinions of impact to be backed up with data and evidence. Focus on highlighting clear, easy to interpret data sets that Stoke Council will resonate with.
• Align with Eligible Expenditures: Make sure that your proposed use of funds falls within the eligible categories.
• Provide Accurate Financial Information: Ensure that your financial projections are realistic and that you can demonstrate the availability of matching funds.
• Show Impact: Highlight the potential impact of the grant on your business and the local community, such as job creation or economic growth.
• Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask the Business Growth Team for advice or clarification on any part of the application process.

Case Study: The Spark Group

To illustrate the potential of the Fly High Start-Up Grant, I’s highly recommend checking out The Spark Group, a local start-up that successfully secured the grant. The Spark Group used the funding to invest in essential equipment, software, and hardware, which gave them the early boost they needed to expand their services. As a result, they were able to jump start revenue creation by providing skills and opportunities to the local Stoke-on-Trent community. This success story demonstrates how the grant can be a catalyst for growth and innovation in our city.

Final Remarks

The Fly High Start-Up Grant is an excellent opportunity for new entrepreneurs in Stoke-on-Trent to access the funding they need to launch or grow their businesses. By following this step-by-step guide and leveraging the support provided by the Stoke-on-Trent City Council, you can navigate the application process with confidence. Remember, the key is to take action and not let the fear of imperfection hold you back. Start your journey today and make your business dreams a reality!

For more information and to begin your application, contact the Business Growth Team at business.growth@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 238091.

Ethan Wright

Founder, Stoke Startup

Key websites to note:

• Stoke City Council – Fly High Start-Up & Enterprise Grant
• Stoke City Council News – Start-up secures new business grant

NB: This is not financial advice.