Scale Up Staffordshire

Scale Up Staffordshire

Overview

Scale Up Staffordshire is a new programme designed to support ambitious SMEs that have been operating for three years or more and are Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent based — or preparing to relocate here.

The programme offers interest free loans (subject to status) to help businesses invest in key capital improvements that drive growth, productivity, cost reduction and efficiency.

What we are offering:

• 80% loan (20% must be self-funded)
• £5,000 up to £100,000 loans
• 2-4 year payback period
• Interest free
• No administration fee
• Projects for capital purchases only

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be based in or relocating to Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent.
• Must be trading for at least 3 years.
• Is an SME. (An SME is any organisation that has more than one or fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total less than €43 million.)
• Does not receive public funding to operate.
• Has not received over £315,000 in loans in the current and previous two financial years.
• Can be identified as not ‘ailing or insolvent’ at the time of application. A financial check, through CreditSafe, will be carried out where your score must be more than 30 to be eligible.

In addition:

• You must have a minimum 2-year payback period* where benefits of the intervention exceed the cost of the intervention over a two-year period.
• *For high value £75,000 loan or more minimum payback period can be extended to 4 years.
• If requested, you must provide evidence of building ownership or written confirmation from the property owner giving consent for the proposed project to be implemented.
• For projects that involve changes to the fabric, fixtures, or fittings of a building, the business must either own the property or hold a lease with at least 2 years remaining.
• For projects that involve the purchase of equipment, the business must be able to evidence that the asset will be retained for at least 3 years. i.e. if the premises are rented, 3 years must be left on the lease, or the equipment being invested in is such that it could be moved where the business to move premises.
• Businesses must agree to take part in follow-up monitoring of the impact of the intervention (proportionate to the loan amount) and surveys/ evaluation/case studies.

Eligible Projects

Projects that can be supported are listed below under four themes which support growth, efficiency, productivity and cost reductions. *For capital purchases only. (Includes Solar.)

Site Development

• Projects that focus on ground preparation, improved access routes, landscaping, and the creation of safe, accessible external spaces to support future use of the premises.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

• Projects that include a range of energy‑efficiency measures designed to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and minimise operating costs, while improving comfort and long‑term sustainability of the premises.

Equipment Purchases & Replacements

• Projects that include the purchase and upgrade of essential equipment to replace obsolete assets, improve operational efficiency, support staff productivity, and ensure the organisation remains compliant with current standards and future operational needs.

Productivity Boosting Improvements

• Projects that will enhance productivity by streamlining workflows, improving workspace efficiency, upgrading technology infrastructure, and creating an environment that supports staff wellbeing and operational effectiveness.

Documents Required

To apply for a Loan, you must submit:

• Loan Application Form.
• Evidence of detailed quotations, specifications and/or tender process having been followed.
• Full Accounts – For the past 3 years including the most recent (not abbreviated).
• Management Accounts – Up to present day for the period not detailed in the full accounts provided.
• Bank Statement – A copy of a current, up to date business bank statement, showing bank name, business name, account number and sort code, and account final balance.
• Cashflow Forecast – This must span, at least, the next 2 years, or 4 years if the project is more than £75k.
• Credit Report – Completed by your director(s) showing the credit score.
• Project Plan – If your loan total is less than £25,000.
• Business Plan – If your loan total is more than £25,000.
• Security Evidence – If your loan total is more than £25,000.

Contact Us

To express your interest please email ScaleUp@staffordshire.gov.uk