1. Introduction
Cool Ventures delivers the South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset Business Support Service on behalf of the local Councils.
The Start-Up Grant provides up to £300 per business for essential start-up costs (equipment, branding, initial stock). Successful applicants also receive up to 3 hours of 1-2-1 support.
2. Eligibility Criteria
- Pre-start business that will begin trading within 3 months.
- New start-up trading but not yet registered with HMRC or Companies House.
- Businesses that joined Universal Business Support Service (UBSS) after 01/07/2023 while pre-start and are now registered appropriately.
Other requirements
- Residence or business based in South Gloucestershire or Bath and North East Somerset.
- Registered for UBSS after 01/07/2023 and attended workshops or 1-2-1 support.
- Completed application demonstrating viability and impact.
- Willing to attend an online meeting with a business adviser.
Businesses not eligible
- Established businesses seeking growth funding.
- Businesses engaged in illegal or high-risk activities (e.g. gambling, payday lending, certain adult industries, MLM).
- Political or lobbying organisations.
At least 50% of grants will go to priority groups (see Assessment).
3. Eligible and Ineligible Costs
Eligible costs
- Equipment & tools
- Marketing & branding (website, logo, promotional materials)
- Professional services (web design, accountancy, mentoring)
- One-off software licences
- Initial stock and supplies
- Registration, licences, legal fees
- Insurance, memberships, training
Ineligible costs
- Costs incurred before award
- Salaries or personal expenses
- Rent, utilities, overheads
- Travel, loan repayments, fines
- Political activity or luxury items
4. Application Process
- Complete the online application form.
- Applications screened for eligibility.
- Eligible applicants invited to an online interview.
- Panel review and decision notified.
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
5. Assessment and Approval
- Eligibility and requested use of funds
- Business feasibility and sustainability
- Contribution to the local economy
Priority groups
- Care leavers
- Disabled individuals
- People from the Global Majority
- Young people (18–30)
- Entrepreneurs in deprived areas
6. Grant Agreement & Payment
- Accept offer within 21 days.
- Submit invoice to receive funds.
- Invoice by 31 Jan 2026, spend by 28 Feb 2026.
- Receipts due 15 Mar 2026.
- Misuse may result in repayment.
7. Monitoring & Reporting
- Provide receipts and proof of spend.
- Proof of business registration if applicable.
- Updates on business progress.
- Impact surveys and follow-up checks.
8. Transparency & Accountability
All decisions recorded for audit. Eligible but unsuccessful applicants may be invited to reapply (up to two applications).
9. Contact Information
- Email: info@coolventures.co.uk
- Phone: 08000 418293
- Accessibility support: startup@coolventures.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Applicants in South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset who registered with UBSS after 1 July 2023.
Up to £300 per business.
Eligible: equipment, branding, professional services, stock, insurance. Ineligible: salaries, rent, travel, costs before award, fines, loan repayments.
No, unless funds are misused or conditions breached.
Yes — receipts must be submitted by 15 March 2026.
Apply online → screening → interview → panel review → decision → invoice → payment.
Invoice by 31 Jan 2025 and spend by 28 Feb 2026.
Pre-start businesses can apply before registering, if planning to trade within 3 months.
Yes — one reapplication allowed, if funds remain.
Within 10 working days of interview.
Email startup@coolventures.co.uk for support.
Appendices — Guidance on Completing the Application
Appendix 1: Pre-Start Businesses
- Describe your idea, product/service, and target customers.
- Relevant training, qualifications, or experience.
- Progress so far (courses, research, testing).
- Three priorities for the next 3 months (what/how/when).
- Grant usage: costs, suppliers, and justification.
Appendix 2: Trading Businesses
- Provide accurate business details (UTR, reg no, start date).
- Include sector, turnover, employees.
- Progress and three short-term priorities.
- Explain grant usage and expected benefits.