Unlock Local and Tax-Advantaged Funding Streams
Ready to supercharge your startup? Liverpool offers a wealth of support through city council grants and the UK government’s SEIS/EIS schemes. In this post, you’ll learn how to tap into local funding, pair it with valuable tax relief, and use Oriel IPO’s commission-free marketplace to connect with angel investors—all in one place.
With the right approach, you can combine Liverpool’s business support service grants with SEIS/EIS funding to lower your cash burn, attract savvy investors, and keep control of your equity. Let’s dive in. Revolutionizing Investment Opportunities in the UK through city council grants
Understanding Liverpool City Council Grants
Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service aims to drive innovation, boost productivity, and nurture a diverse economy. Here’s what you can expect:
– Advice for residents thinking of starting a business.
– Workshops tailored for early-stage founders.
– Specialist guidance for scaling existing ventures.
– Signposting to relevant programmes, from recruitment to net-zero advice.
– Support finding sites—whether you’re launching, expanding, or relocating.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this service plugs you into networks and resources designed to foster growth. Imagine having a local advocate who knows all the funding streams and investors ready to back your vision. That’s exactly what Liverpool City Council’s team delivers.
Who Should Apply?
Entrepreneurs in technology, creative industries, manufacturing, or social enterprises can all benefit. Even if you’re not quite ready to pitch to angel investors, securing a small grant can help you validate your product, hire your first team member, or invest in prototyping.
Navigating SEIS and EIS Schemes
SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) offer some of the most attractive tax reliefs for early-stage investors:
– SEIS: Up to 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000 per tax year.
– EIS: Up to 30% income tax relief on investments up to £1 million per tax year.
– Capital gains tax deferral or exemption when shares are held for the required period.
These schemes not only incentivise investors but signal credibility. Yet, navigating the legal hoops can be daunting. You need:
1. Advance assurance from HMRC.
2. Qualifying share structures.
3. Clear use-of-proceeds demonstrating growth plans.
That’s where expert guidance and a streamlined platform make a real difference.
Synergy: Blending Local Grants with SEIS/EIS Capital
Combining city council grants with SEIS/EIS investment can give your startup a formidable runway:
1. Use grants to achieve initial milestones—proof of concept, user testing, or market research.
2. Present those validated results when pitching for SEIS/EIS funding.
3. Leverage the tax reliefs to attract larger investor pools via equity marketplaces.
This dual approach reduces early dilution and shows investors you’ve already secured public backing. They see less risk—and that often translates to better valuations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Funding
- Research local grant programmes via Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service.
- Prepare a concise project plan outlining milestones and budgets.
- Submit your grant application—highlight innovation or community impact.
- While awaiting the grant decision, engage with Oriel IPO to get SEIS/EIS advance assurance.
- Once you’ve secured the grant, use that proof to launch an equity campaign on the Oriel IPO marketplace.
- Connect with vetted angel investors in our network—commission-free.
- Close your round and allocate funds according to your growth roadmap.
Halfway through your journey, you’ll see how the combined impact of public grants and private capital can accelerate hiring, product development, and market entry. Explore how city council grants can fuel your startup growth
How Oriel IPO Simplifies Your Fundraising Journey
Oriel IPO is more than a platform. Here’s why founders choose us:
– Commission-free fundraising—keep every pound you raise.
– Curated SEIS/EIS opportunities—investors trust our vetted listings.
– Subscription-based model—transparent costs, no hidden fees.
– Educational resources—guides, webinars, and one-on-one support.
– Dedicated customer success team—walkthroughs for grant and scheme applications.
With Oriel IPO, you don’t just list your opportunity; you learn to speak the language of investors. That clarity builds confidence on both sides of the table.
Case Studies and Success Stories
- Tech startup AbleSense secured £20,000 in a Liverpool City Council grant to refine their prototype. Within two months, they raised £150,000 from SEIS investors via Oriel IPO.
- Social enterprise GreenRoots tapped into a grant to pilot community workshops. This local traction led to a successful EIS round, attracting corporate angel investors.
These stories highlight one key takeaway: local grants build momentum. Combine that with the tax perks of SEIS/EIS, and you’re in a prime position to scale.
Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
Do:
– Engage early with both council advisors and SEIS/EIS specialists.
– Align your grant objectives with investor pitch decks.
– Keep detailed records—auditors and HMRC love transparency.
Don’t:
– Rely solely on one funding stream.
– Underestimate the timeline—grant decisions can take weeks.
– Ignore post-funding compliance—report back on milestones promptly.
Testimonials
“Working with Oriel IPO turned a complex process into something we could actually handle. We combined a Liverpool City Council grant with SEIS funding and closed our round faster than expected.”
— Sarah Collins, Co-founder of EcoPack Ltd.
“The step-by-step guides on SEIS/EIS reliefs were a game-changer. We got advance assurance and launched a successful campaign in just three weeks.”
— Ahmed Patel, CEO of HealthTech Forge.
Conclusion
Leveraging local public funds alongside SEIS/EIS investment is a smart, strategic move for any Liverpool-based entrepreneur. From small grants to large equity rounds, you can build credibility, attract investors, and scale effectively—all while minimising dilution.
Ready to bring it all together? Discover city council grants and SEIS/EIS funding solutions
