A Growth Guarantee Scheme facility counts as a subsidy. Other public support you've received in the last three years counts towards the same limit, and can reduce how much you can borrow. You'll need to declare it when you apply.
Why it matters
There's a cap on the total financial assistance a business can receive over a rolling three-year period. If earlier support has used up some of it, the most you can borrow under GGS may be lower, and in some cases nothing.
Support that counts
- earlier GGS facilities, and Recovery Loan Scheme facilities offered from 1 August 2022
- Start Up Loans
- business rates relief
- Enterprise Finance Guarantee loans
- finance from the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine and Cornwall investment funds
- local authority grants not issued under the Covid temporary framework
- some Bounce Back Loans, but only if you were told they counted as a subsidy
Support that doesn't count
- CBILS and CLBILS loans
- Recovery Loan Scheme facilities offered between 6 April 2021 and 30 June 2022
- Covid temporary framework support, such as furlough and the self-employed income support scheme
What you'll need to do
- List the support you've received in the current financial year and the two before it.
- Confirm in writing that the new facility won't take you over the limit.
- Keep your subsidy statement. The lender gives you a written statement of the subsidy value, which is not the same as the loan amount. You'll need it for future applications.
Northern Ireland
Different rules apply to businesses within the scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The lender will confirm which apply to you.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026