Funding is provided to either effect some change in the economy such as create more jobs, innovation, green working, etc. or to address a market failure such as a lack of social enterprises. For this reason, criteria and eligibility is often very specific and funding may often take the form of paid for advice, zero interest loans or small grants that require a match contribution from the business. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for any of the schemes below please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.
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- Learn About Grants And Finance
The business finance guide provides a comprehensive overview of the financing options available to growing businesses. Whatever the challenges faced, the right financing decisions are critical. For business owners and management, awareness of the choices available allows the business to make a well-informed financing decision.
This link takes you to a helpful tool that guides you through the various options for finance: Find the right finance for you
Search finance and support for your business, click here to go to the Government National Finance Finder Tool.
Local Grants & Funding
Ashford Rural Investment Grants
Rural Investment Grant of between £3000 to £10,000 for Ashford SMEs.
- This grant aims to support the creation and uptake of start-up space for food and drink producers, hospitality or tourism businesses or businesses in sectors supporting these industries.
- Additionally, the grant also aims to support projects that will help tackle the last-mile challenge and increase the number of visitors to rural hospitality or tourism destinations.
Apply by 23:59 30 June 2024
Tell me moreAshford Rural Boost Grants
Rural Boost Grant of £500 to £3000 for Ashford SMEs.
- Aims to facilitate projects in commercial premises in rural areas of the Ashford Borough Council for food and drink production businesses and those in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
- This grant will support the business to improve productivity, operational processes and support its viability and growth.
Apply by 23:59 30 June 2024
Tell me moreAshford Rural Energy Transition Grants
Energy Transition Grant of up to £15,000 for Ashford SMEs.
- Aims to facilitate energy transition projects in commercial premises in rural areas of the Ashford Borough Council.
- Through this grant, Ashford Borough Council will support the purchase and installation of alternative energy sourcing equipment and improves the carbon footprint of a business commercial property in the rural area.
Apply by 23:59 30 June 2024
Tell me moreAshford Rural Energy Efficiency Grants
Energy Efficiency Grant of up to £5000 for Ashford SMEs.
- Aims to facilitate energy efficiency projects in commercial premises in rural areas of the Ashford Borough.
- Through this grant, Ashford Borough Council will support the purchase and installation of material or equipment that improves the energy efficiency of a business commercial property in the rural area.
Apply by 23:59 30 June 2024
Tell me moreMedway Partners for Green Growth grant scheme
Financial support of up to £2,500 is available for Medway SMEs.
The funding is to help businesses in the:
- implementation of their decarbonisation plans
- adoption of new processes that contribute to their net-zero journey.
The grant aims to offset some of the costs associated with sustainable initiatives and allow businesses to make meaningful progress towards their environmental goals.
Tell me moreAshford Town Centre Business Grants
Provides support to landlords or tenants to make improvements to their business premises and attract investment into Ashford Town Centre.
- Shop Improvement Grants – 60% of costs up to £3,000 to help existing businesses with external renovations, energy efficiency measures or accessibility measures.
- Empty Premises Grants – 60% of costs up to £10,000 to help prospective tenants or landlords make improvements to vacant properties in order to fill the units.
Apply by 23:59 31 May 2024
Tell me moreKent and Medway Business Fund - Small Business Boost
Loan Offer – £26k – £99k
0% Interest (10% Admin Fee applied)
20-30% Match-funding required
Applications are invited from start ups and established businesses in all sectors
Excluding:
Franchises
Organisations with a political or religious nature
Primary production (partial exclusion)
Criteria must include:
Growth, Innovation, Increased Productivity, Supply Chain, Contribution to Net Zero
Employment:
Job Creation – essential
To submit your Expression Of Interest
Kent and Medway Business Fund - Standard Loan
Loan Offer – £100k – £600k
0% Interest (10% Admin Fee applied)
50% Match-funding required
Applications are invited from established businesses in all sectors
Excluding:
Franchises
Organisations with a political or religious nature
Primary production (partial exclusion)
Criteria must include:
Growth, Innovation, Increased Productivity, Supply Chain, Contribution to Net Zero
Employment:
Job Creation – essential
Read the KMBF Standard loan Guidance here
To submit your Expression Of Interest
West Kent Rural Grant Scheme
Rural businesses and communities based in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge & Malling can apply to the West Kent Rural Grants scheme (funded by the Government’s Rural England Prosperity fund) for funding to support jobs, communities and economic growth.
Grants of £2,000 to £24,999 are available for the 2024/25 financial year.
The funding is for capital projects and match funding is required. Other terms and conditions apply.
Tell me moreFolkestone & Hythe Rural Funding Scheme
Grants ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 are available (and up to £30,000 in exceptional circumstances) to support rural businesses based in Folkestone & Hythe to:
- Create jobs and boost community cohesion
- Increase private sector investment in growth-enhancing activities
- Green infrastructure and to support rural tourism activity
- Creation and expansion of rural leisure and tourism businesses
- Equipment for non-farmer-owned businesses
Recovery Loan Scheme
The Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) supports access to finance for UK businesses as they recover and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic for Kent businesses (Medway businesses are not currently supported by this Scheme).
RLS facilities can be used for business purposes, including:
- managing cashflow
- investment
- growth.
It is designed to support businesses that can afford to take out additional finance for these purposes.
Tell me moreStart Up Loan + 12 months Mentoring
Start or grow your own business
- 18+ years old
- Pre-start or trading less than 36 months
- UK-based business
- Up to £25,000 at 6% p.a. fixed for up to 5 years
To apply: Applying for a Start Up Loan – Start Up (startuploans.co.uk)
Tell me moreGot questions? Ask Phil
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