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.
- Home
- 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
South East Business Boost II (SEBBII)
The programme can fund up to 30% of the costs of qualifying projects, with the remaining 70% being met by the business.
- Funding available for capital items
- Grants between £1,000-£10,000
- Funding 30% of your project
Businesses who were supported with either a grant or a business support intervention on the South East Business Boost I (SEBB I) are not eligible to apply for SEBB II.
Tell me moreLOCASE (Low Carbon Across the South East)
The LOCASE fund has reopened.
- Funding available for carbon reduction and increase in sustainability.
- Funding available for businesses within the environmental and sustainability sector
- Grants between £1000-£10,000
- Funding 40% of your project
I-Construct
I-Construct works 1:1 with small and medium-sized enterprises to assess their business plan, agree tailored business support, and offer project- specific help with business development or grant-funding applications.
I-Construct also offers SMEs a choice of two additional routes to work on their business priorities:
- Business development support
- 30% Grant funding between £1,000 and £20,000
Start Up Loan - Creative England
Unlocking the UK’s creative potential
- 18+ years old
- Up to £25,000, 1-5 year terms, 6%
- Eligibility includes trading up to 24 months
- Criteria includes at least £300,000 ‘recent’ turnover and one year of accounts filed at Companies House.
Start Up Loan + 12 months Mentoring
Start or grow your own business
- 18+ years old
- Pre-start or trading less than 24 months
- UK-based business
- Up to £25,000 at 6% p.a. fixed for up to 5 years
The Manufacturing Growth Programme Grant Scheme
- For small to medium sized businesses
- For manufacturers who are able to demonstrate an intention to grow/improve
- To support the costs of working with an external expert
Medway - Skills and Employment Grant
What you can use the Grant for:
The grant is flexible and can be used as appropriate by the business to enable the placement.
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
– your business must be based in Medway
– your business must employ fewer than 250 people
– you must be taking on a Medway resident, aged 16 and above.
A maximum of 5 grants can be made per employer.
Tell me moreSouth East Business Boost New Enterpirse Grant
This SEBB grant is for businesses under 12 months old who are showing good growth to help them grow faster, ideally with a view to creating a new job or process within the business.
-£1000-£2000
-100% funded
-Must be spent on capital items that will grow your business
-Basic IT equipment is excluded
To express interest follow the link to the standard SEBB grant page and fill in the EOI
Tell me moreTALE (Transport and Logistical Efficiencies)
TALE Grants help businesses improve their supply chains and logistics. This grant can be spend on capital items, consultancy or software to help achieve this.
-60/40 match funded
-£1000-£10,000
For more information follow the link
Tell me moreTALE Light
TALE Lite grants are available to help you purchase software and initial consultancy advice related to data to help improve your logistics and supply chains.
-60/40 match funded
-£1000-£2000
For more information follow the link
Tell me moreGot questions? Ask Phil
Upcoming Events
Sign up for Business Support Updates
Sign up to receive email alerts about the latest grants, funding and initiatives available across Kent and Medway
Sign up here