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
West Kent Rural Grants
Rural businesses and community organisations in the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells area can apply to the West Kent Rural Grants Scheme to support economic growth initiatives and community, heritage, and tourism facilities.
You can apply for a grant ranging from £5,000 to £20,000. The funding is for capital expenditure and match funding of a minimum of 50% towards the project is required.
Before you apply, you should read our application guidance
Tell me moreAshford Town Centre Business Grant
Provides support to landlords or tenants to attract investment into Ashford Town Centre by providing 80% of the costs of works.
- Empty Premises Grant of up to £10,000 for bringing an empty town centre unit back into use.
The funding is limited and therefore, once the funds are fully allocated, applications will be closed.
Tell me moreGrow In Gravesham Business Grants
The Grow in Gravesham Business Grants Scheme is designed to provide financial support to businesses seeking to grow, innovate, or address specific challenges. It aims to foster economic development and sustainability.
Small grants of £500 and £750 are available and through a competitive process
Grant funds can be used for a project which will allow your business to be better positioned to grow, innovate, and contribute to the local economy.
Tell me moreGrowing Green Grant
Growing Kent and Medway are delivering this sustainability training programme for horticultural and plant-based food and drink businesses in Kent and Medway.
Your training will take place over three months, you will then be invited to apply for a grant to help you achieve your net zero goals.
- Grant of up to £7k
- Accredited training and professional qualification
- Environmental sustainability assessment
- Personalised action plan
- Networking and events.
Kent 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
Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)
The Growth Guarantee Scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee, and is designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow
Minimum facility sizes vary, starting at £1,000 for asset finance, invoice finance and asset based lending, and at £25,001 for term loans and overdrafts. Eligible funding solutions are offered for up to £2 million.
GGS supports a wide range of business finance facilities covering term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, and invoice finance (including asset based lending).
GGS is available through the British Business Bank’s accredited lenders
(Not every lender can provide each type of finance)
Start 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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