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
Innovation Loans - Manufacturing & Materials
• For UK businesses that want to scale up and grow through innovation
• £100k to £1m for eligible project costs
• Low interest rate
• Reasonable collateral
• Appropriate covenants
Opens late February 2018
Utilise Plus Programme
- Grants – between £1,000 and £5,000 to cover up to 1/3 of the cost of energy efficiency projects.
- Workshops – half-day, practical sessions explore energy efficiency measures.
- The current funding round ends 23rd March 2018
Kent and Medway Business Fund
Kent County Council are offering 0% loans between £50,000 and £500,000 to small and medium sized businesses in Kent and Medway.
Pre-applications will re-open in September 2018.
Tell me moreLOCASE Grant Scheme
- £10,000 match funded (60/40%) grant/support
- Growth related projects
- Sustainability must be a feature
South East Business Boost
- For small to medium sized business (with under 250 staff and a turn over under €50m)
- Can support capital purchases only
- Must have received a grant offer letter from SEBB before starting the project
- Grant can be up to 30% of the total of eligible goods or services (£1000- £10,000)
Growth Loan in Medway
- Established businesses only (min. 2 years trading)
- Up to £10,000 interest free loan
- If in commercial property, must be paying Business Rates in Medway
- For More information contact the Kent and Medway Growth Hub on 01233 225447
Start Up Grant in Medway
- Pre-start businesses only
- Up to £1,000
- Must be based in Medway
- For More information call the Kent and Medway Growth Hub on 01233 225447
Green Business Fund
- Up to 15% of equipment costs
- £10,000 maximum
- Installation of energy efficient equipment or low carbon products
- Must use accredited supplier
Start Up Loan + 12 months Mentoring
- 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
LEADER Rural Grant scheme
- Up to 40% of project costs
- £50,000 maximum (neg.)
- Location dependent
- Must create jobs and growth
Innovate UK Grant Funding
- Test new ideas and develop innovative products or services
- Variety of schemes from £25,000 to £10,000,000
UKTI Trade show Grant
- Grant to attend organised overseas trade shows
- £1,500 to £2,500 match funded
- Stand and exhibition space costs
Loans for Not for Profit Social Enterprises & Charities
- Start-up or existing incorporated organisations
- Borrow £10,000 – £100,000 up to 5 years
- Potential of grant assistance
- Unsecured
- Flat interest rate of 5% pa
Childcare Business Grants
- £500 for an early years childminder or childcare provider on domestic premises
- £1,000 for an early years childminder or childcare provider on domestic premises of children with special educational needs and disability
- £1,000 for a Childminder Agency
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
European Agricultural Fund For Rural Development Fund (EAFRD) for Food Processing
- £3.7million has been allocated for Food Processing Sector.
- For more information, and to Submit your Expression of Interest
European Agricultural Fund For Rural Development Fund (EAFRD) for Rural Tourism
- £2.6 million has been allocated for Rural Tourism Sector.
- For more information, and to Submit your Expression of Interest
European Agricultural Fund For Rural Development Fund (EAFRD) for Business Development
- £2 million has been allocated for Business Development.
- For more information, and to Submit your Expression of Interest
KEEP+
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supported programme
- Grants to assist SMEs to access expertise through university and Research Institutions
Flexible support on offer for the development of new products and services
Boost4Health Project
- Up to €500 travel grant for attending life science events
- Up to €3,000 for steps towards market entry
- Up to €5,000 towards product validation activities
Fredericks Foundation
- Loans from £2,500 to £35,000
- Loan terms from 6 months to 5 years
- Rates from 8% to 14%
- No early payback penalties
- Long term flexible rolling loans
All loans are subject to an upfront admin fee that is only payable on success