Finance and Funding
When locating your business in Ashford you will gain access to a number of funding options, from grants to business loans. You will also benefit from exclusive business support.
Kent and Medway Business Funds
The Kent and Medway Business Fund (KMBF) is accepting pre-applications for the KMBF Small Business Boost and the KMBF Standard Loan. The schemes offer 0% interest loans between £26,000 and £600,000 to SMEs in Ashford.
The funds can be used to develop new or expand existing products, services or processes.
Download the guidance for Kent and Medway Business Fund (KMBF) Small Business Boost (SBB) Loans.
Rural Prosperity Fund Grants
The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is applicable to the rural areas of the Borough as defined by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), so only businesses and projects located within these areas are eligible to receive funding.
Rural England Prosperity Grants have re-opened for the final time for:
Rural Green Business Grants – supporting energy-efficiency or energy-transition projects in commercial premises.
Rural Place and Provenance Grants – supporting improvements to productivity and operational processes; creating start-up spaces; and helping tackle the ‘last-mile’ challenge to increase visitor numbers to rural destinations.
The grants can provide various amounts of funding up to £15,000. You can view a map of the eligible areas here Download the REPF map here.
Find out if are eligible for REPF grants in Ashford.
Ashford VCSE Support Fund
The Ashford Borough Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Support programme is offering free business consultancy. Ashford Borough Council and Social Enterprise Kent will support 40 existing or start-up charities and social enterprises.
In addition to your tailored support, there will be opportunities to attend masterclass training workshops, sector networking and an Ashford conference.
To find out more, sign up to the Ashford VCSE programme here.
Creative Enterprise Business Builder
The Creative Enterprise Business Builder, is a grant initiative designed to support companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film television, games, animation and immersive industries.
With grants of up to £2,500, beneficiaries will be able to work with a consultant to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for business growth.
Read more and apply for the Creative Enterprise Business Builder here.
StartUp Loans
This funding scheme is dedicated to fledgling companies or entrepreneurs at the beginning of their business journey (up to 36 months of trading or pre-start stage).
Up to £25,000 can be borrowed at a low, fixed interest rate of 6% per annum. Businesses can decide to repay their loan across one to five years. They will also get access to free mentoring for the first 12 months.
To apply, register here for StartUp Loan.
Innovate UK
If you’re a UK business looking to develop an innovative product, process or service, you can apply for Innovate UK funding depending on your project.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency offers a range of funds and support.
To check if you’re eligible for funding visit Innovate UK
