Home > Business > Business Support > Grants and Funding

Grants and Funding

There are a range of grants and funding streams available that can assist with the financial implications of starting up a business, growing a business idea, financial help for existing businesses and funding for research and development work; these include:

 

Research and Development Grant

If your business is looking for financial assistance to carry out research and development work on technologically innovative products and processes you could be eligible for a Research and Development Grant between £5000 and £500,000 from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

 

There are four types of project that are eligible for the grant

  • Micro Project
  • Research Project
  • Development Project
  • Exceptional Development Project

 

For more information on these projects and to find out if your business is eligible for a grant please email Locate in Kent, call 01732 520700 or for more information on the grant conditions visit the Locate in Kent Research and Development Information page.

 

Capitlise Business Support

If you are finding it difficult to raise finance through a Bank or Building Society then Capitalise Business Support might be able to help.

 

Am I eligible?

 

If you can answer yes to the following then you are eligible to apply:

  • Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Will your business be located in Sussex, Kent or Surrey?
  • Have you been declined finance from a mainstream lender?

 

What loans are available?

 

Capitalise offers flexible business loan facilities together with on-going business advice and support:

 

What business support will I receive?

 

Capitalise Business Support will help you in the following ways:

  • Give you time and advice on how to refine and develop your plans.
  • Guide you through the loan application process.
  • Give you the opportunity to attend a range of start-up workshops and business training (there may be additional charges for this).
  • Provide you a free business mentor to give ongoing business support to help grow your business.

 

For more information visit the Capitalise Business Support website or call 0845 601 8326

 

Energy Grant 500

This scheme is aimed at improving energy efficiency in businesses. Its benefits include:

  • Reducing energy costs
  • Encouraging staff involvement in energy retention
  • Support for projects costing over £500

 

This grant is worth £500 and businesses who have an annual energy spend of between £1,500 and £30,000 are eligible to apply. Companies must be based in the South East of England.

 

If the business is eligible for the grant they will be provided with an energy meter to measure energy consumption before and after the energy efficiency project. Once the necessary documentation has been completed a cheque will be sent to the business.

 

For more information on the Energy 500 Grant visit the Business Link website or call  0845 600 9006

 

The Prince’s Trust

If you are between 18 and 30 years of age with a business start-up idea, you could benefit from support from The Prince’s Trust including:

  • a low interest loan of up to £4,000 for a sole trader, or up to £5,000 for a partnership (the average loan is between £2,000 and £3,000 but varies regionally)
  • a grant of up to £1,500 in special circumstances (subject to local availability)
  • a test marketing grant of up to £250 (subject to local availability)
  • ongoing advice from a volunteer business mentor
  • access to a wide range of products and services. Includes our free Legal Helpline sponsored by Barclays.

 

The Prince’s Trust can help you turn your dream into reality.

Call 0800 842842 or visit The Princes Trust website

 

If you have any queries on the grants and funding avalibale or would more information email the Economic Development Department or call 01233 330310.

 

This webpage was updated on 11/17/2011

 

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre
Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 331111
Email: customer.care@ashford.gov.uk or view our contact us page.
Ashford Borough Council Ashford, Best Placed in Britain

More about advertising on our site ...