Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) Grant

Grants are available to new and existing businesses in Ashford looking to invest in capital equipment to expand and modernise facilities, increase productivity and safeguard and create skilled jobs. Projects can involve capital expenditure on fixed assets such as land and property plant and machinery.

All grants are awarded on a discretionary basis and the level of potential assistance depends upon company size; location; eligible project expenditure; number of skilled jobs created or safeguarded, project quality and whether your business will be serving regional, national or international markets.

Financial assistance of up to 15% of eligible project costs is available to small businesses and up to 7.5% for medium sized businesses.

To find out if your business qualifies for a grant visit the Locate in Kent Website or for free advice and support call Locate in Kent on 01732 520700.

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 from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

There are 4 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 South East England Development Agency Website.

Enterprise Development Fund

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

Am I eligible?

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

• Unable to get business finance?
• Over 18?
• Got a good business proposition?

What business support will I receive?

Capitalise Business Support through the Enterprise Development Fund 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.

How much can I borrow?

Between £3,000 and £25,000 with loan terms of up to 5 years.

For more information contact Mike Trotter, Loan Fund Manager call 0845 601 8326 or email.

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