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 Fund, Funding in Ashford, Funding in Kent

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 Funding Logo

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 Bandstand

Ashford Town Centre Business Grants

With an average footfall of 9,000 people daily, Ashford town centre is a compelling place to open your business. The Empty Premises Grant could provide up to £10,000 for bringing an empty town centre unit back into use.

This grant scheme is fully funded by S106 contributions aimed at supporting the vitality and viability of Ashford Town Centre. The funding is limited and therefore, once the funds are fully allocated, applications will be closed.

Read more and apply for the Ashford Town Centre Business Grants

Creative Enterprise Business Builder, business support

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.

Start Up Loans, Funding in Ashford, Funding in Kent

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, Funding in Ashford, Funding in Kent

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

Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow. The scheme launched with accredited lenders on 1 July 2024, with a wide range of products supported by different lenders, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme can generally support facility sizes of up to £2m and provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee.

Find out more about the Growth Guarantee Scheme.

UK Export Finance

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is a UK government ministerial department and the nation’s export credit agency (ECA). They offer products that cover a range of export finance needs – from guarantees to help you access working capital, to insurance that ensures you get paid, to attractive financing for your international buyers.

Learn more about UK Export Finance.