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 & Medway Business Fund

A scheme delivered by Kent County Council, the Kent and Medway Business Fund offers 0% loans from £50,000 to £500,000 to SMEs in Ashford.

To apply, you must have fewer than 250 employees and be located or looking to relocate in Kent. Your project must create or safeguard jobs in the county. For more information on the programme and how to apply, visit the Kent and Medway Business Fund page.

South East Business Boost, Funding in Ashford, Funding in Kent

South East Business Boost

The South East Business Boost is aimed at SMEs across the South East, including Ashford companies, looking to employ more people locally.

Businesses can apply for grants up to £10,000, as well as receive support and guidance from the SEBB team. Find out more about this scheme.

Start Up Loans, Funding in Ashford, Funding in Kent

Start Up loan + Mentoring

This funding scheme is dedicated to fledgling companies or entrepreneurs at the beginning of their business journey (under 24 months of trading or pre-start stage).

Up to £25,000 can be borrowed at a low, fixed interest rate. 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.

For more information, visit the Invicta Chamber of Commerce’s website.

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 and get between £25,000 and £10 million depending on your project.

For more information visit gov.uk

KMGH, Kent and Medway Growth Hub

Kent and Medway Growth Hub

Kent and Medway Growth Hub can help you access local and national grants and finance schemes, and provide support on how to apply for funding. Visit their website for more information.

Rural Prosperity Funding Logo

Rural Prosperity Funding

The 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. You can view a map of the eligible areas here [PDF download, 570KB].

The first round of applications runs to 23:59 on 4th February 2024. The council reserves the right to close applications early if the funding is likely to be committed.

Click here to find out more about REPF grants