Ashford Borough Council - Funding & Support
Thinking about investing in Ashford? See what support is available...
A variety of funding and support options are available, and Ashford Borough Council can assist potential investors in identifying these options.
Grants and funding streams are available to assist with the financial implications of starting a business or growing a business idea. Financial help for existing businesses, and funding for research and development work is also available.
Support and advice for businesses seeking to expand into the European market is a particular strength of the council, as Ashford is one of the fastest growing towns between London and the Continent, and the local government is seeking to expand on this unique geographical strength.
For personalised information about investing in Ashford, and the support available to you, please contact Ashford Borough Council.
Financial Assistance/Grants
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.
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 Locate in Kent Research and Development Information page.
Loans
Capitalise Business Support
Capitalise business support is available to people who are at least 18 years of age, whose business will be located in Sussex, Kent or Surrey and if you have previously been declined finance from a mainstream lender,
Capitalise offers flexible business loan facilities together with on-going business advice and support:
- Standard Business Loan for amounts up to £10,000
- Hastings Working Capital Loan for Hastings businesses only
- Enterprise Finance Guarantee Loan for amounts between £10,000 & £30,000
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
- 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
Incentives, Tax and Others
Information on the business rates payable in Ashford, including exemptions, is available here.
A variety of tax incentives are available for companies whom are eligible for corporation tax, and undertaking research and development projects in the United Kingdom. Small and medium sized enterprises may choose to take a tax credit, whilst larger organizations may claim a Corporation Tax relief. Further information on the specifics of this scheme is available on the HMRC website.
Recruitment Support
The Advice for Kent Downs Farmers Scheme provides free support to farmers who require assistance managing their land or business practices. The scheme is able to put interested farmers in touch with specialists who can provide an action plan for their future development. Further information is available here.
The Kent Foundation provides business support services for young people who are entering, or would like to enter, the business world. This includes a comprehensive advice and support service, as well as financial support for development of new ideas. Further information may be found here.
Business Accommodation Assistance
A comprehensive online property database is available in order to assist potential investors in finding premises suitable for their businesses in Ashford. This may be found here.
Further, the Ashford Future economic development team is available in order to provide advice regarding relocating, expanding or establishing a business presence in Ashford.
The team may be reached by phone on +44 (0)1233 330310 or may be contacted directly.
Mergers and Acquisitions
The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is a major business network which assists businesses in communication and representation. The organization covers Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells.
The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has over 1,200 members, and holds over 100 events annually, ranging from informal networking to business exhibitions. As well as these activities, the Chamber of Commerce provides a wind range of business support services, aimed at fostering enterprise in the region and encouraging best practice.
Further information on the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is available here.
Other
Kent International Business Support
The Kent International Business Page on the KCC website provides support and advice for companies wishing to explore the possibility of exporting or internationalising their business.
Enterprise Europe Network
A specialist support network for SMEs that raises awareness of business opportunities for companies within the EU and to inform them of relevant regulations, programmes and initiatives.
UK Trade & Investment (South East) (UKTI)
The main source of information, guidance and support for UK businesses wishing to export products and services overseas or access international markets.
The Transmanche Enterprise Network Project
The Transmanche Enterprise Network (TEN) Project is an EU funded Interreg project which promotes entrepreneurship and cross-border trade between Medway, Canterbury, West Flanders and the Nord-Pas de Calais region.
‘Export to Grow’ Support: The 2 Seas Trade Project
The project will provide support to Kent businesses interested in beginning to export to Dutch, Flemish and French markets.
