2025
100% FREE
BUSINESS TOOl

Startups and small businesses in Ashford, Kent, have access to a range of local grants, government-backed loans, and business support in 2025. This guide outlines current opportunities, eligibility, and how to apply, featuring verified links and step-by-step advice.
Shop Improvement Grant
Provides up to £10,000 (covering 80% of costs) for shopfront improvements, signage, repairs, accessibility upgrades, and energy-efficient renovations.
Empty Premises Grant
Up to £10,000 to bring long-vacant retail units in Ashford town centre back into commercial use.
π Ashford Town Centre Business Grants – Full Details
Available for rural businesses outside Ashford town centre:
Rural Boost Grant: £500–£3,000 for equipment and workspace improvements
Rural Investment Grant: £3,000–£10,000 for startup space and commercial expansion
Energy Efficiency Grant: Up to £5,000 for energy-saving upgrades
Energy Transition Grant: Up to £15,000 for low-carbon technologies and renewable integration
π Rural England Prosperity Fund Grants – Eligibility & How to Apply
Unsecured personal loans of £500 to £25,000
Fixed interest at 6% APR
Up to £100,000 per business (if multiple founders apply)
Includes 12 months of free mentoring, business plan templates, and support
π Start Up Loans – Official Website
For SMEs needing working capital or investment
Loans from £25,001 to £2 million (70% guaranteed by the UK Government)
Available through accredited lenders
π Growth Guarantee Scheme – British Business Bank
Small Business Boost Loan: £26,000 to £99,000, 0% interest, match-funding required
Standard Loan: £100,000 to £600,000, 0% interest, repayable over 5 years
Admin fee applies (typically 10%)
π KMBF – Loan Schemes Overview
Ashford Borough Council offers several resources to support entrepreneurs and small business owners:
π Business Grants and Support – Ashford Borough Council
For growth-focused SMEs, ScaleUp Ashford provides expert consultancy and access to funding:
π ScaleUp Ashford Programme
Use the official GOV.UK finance support finder to identify national funding schemes:
π https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder
For one-to-one support:
π Kent and Medway Growth Hub
Research eligibility for each scheme
Prepare documents: business plan, forecasts, ID, and any match-funding evidence
Apply through the official website (Council, GOV.UK, Start Up Loans, or KMBF)
Seek guidance from support teams if needed
Submit your application with supporting documents
Await assessment and approval
Receive funding, then start project delivery or implementation
Network regularly with local businesses and investors. A great resource is:
π https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking
Take advantage of free tools from Start Up Loans (e.g. cash-flow templates, mentoring)
Consider applying to multiple schemes if eligible—just check for funding restrictions
π Ashford Borough Council Economic Development Team
π https://www.ashford.gov.uk/business/get-business-support
π§ business@ashford.gov.uk
π 01233 331111
π Kent & Medway Growth Hub
π https://www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk
πΉ Are there specific grants for tech startups in Ashford?
No dedicated tech grants, but general schemes like the Rural and Town Centre Grants may apply to tech-based businesses if eligible.
πΉ What’s the maximum funding I can get?
Grants range from £500 to £15,000. Loans range from £500 to £600,000, depending on your business stage and chosen scheme.
πΉ Can I apply before I start trading?
Yes. Start-up loans are ideal for pre-start or early-stage businesses.
πΉ What documents are required?
You’ll typically need a business plan, cash-flow forecast, personal ID, and evidence of match funding (for some loans).
πΉ How long does approval take?
Timelines vary. Start-up loans take a few weeks. Council grants and KMBF may take longer—check directly.
πΉ Can I combine multiple sources of funding?
Yes, provided you meet each programme’s eligibility and reporting rules.
πΉ Do these loans charge fees?
Start Up Loans: No application or admin fees.
KMBF Loans: Admin fees (~10%) and potential security requirements.
πΉ Can funding cover salaries, rent, or running costs?
Yes—most loans and many grants can be used for operational expenses. Always verify allowed use with the programme.
πΉ Where can I get help with applications?
Reach out to Ashford Borough Council or the Kent & Medway Growth Hub for application support and personalised guidance.
Value Ad helps new businesses save 50% to 80% on essential services like marketing and
development. These savings act as an alternative investment, fueling growth.
Service providers gain valuable initial customers, helping them grow and attract investment.
It's a win-win for everyone!
This App/website is not affiliated with any government agency. We collect and organize information from publicly available government websites and provide direct links to these official sources.
For accurate details and to apply for grants or loans, please visit the relevant government websites linked within the App/website.
What is Value Ad?
Value Ad is an innovative policy designed to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between two key groups: new businesses and service providers. This policy helps startups save significantly on essential services while enabling service providers to gain valuable traction and growth opportunities.
How is it a Win-Win Deal?
For New Businesses:
Cost Savings: Startups can save 50% to 80% on essential services such as website development and marketing. This means they don’t need to invest heavily upfront, making it easier to launch and grow their business.
Alternative Investment: The money saved through these discounts can be reinvested into other critical areas of the business, acting as an alternative investment that fuels further growth and development.
For Service Providers:
Initial Customer Base: Service providers, often tech startups themselves, can attract a significant number of initial customers by offering their services at a discounted rate. This helps them build traction and demonstrate value, which is crucial for attracting venture capital (VC) funding and other opportunities.
Marketing Efficiency: By providing affordable services, service providers do not need to spend heavily on marketing to acquire new customers. The discounted services themselves become a powerful marketing tool, bringing in customers who can spread the word and enhance the provider’s reputation.
Growth and Expansion: Attracting more customers through Value Ad helps service providers expand their client base and build long-term relationships, which can lead to increased revenue and business growth.
Alternative Investment for New Businesses:
For new businesses, the significant cost savings achieved through the Value Ad policy effectively serve as an alternative investment. Instead of spending large amounts on website development and marketing, they can leverage the affordable services provided by service providers. The saved funds can be redirected into other strategic areas of the business, enhancing overall growth and sustainability.
Benefits for Service Providers:
Service providers benefit from the Value Ad policy by gaining access to a ready pool of new customers who are drawn by the discounted rates. This initial customer base is crucial for:
Building Traction: Demonstrating product or service viability to potential investors.
Securing Funding: Enhanced customer traction and a growing user base can make the service provider more attractive to venture capitalists and other funding sources.
Market Penetration: Establishing a presence in the market quickly and efficiently without heavy marketing expenditures.
In Summary:
Value Ad is a strategic policy designed to create a win-win scenario for both new businesses and service providers. By offering significant discounts on essential services, startups can save and reinvest those savings, while service providers gain crucial initial customers and market traction. This mutually beneficial arrangement supports the growth and success of both groups, making Value Ad a powerful tool for business development and investment.
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