🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
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    Last update 22/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Dartford, UK


    🔹 Introduction

    Dartford Borough Council supports business growth through government‑backed loans, local green and community grants, business rates relief, and regional advisory services via the Kent & Medway Growth Hub and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)


    🔹 Local Grants & Support

    Low Carbon for Businesses Grant

    • Purpose: Grants up to £5,000 to cover energy-saving upgrades (LED lighting, insulation, heat pumps, solar, glazing)

    • Eligibility: Dartford SMEs with <250 employees, turnover < £36 m, trading for ≥1 year, and pay rates to Dartford BC

    • Apply via: 👉 Dartford Borough Council’s Low Carbon Grant page (Dartford Borough Council, ashford.gov.uk, LinkedIn)

    Awards for All (Sports & Community Projects)

    • Purpose: Grants up to £10,000 for not-for-profit community activities (sports, arts, improvement schemes)

    • Apply via: 👉 “Available Grants” section on Dartford BC website (Dartford Borough Council)


    🔹 Regional Resources & Networking

    Kent & Medway Growth Hub

    Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

    • Offerings: Business advice, networking events, low-carbon services, export support, legal, HR services

    • Contact: 01233 503838; see their “Business Support Programmes” page (Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce)


    🔹 Business Rates Relief

    • Net Zero Relief: Dartford’s Low Carbon grants align with its Net Zero Strategy (“Planet Dartford”) (Dartford Borough Council)

    • General relief: Retail, hospitality, rural discounts apply too—check Dartford BC rates page.


    🔹 How to Access Support

    1. Define your need (start-up finance, energy upgrades, community improvement).

    2. Check eligibility (trading history, SME size, Dartford ratepayer).

    3. Prepare documents (business/email plan, energy surveys, quotes).

    4. Apply via:

      • GOV.UK for Start‑Up Loans

      • Dartford BC Low Carbon & Awards for All grants

      • Kent & Medway Growth Hub diagnostics

      • Membership/advisory via Chamber

    5. Follow deadlines and engage with advisors and networking events.

    6. Use Chamber and Growth Hub for additional support and funding opportunities.


    🔹 Additional Tips


    🔹 Contact & Further Information

    • Start‑Up Loans: GOV.UK

    • Low Carbon Grant: Dartford Borough Council – Business Support (energygrant@dartford.gov.uk)

    • Awards for All: via Dartford’s “Available Grants” page

    • Growth Hub: Call 03333 602 300 or email via Growth Hub website

    • Kent Invicta Chamber: 01233 503838; access support via their Business Support Programmes page


    âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     

    ▫️ How much is available for Low Carbon upgrades?
    Grants up to £5,000, alongside a funded energy survey and ROI plan (Dartford Borough Council, Dartford Borough Council, Kent & Medway Growth Hub, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce).

     

    ▫️ Can community sports groups get funding?
    Yes—Awards for All offers grants up to £10,000 for not-for-profit groups (Dartford Borough Council).

     

    ▫️ What support does the Growth Hub offer?
    Free face-to-face or phone business advice, diagnostics, finance mapping and application help (Kent & Medway Growth Hub).

     

    ▫️ What benefits come with Chamber membership?
    Includes networking, legal & HR services, export help, and low-carbon consultancy (Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce).

     

    ▫️ Can I get rate relief on energy-efficient improvements?
    Yes—Dartford offers business rate reductions aligned with its net‑zero strategy under "Planet Dartford" (Facebook, Dartford Borough Council).

     

    ▫️ Who can help me apply?
    Growth Hub and the Chamber offer mentoring, and Dartford’s business team supports local applications.

     

     

     

     

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