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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Grants & Loans for Startups in Dover, UK

🔹 Introduction

Dover District Council supports local startups and small businesses through rural and community grants, business rates relief, and access to government-backed loans via the Kent & Medway Growth Hub. Key support comes from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and the Kent & Medway Business Fund.

🔹 Local & Rural Grants

Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)

Dover has been allocated £120,261 for 2025–26 capital grants to support rural businesses and community infrastructure (Facebook, dover.gov.uk).
Grants must fund capital items (e.g., equipment or buildings) and be completed between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 (GOV.UK, cla.org.uk).
Full details and the application form will be published on the Dover District Council’s REPF page.

🔗 [Dover REPF Funding Page on Dover.gov.uk](dover.gov.uk)

Dover Community Grant Scheme

Grants between £100 and £5,000 for local voluntary and community groups (dover.gov.uk).
Summer 2025 round runs from 30 April to 11 June 2025 (dover.gov.uk).
Projects must offer direct benefit to Dover district residents and be completed within eight months.

🔗 [Community Grant Scheme – Dover District Council](dover.gov.uk)

Regional Growth Grants via Kent & Medway Growth Hub

Small Business Boost: Loans £26,000–£99,000 (0% interest)
Business Fund: £100,000–£600,000 loans for growth projects
Includes free diagnostics and funding advice (dover.gov.uk).

🔗 Kent & Medway Growth Hub Funding

🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Fixed-rate loans of £500 to £25,000, at 6% APR
Includes free mentoring and business plan resources
Open to UK residents aged 18+, trading under 36 months

🔗 Apply via GOV.UK Start‑Up Loans

🔹 Business Rates Relief (for 2025/26)

Retail, hospitality & leisure: 40% discount (capped at £110,000)
Rural Rate Relief: 100% relief for properties in settlements under 3,000 population and rateable values between £8,500–£12,500

🔗 Dover Council Business Rates Relief

🔹 How to Access Support

Step‑by‑step process:

Identify your need – rural grant, business loan, community project, rate relief
Match the scheme – REPF, Community Grants, Start‑Up Loans, Growth Hub products
Check eligibility – trading status, age, location, group type
Prepare materials – business plan, cost quotes, cash‑flow forecast, community impact statement
Submit applications via respective portals (GOV.UK, Dover.gov.uk, Kent Growth Hub, SWEF via Kent CF)
Seek support – Business Navigators from Kent & Medway Growth Hub can assist
Keep to the deadlines:
- Community Grants: close 11 June 2025
- SWEF Youth Grants: close 15 August 2025
- REPF scheme details to be published shortly

🔹 Additional Tips

Act quickly: The Community Grants window is limited
Seek free guidance from Growth Hub advisors
Track youth fund deadlines: SWEF Youth Grants close mid-August
Claim eligible business rates relief to reduce costs

🔹 Contact & Further Information

REPF & Community Grants: Dover District Council Business & Economy Team
📞 01304 821199
📧 communitygrants@dover.gov.uk
🔗 [Dover Business Support Pages](GOV.UK, cla.org.uk, dover.gov.uk, dover.gov.uk)
Growth Hub Support: Kent & Medway Growth Hub
📞 03333 602 300
🔗 [Kent & Medway Growth Hub Homepage]
Start‑Up Loans: via GOV.UK

Frequently Asked Questions

▫️ How much can I get from REPF?
Dover has been allocated £120,261 for rural capital projects in 2025–26 (dover.gov.uk, www2.fundsforngos.org).

▫️ What is the Community Grant Scheme?
Grants from £100–£5,000 for voluntary/community groups in Dover. Summer round closes 11 June 2025 (dover.gov.uk).

▫️ Who is eligible for SWEF Youth Grants?
Entrepreneurs aged 18–30 in Kent & Medway, offering up to £2,000, closing 15 August 2025.

▫️ Is the South East Business Boost scheme still available?
No — the SEBB closed in December 2022 and has not been relaunched.

▫️ What relief is available on business rates?

Retail/hospitality/leisure: 40% relief (cap applies)
Rural properties: 100% relief if in an eligible settlement and rate band.

▫️ Who can help with applications?
Kent & Medway Growth Hub provides free one-to-one support from local Business Support Navigators.

▫️ Can I apply for multiple programmes?
Yes — provided you meet each scheme’s eligibility and funding is not duplicated.

Value AD

2025

100% FREE

BUSINESS TOOl

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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