2025 Grants and Loans for Small Businesses in Gravesham, UK

🔹 Introduction

Gravesham Borough is committed to supporting startups and small businesses through a range of national, regional, and local funding schemes—encompassing grants, government-backed loans, mentoring, and advisory support.

🔹 Available Grants

Tourism & Hospitality Businesses Grant (UKSPF-funded)

• Purpose: Up to £1,000 to support tourism and hospitality businesses via tourism packages tied to the Kent Big Weekend campaign.

• Eligibility: New or existing businesses in Gravesham’s tourism and hospitality sector.

• Key Dates: 50% of the grant paid by February 2025, balance by the end of March 2025. Applications were first-come, first-served in Dec 2024–Jan 2025 (Gravesham Borough Council).

• Apply or enquire: 👉 Email ukspf@gravesham.gov.uk.

Gravesend Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Grant

• Purpose: Up to £5,000 to enhance shopfront aesthetics and accessibility in Gravesend town centre.

• Eligibility: Owners/leaseholders within the designated town centre boundary.

• Deadlines: Applications closing by 31 July 2025; 50% paid by end of August 2025 (Instagram, Gravesham Borough Council).

• Apply: Via the council’s regeneration/grants portal.

Grow in Gravesham Business Grant Scheme

• Purpose: Small grants (£500 or £750) to foster growth, innovation, and resilience for local SMEs.

• Rounds & Deadlines: Filled quarterly—next rounds September 14, December 14, March 14 (awards following each deadline) (Growing Gravesham, Kent & Medway Growth Hub).

• Eligibility: Gravesham micro- and small businesses (1–3 years trading, or startups with advisor meeting).

• Apply: Via Growing Gravesham portal 👉 growingravesham.co.uk (Growing Gravesham).

Twilight Economy Fund (UKSPF)

• Purpose: Supports innovative or civic projects by local businesses and community groups.

• Application period: 27 May 2025 – 29 January 2026 (Gravesham).

• Apply or enquire: Via the economic development team at Gravesham Borough Council.

🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

• Amount: £500–£25,000.

• Interest: 6% fixed p.a.

• Support: Includes free mentoring and guidance.

• Eligibility: UK residents, trading under 36 months.

• Apply: 👉 GOV.UK – Start‑Up Loan.

Kent & Medway Business Fund (via Kent CC)

• Options:

  • Standard Loan: £100,000–£600,000 at 0% interest.

  • Small Business Boost: £26,000–£99,000 at 0% interest (Growing Gravesham, Kent & Medway Growth Hub, Kent County Council, Growing Gravesham, Kent County Council).

• Eligibility: SMEs across Kent, including Gravesham.

• Apply: Through Kent & Medway Growth Hub advisors.

Growth Guarantee Scheme (British Business Bank)

• Purpose: Government-backed loan guarantees of up to £2 million for SMEs.

• Apply: Via accredited lenders.

• Details: Seek via British Business Bank Finance Hub.

🔹 Local Support

Gravesham Borough Council Business Support

• Services: Funding referrals (UKSPF, grants), business mentoring, networking.

• Access: Email econdev@gravesham.gov.uk or visit council site (Kent & Medway Growth Hub, Gravesham Borough Council, Digital Kent).

Kent & Medway Growth Hub

• Support: Expert advisers for grant applications (REPF, business loans), workshops, mentoring.

• Access: Via Growth Hub – recommended starting point.

🔹 Eligibility Guidance

• Use the GOV.UK Finance & Support Finder for national options:
  👉 https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

• For local clarity, speak with the Council's economic development team or Growth Hub advisers.

🔹 Application Process

1. Define your purpose—e.g., shopfront improvements, digital tools, rural initiatives.

2. Match schemes—select grants or loans that suit your needs.

3. Confirm eligibility—check business size, location, sector.

4. Gather documents—business plan, quotes, bank statements, lease or planning permission.

5. Apply—via council email, online portal, GOV.UK, or Growth Hub.

6. Follow up—track deadlines and respond promptly to requests.

🔹 Additional Tips

• Network & Mentor—attend Growth Hub workshops and use 👉 GMAX Card networking.

• Plan ahead—identify round deadlines and prepare well in advance.

• Stay informed—subscribe to updates from council, Growth Hub, and GOV.UK.

🔹 Contact & Further Information

• Tourism & Hospitality Grant / UKSPF: ukspf@gravesham.gov.uk

• Shopfront Grant info: Gravesham regeneration portal

• Grow in Gravesham: 👉 growingravesham.co.uk

• Start‑Up Loans: 👉 GOV.UK – Start‑Up Loan

• Kent & Medway Business Fund: via Growth Hub

• Growth Guarantee: 👉 British Business Bank

• Council Business Team: econdev@gravesham.gov.uk • Phone: 01474 564422

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 What grants are available in Gravesham?
UKSPF-funded tourism & hospitality grants (£1,000), Shopfront improvement grants (£5,000), Grow in Gravesham grants (£500–£750), and the Twilight Economy Fund.

🔹 When is the Shopfront Improvement grant deadline?
Applications close 31 July 2025, with funds allocated by end of August 2025 (Gravesham Borough Council, Gravesham Borough Council, Growing Gravesham, Kent County Council, Gravesham, Kent & Medway Growth Hub).

🔹 How often are Grow in Gravesham grants awarded?
Quarterly—summer, autumn, winter, and spring rounds for £500/£750 awards (Growing Gravesham).

🔹 Can I borrow through the Kent & Medway Business Fund?
Yes. Options include 0% interest loans from £26,000 to £600,000 via the Growth Hub (Kent County Council).

🔹 How much can I borrow via Start‑Up Loans?
Up to £25,000 with mentoring and a fixed 6% interest rate.

🔹 What documents are needed for grant applications?
Typically: business plan, bank statements, quotes, project outline, and proof of eligibility.

🔹 Who can help me apply?
Support is available from Council’s business team and Kent & Medway Growth Hub advisors.

🔹 What should my business plan include?
Objectives, market analysis, financial forecasts, funding purpose, timelines, and success measures.

🔹 How can I stay updated on new funding?
Subscribe to newsletters from Gravesham Borough Council, Growth Hub, and GOV.UK.

🔹 Where do I start?

1. Clarify your project.

2. Check eligibility.

3. Contact the Council or Growth Hub.

4. Prepare documents.

5. Apply.

6. Follow up promptly.