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Last update 27/07/2025

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2025 Grants and Government‑Backed Loans for Start‑ups in Swale, Kent, UK

🌟 Introduction

This guide provides up‑to‑date support for entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses in Swale Borough, Kent, highlighting active grant schemes, government-backed loan options, local and regional support, and practical advice—all verified as of mid‑2025.

💰 Available Grants

🔹 Rural Swale Small Business Grant Scheme (REPF-funded)

Purpose: Enable small rural businesses to invest in growth and carbon reduction or the visitor economy.
Amount: Small capital grants (up to ~£5,000–7,000 typical).
Eligibility: Located in specific rural wards (e.g. on the Isle of Sheppey and parts of the rural mainland) (swale.gov.uk).
Use of Funds: Sustainable equipment, visitor facilities, green initiatives.
Deadline: Applications closed 31 January 2025; possible early closure if oversubscribed (swale.gov.uk).
Apply via: Email completed application form to prosperityfund@swale.gov.uk (form & guidance available on Swale Council site) (swale.gov.uk).

🔹 Community Infrastructure Grants

Purpose: Support local infrastructure projects that benefit the community.
Amount: Grants typically up to £5,000–7,000, covering 75% of project costs (Facebook).
Eligibility & Use: Local projects improving community spaces, facilities or infrastructure.
Apply via: Swale Borough Council Grants & Funding page (swale.gov.uk).

🔹 Town Centre Action Grants

Purpose: Fund initiatives to revitalise town centres such as Sittingbourne or Sheerness.
Amount: Varies per project; discretionary rounds.
Apply via: Council’s central Grants & Funding page (Facebook).

🔹 Heritage & Culture, Health & Wellbeing, People and Skills, Area Committee Grants

Purpose: Support VCSE and community projects in heritage, wellbeing and community skills development.
Apply via: Swale Borough Council’s Grants & Funding central page (swale.gov.uk).

💼 Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans – British Business Bank

Details: Loans up to £25,000 for founders and businesses trading under 24 months, with mentoring included.
Apply via: GOV.UK Start‑Up Loans Programme.

🔹 Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS)

Details: Larger support (up to £2m) for growth, cash‑flow or export via accredited lenders.
Check eligibility & apply via the British Business Bank’s Recovery Loan Scheme portal.

🏛️ Local & Regional Support

🔹 Swale Borough Council – Grants & Funding

Comprehensive guide to local grant programmes: rural business grants, community infrastructure, town centre, heritage, and VCSE support.
Visit: Swale Borough Council – Grants and Funding page (Startup Grant, swale.gov.uk).

🔹 Kent & Medway Growth Hub

Offers free business advice, grant signposting, coaching, and support to businesses in Swale.
Contact: Call 01233 225 447 or email via the Growth Hub website.
Visit: Kent and Medway Growth Hub – Swale House page (Kent & Medway Growth Hub, Invest in Swale).

✅ Eligibility Guidance

Use the Business Finance Support Finder on GOV.UK to explore national schemes.
Refer to the Swale Council Grants & Funding section to check eligibility for local programmes.
Contact the Kent & Medway Growth Hub for tailored advice based on sector and business stage.

📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Select the appropriate grant or loan scheme based on location and business type.
Gather essential documents: ID, proof of address, business plan, cost breakdowns.
Write a clear application, outlining project goals, benefits, funding needs and match details.
Apply by the required method: email or online submission.
Submit supporting evidence—quotes, plans, letters, etc.
Attend any interviews or follow-ups if requested.
Await decision: local grants are typically processed in rounds; loan decisions depend on providers.
If approved, spend funds according to the scheme rules and keep evidence for audit.

🧠 Additional Tips

Clearly articulate the purpose of the funding and estimated costs.
Tailor your application to match scheme goals like sustainability or community impact.
Attend free advice sessions via the Growth Hub.
Join local networking events or VCSE groups for broader support.
Expand your network using platforms like:
https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking

📬 Contact & Further Information

Swale Borough Council – Grants & Funding:
https://swale.gov.uk/your-council/grants-and-funding (Startup Grant, swale.gov.uk)
Kent & Medway Growth Hub (Swale support):
https://www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk/locations/swale-house/ (Kent & Medway Growth Hub)
GOV.UK – Start-Up Loans (search GOV.UK for business finance support)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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🔹 What grants are available in Swale for new businesses?
Swale Council provides various grants, including the Rural Swale Small Business Grant Scheme for eligible rural areas, Community Infrastructure Grants, Town Centre Action Grants, and VCSE-focused schemes like heritage or wellbeing grants. (Startup Grant, swale.gov.uk)

🔹 Can I get a government-backed loan?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans provide up to £25,000 with mentoring support. The Recovery Loan Scheme offers larger support for growth or cash flow. Approved via accredited lenders.

🔹 Who can apply for rural business grants in Swale?
Businesses in designated rural wards (e.g. on the Isle of Sheppey or southern districts like Iwade, Bobbing or Lynsted). Urban Sittingbourne and central areas are excluded. (Startup Grant, swale.gov.uk)

🔹 How do I find out all funding options?
Visit Swale Council’s Grants & Funding page and use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder. For personalised help, contact the Kent & Medway Growth Hub.

🔹 What typical projects do grants support?
Projects may include carbon-reduction measures, visitor economy improvements, community infrastructure upgrades, cultural and wellbeing initiatives, and town centre revitalisation.

🔹 How long does the application process take?
Grant schemes usually operate in rounds with fixed deadlines. Loan decisions vary by provider. Contact Growth Hub for guidance on expected timelines.

🔹 What documents are required for grant applications?
Generally, photo ID, proof of address, business plan or project outline, cost breakdowns, match funding evidence (if required), and quotes or specifications.

🔹 How can I stay updated on Swale funding opportunities?
Subscribe to Swale Council news, follow Kent & Medway Growth Hub updates, and attend local networking or business support events.

Value AD

2025

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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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