West Kent Business Programme, the business support affiliate to Invest West Kent is about to celebrate its first anniversary. Since its launch in March 2023, the programme has provided 71 West Kent start-ups with 4-8 hours of expert mentoring in addition to providing networking opportunities and online resources to over 650 businesses and freelancers – all free of charge.

In addition to these free resources, £500 micro-grants were awarded to over 30 West Kent start-ups to help them get their business ideas of the ground, with a second round of awards coming in September this year.

This programme has been delivered by Smarter Society, a business support organisation  headquartered in Brentford, through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Businesses in rural towns, villages and countryside across West Kent can apply for up to £24,999 in capital grant funding towards 50% of their project costs. This includes locations such as Sevenoaks, Kings Hill, Cranbrook, Hawkhurst, Edenbridge and Paddock Wood.

Eligible projects include business development activities in micro and small businesses (under 50 employees), the development of hospitality and leisure venues and businesses, investments in cultural venues, and circular economy projects (covering sustainability, repair, reuse and recycling).The scheme is being delivered across West Kent by Invest West Kent, a partnership of Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Sevenoaks are administering the scheme, so please visit the West Kent Rural Grants page on their website to find out more and apply.