Support for businesses

Council support

We will address the barriers for starting a new business, growth and competitiveness. The activities through which we will support businesses are:

• promoting best practice in sustainable economic development
• supporting small and medium sized businesses in key sectors, creative industries, tourism and the knowledge economy
• promoting Kent as a top-quality business destination nationally and in Europe
• strengthening links between business and education
• linking construction projects with new training and employment opportunities
• supporting enterprise hubs and gateways to encourage business start-ups and job creation

Local support

• Business Link offers free business advice, online and through local advisers
• Locate in Kent provides a range of free services to companies
• Federation of Small Businesses has help for small businesses.
• Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Support from the Government

Support for business from national agencies and Government includes:

• Real help for the South East
• Keeping the South East Working
• Access to finance from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 
• South East of England Development Agency offers a range of help and advice
• Small Business Finance a package of targeted temporary measures
• Advice and support to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturers from the Manufacturing Advisory Service