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Business Grants Canterbury

Where to find business grants in the local area.

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Canterbury Business Grants

Folder for grant applications

One of the most regular questions that we are asked is "what grants are available for new business start-ups?" and the truthful answer is that there are not as many as you would think.

However, as a grant does not need to be paid back, it is well worth spending a little bit of time to find out whether there is anything that you can claim.

As you will discover, the business grants that do exist generally come with certain conditions. These will not be interest rates or repayment schedules but are far more likely to be related to what type of business you are starting, where you are going to be located and whether you are going to create any new jobs.

How to find and apply for a grant

Before you begin searching for grants, clearly define your business's needs. Are you looking to launch a new product, expand operations, conduct research, or foster innovation? Different grants cater to various business aspects, so pinpoint your requirements to narrow down your search.

Starting or expanding a business often requires a substantial financial investment. While traditional methods of funding like loans and personal savings remain popular options, another avenue worth exploring is business grants.

Where to look

Business grants, where available, are funds provided by various organisations, including government agencies, private foundations, and corporations, to support entrepreneurs and businesses but don't forget that they are also designed to help them achieve their own objectives. A list of places to look can be found lower down the page.

How to win a grant
Thoroughly Read the Guidelines:
Each grant will have specific guidelines and eligibility criteria. Carefully read through these requirements and ensure your business qualifies before investing time in the application.
Prepare Required Documents:
Gather all necessary documents before starting the application process. Common requirements include a business plan, financial projections, details of key team members, and a clear description of how the grant will be used.
Craft a Compelling Narrative:
Your application should tell a compelling story about your business and its potential impact. Clearly communicate your business's mission, objectives, and how the grant will add value.
Demonstrate Alignment:
Showcase how your business aligns with the goals and objectives of the grant provider. Highlight the ways in which your venture contributes to economic development, job creation, or innovation.
Financial Clarity:
Provide a transparent and realistic budget detailing how you intend to utilise the grant funds. Demonstrating a clear financial plan increases your credibility and chances of approval.
Attention to Detail:
Pay close attention to formatting, grammar, and presentation. A well-organised and error-free application reflects your professionalism and dedication.
Letters of Support:
Obtain letters of support from industry experts, partners, or customers. These letters can bolster your application by providing third-party validation of your business's potential
Submit Early:
Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application. Technical glitches or unforeseen circumstances can arise. Submitting early gives you time to address any issues that might arise.

Applying for business grants is a competitive process, and rejection is a possibility. However, don't be discouraged by setbacks. Use any feedback you receive to improve future applications. Persistence and refinement are key to eventually securing the funding your business needs.

Sources of Help Finding Grants

Free Funding Report

If you need to raise some money for your new or existing business and would like to know what options are open to you (without any obligation), please complete and submit this simple form.

Request our FREE report which explains all of these 'new' funding choices in simple English.

Your information will be treated in the strictest confidence and that we will not sell/share it with anyone else or bombard you with spam.

Canterbury Grants

How to find government grants
HM Government's site gov.uk contains a section dedicated to the finding of grants. This allows you to view a list of government grants that are currently available and a step-by-step process helps to narrow the options down to the grants that best suit you and your business.
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Community Investment Fund
The Community Enterprise Fund (CEF) supports community organisations in England and Wales with funding packages of blended loan and grant fund of up to 25k. The emphasis of the fund is impact in the community. You must have been trading for at least one year and operate for the good of your local community. this is part funded by the ASADA Foundation. For more information visit the SIB website or contact loans@sibgroup.org.uk.
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Keene Marsland
Grants are sums of money awarded, by the government or other organisations, for a specific project or purpose. Generally the amount is not repayable. If your business is in the Kent area we, at Keene Marsland, can help you find an appropriate source of grant funds and help you with your business plans. Ensuring adequate finance is a fact of life if you run a business. Whether you are looking to expand, undertake a specific project or simply fund your day to day purchases, finance is essential. Obtaining finance is not always easy especially if yours is a small business and particularly if it is a recent start-up. Borrowing may be difficult due to lack of security. A grant may be the answer.
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Kreston Reeves
At Kreston Reeves our specialist team have been working with companies looking to access funding to enable growth, where we focus on matching the right type of funding to meet their needs, be it: Private Equity (PE) fundraising Crowdfunding Venture Capital (VC) raising Regional Growth Funds (grants, loans and equity) Innovate UK grants Our role is to work with businesses to develop an investable business plan together with comprehensive supporting information to ensure the funding application meets the scheme’s parameters and to advise and support throughout the funding application process.
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Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Canterbury but where can it be found?

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