More funding for small and medium-sized businesses in the Folkestone Community Works area has been released.
A further £100,000 is now available under the SME Business Grant Scheme offering local businesses grants – which must be match-funded pound for pound – to help support their development and growth.
More than 20 businesses have benefited to date – ranging from bakers to launderettes, hairdressers to graphic designers, and software companies to garages.
Cllr David Wimble, F&HDC Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: “This funding has inspired a whole host of new opportunities in the Folkestone Community Works area, helping individual businesses and supporting economic growth in the process.
“It’s fantastic that more money has been made available for small and medium-sized businesses under this scheme and I’d encourage applicants to put forward their case.
“This represents a £200,000 investment – including match-funding – in the area.”
Money can be granted for items that expand production capacity, introduce new processes or products, and increase efficiency. Panel members will also look favourably at applications which lead to job creation.
A grant of between £1,000 and £7,500 is available – and this must be match-funded. Therefore a maximum of £15,000 can be invested into a project. One-to-one support is available throughout the process.
For more information about how to apply, visit folkestonecommunityworks.com or email folkestonecommunityworks@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Folkestone Community Works was set up in February 2018 after Folkestone & Hythe District Council successfully secured £2.5m from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.
The money is helping people in the East, Central and Harbour Wards of Folkestone build businesses and increase employment. For more information about the Folkestone Community Works project, visit folkestonecommunityworks.com