SFIE grants scheme

East Kent is one of only two areas in the South East where companies may be eligible for financial support. There are grants and financial assistance available in designated parts of Kent and Medway under the Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) scheme. These companies have already benefited from financial assistance: NIC Instruments, Sharp Interpack, Kent Waterjet Cutting Ltd and Paget.

Grants under the new SFIE scheme are part of the published 2007-2013 Assisted Areas map, covering companies in or moving to designated areas of Dartford, Gravesham, Medway, Maidstone, Swale, Ashford, Shepway, Canterbury, Thanet and Dover. Grants are available to new start-ups and growing businesses investing in capital equipment, expansion and modernisation of facilities to increase productivity and safeguard or create skilled jobs.

To view a map of the assisted areas in Medway and Kent, see right.

Key changes announced in July 2007 mean that small companies could be eligible for grants of up to £2.5m and medium-sized companies could qualify for up to £1.25m - rather than the previous limit of £100,000. All grants are awarded on a discretionary basis and the level of potential assistance varies across the county and depends on the size of the company applying for the grant. Grants of up to 15% of project costs are available for large companies, up to 25% for medium-sized companies and up to 35% for small companies.

South East Grant Advisory Service, (Se-gas) offers free grant advice and assistance to companies looking to relocate to or expand in Kent and Medway. Se-gas' funding is managed by Locate in Kent.

Please contact Locate in Kent for the latest information on SFIE in Kent and Medway, call 01732 520700.