New grant money available for East Kent businesses

New criteria announced recently by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform for a business grant scheme to be delivered by SEEDA in the South East region, could benefit many businesses in East Kent looking for financial assistance to help fund expansion plans.

Key changes to the Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) grant scheme has increased the potential grants award from £100,000 to £2.5m for businesses in East Kent.

All grants are awarded on a discretionary basis to new and growing businesses investing in capital equipment for the expansion and modernisation of facilities to increase productivity and safeguard or create skilled jobs. The level of grant awarded depends on company size, location, eligible project expenditure, number of skilled jobs created or safeguarded and project quality in relation to the Regional Economic Strategy and the grant scheme criteria.

Investment promotion agency, Locate in Kent, is undertaking a continuing marketing campaign to promote the scheme, which began with presentations at its offices in October and November for London and Kent property agents and for companies involved in every aspect of business relocation or expansion.