We’ve created a platform that supports and helps local businesses to grow.  

The council has developed a business advice network that offers impartial business advice to companies of all sizes and sectors.  

The business advice is supported by Medway Council and can help guide local businesses to find solutions best suited to their own needs.  

Medway’s business advice offer 

Medway has a thriving business environment. It's home to a range of businesses that drive local employment and generate economic activity.  

We believe in offering the right infrastructure to support businesses and can advise about business creation and generating sustainable growth. 

Medway Council provides resources for businesses including:

Find out more about business support schemes offered.

You can also get advice about setting up your business and licensing your business from GOV.UK.

Medway business support

Scheme Details

Eligibility

Closing date
Free business support from Medway Council

Medway Council in partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce have launched business support programmes aimed at supporting businesses to establish, grow and thrive after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Chat with a Business Adviser - chat confidentially with one of our experienced business advisers online or face to face. We offer help and guidance for if you’re thinking of starting a business, need help employing staff, or have concerns about cashflow.

 

Digital High Street - supporting new and established high street businesses to take advantage of digitalisation, helping them to get a digital presence using Google Business, online directories and social media.

 

Growth Entrepreneur - ambitious, committed entrepreneurs can apply for this tailored support programme. To be eligible, you must be prepared to raise at least £25,000 of capital, be looking to employ staff within the first 6 months and have been trading for no more than one year. You will receive support from a dedicated adviser, networking opportunities and peer to peer support.

 

Plan, Prepare, Deliver (12 hours of support) - if you’ve been trading for at least 2 years and have a project, plan or challenge that you need help with, this programme may be perfect for you. You will be paired with an experienced business adviser who will help you to clarify your thoughts, make recommendations on how to approach the project, keep you on track and connect you to the right people and expertise.

 

Scale Up Medway (12 month programme) - intensive high growth one to one coaching programme for businesses that have been trading for at least 5 years and are ready to take the next step. You will work with an experienced professional to implement your growth plan, achieving outcomes in at least one of the following areas:

  • revenue growth
  • increased employment
  • new products and services
  • capital investment.

You will be part of an exclusive peer network and have access to experts and connections.

Contact information

Email: business@kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk
Phone: 03333 602 300

Can be

A business from any sector. 

March 2024

Other business advice services

Scheme Details

Eligibility

Closing date
South East Export Development (SEED)

A programme provided by Kent County Council (KCC). The programme includes a series of free virtual trade missions and support services to access new international markets

Contact information

Website: www.kentinternationalbusiness.co.uk/SEED

Must be

A business in either food and drink, health and life sciences or digital and creative sector.

A turnover of at least £100,000 and have at least 5 members of staff.

October 2022
Department for International Trade

A comprehensive export development programme provided by Newable. 

Contact information

Phone: 03303 000 012
Website: www.great.gov.uk

Must be

A business registered on Companies House.

December 2022
Digital Boost Mentoring

A free online platform provided by Founders2Schools. The platform supports people who work at small businesses and charities to learn essential skills. They also offer advice on how to adopt new digital ways of working and grow businesses. 

Contact information

Website: www.digitalboost.org.uk

Can be

Any business from any sector.

February 2023
Kent and Medway Growth Hub Business Support

 

A programme provided by Kent and Medway Growth Hub. It offers general business advice to any age or type of business

Contact information

Email: business@kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk
Website: www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk

Can be

A business from any sector or business type.

March 2023
Mentoring For Growth and Lite

A 12 month or a 12-week online mentoring programme using executives from the UK's leading companies. 

Contact information

Email: info@bethebusiness.com
Website: www.bethebusiness.com

Must be

A business registered at Companies House.

Can be

A business from any sector.

March 2023
The Expert in Residence Programme - Women in Business

This programme is provided by NatWest bank. The programme offers free business advice and workshops for female entrepreneurs looking to achieve their growth ambitions. 

Contact information

Email: enterprise@natwest.com
Website: www.natwest.com

For the eligibility criteria, visit the NatWest website. March 2023
SELEP Digitisation

A programme provided by WSX Enterprise that includes 2 programmes. One for adapting with digital and the other starting and succeeding in business.

Both programmes offer grants from £500 to £2000.

Contact information

Email: robyn.brookes@wsxenterprise.co.uk
Website: www.digital.wsxenterprise.co.uk

Must be

A business registered in the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) area.

June 2023
EXPERIENCE Project

The programme is provided by Visit Kent and helps to develop new experimental tourism products for the off-season.

Contact information

Email: enquiries@visitkent.co.uk
Phone: 01227 812 900
Website: www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk

Must be

A business operating for at least a year and registered at Companies House.

June 2023
Attracting Venture Capital

A programme provided by NCL Technology Ventures. Their programme offers a 12-hour programme of activity to help develop a business plan, financial model and pitch-deck.

Contact information

Email: seip@ncltv.co.uk
Website: www.ncltv.co.uk/seip/

Must be

An entrepreneur prior to starting a business and in the SELEP area.

June 2023
Business Support and Mentoring (18 to 30 years)

A programme provided by The Kent Foundation. Their programme offers free business mentoring and support for young entrepreneurs and business owners in Kent and Medway.

Contact information

Email: hello@kentfoundation.org
Phone: 03303 000 012

For the eligibility criteria, visit the Kent Foundation website. July 2025
Prince's Trust support for 18 to 30-year-olds starting a business

A programme provided by The Prince's Trust with start-up support and mentoring for young people aged 18 to 30 years. 

Contact information

Phone: 0800 842 842

 

For the eligibility criteria visit The Princes Trust website. July 2027
Decarbonisation Support Programme

A programme for businesses needing practical advice on how to tackle climate change and make a difference. 

Contact information

Email: info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk
Phone: 01233 503 838
Website: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Can be

A business from any sector.

No end date

Contact us

You can keep up to date with our latest business news, events and advice by completing our business contact form.

To find out more about how Medway Council can help your business email businessandskills@medway.gov.uk.

 

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