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:
- free business planning advice
- help to access funding in the form of grants and loans
- help finding the perfect place for your business in Medway
- support recruiting staff and apprentices.
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:
You will be part of an exclusive peer network and have access to experts and connections. Contact informationEmail: business@kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk |
Can beA 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 |
Must beA 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 informationPhone: 03303 000 012 |
Must beA 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 informationWebsite: www.digitalboost.org.uk |
Can beAny 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 informationEmail: business@kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk |
Can beA 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 informationEmail: info@bethebusiness.com |
Must beA business registered at Companies House. Can beA 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 informationEmail: enterprise@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 informationEmail: robyn.brookes@wsxenterprise.co.uk |
Must beA 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 informationEmail: enquiries@visitkent.co.uk |
Must beA 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 informationEmail: seip@ncltv.co.uk |
Must beAn 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 informationEmail: hello@kentfoundation.org |
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 informationPhone: 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 informationEmail: info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk |
Can beA 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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