Grab a bite and business advice

Businesses who want to take advantage of Escalate interest-free loans can find out more at a free business breakfast at the Eden Centre in Edenbridge on Friday 9 May from 7.45am.

More than £5 million is up for grabs through the Escalate fund, which offers 0% interest loans to small and medium sized businesses in West Kent and East Sussex helping them to expand and create jobs.

Accredited business advisers will be on hand during the hour-and-a-half long event to explain how the fund works and how to apply.

As well as a tasty breakfast, there will be the chance to network with other businesses.

To book on to this free event, please e-mail business@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call 01732 227000. Alternatively visit www.bsk-cic.co.uk/events/escalate-business-breakfast-9-may

Escalate was established following a bid to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund by Sevenoaks District Council, Kent County Council and others.

Businesses in Sevenoaks District and those in Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Hastings, Rother and Wealden, an area known as the A21 Corridor, can apply.

Escalate is open to small and medium sized businesses with the potential to grow quickly, with the aim of creating or protecting 1,250 jobs. In all, £5.5 million is available to invest in local businesses.

Escalate loans are interest-free and normally unsecured – but rather than being used as working capital, they must be used for specific projects that create jobs, support business expansion and help attract additional private investment.

Sevenoaks DC News