If you are thinking about starting a business in Kent or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.
Start Your Own Business in Kent contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.
Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces
Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.
To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!
If you're considering starting a business or already running one in Kent, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Located in southeastern England, Kent offers a thriving business environment, diverse demographics, and a range of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Kent has a diverse population with a wide range of business potential. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Kent is over 1.8 million residents. Known as the "Garden of England," Kent boasts beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and a strong agricultural industry. The county offers a dynamic market for various business sectors.
Click on name of location to find local help and resources.
Understanding the local authorities in Kent is essential for navigating regulations and accessing relevant services. Here are some key local authorities in Kent along with their website links:
To help you succeed in your business venture, Kent offers various business support organisations that provide guidance, advice, and resources. Here are a few notable ones:
We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Kent. Exploring the websites of local authorities and business support organisations will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Wishing you every success on your entrepreneurial journey in the vibrant county of Kent!
The Lets Do Business Group help businesses throughout the South East of England to start-up and grow through access to finance, business advice and training, as well as organising exhibitions in Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton.
We are a delivery partner for the Start Up Loans scheme and help budding entrepreneurs to launch sustainable and viable businesses, as well as running free start-up workshops in Hastings and Eastbourne.
For those established companies looking to grow and expand, we offer Business Growth Loans to those unable to access funding from the usual High Street sources and are an approved provider of the GrowthAcclerator service.
Our in-house training team specialise in leadership and management training and apprenticeships to all types of organisations, from start-ups to large multinationals.
The popular Lets Do Business exhibitions take place each year in Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton, giving companies across the region the opportunity to network, promote their services or products, make new connections and generate new business.
For more information about how the Lets Do Business Group can help your business, please call 0844 415 2272 or email info@ldbgroup.co.uk.
"Two heads are better than one."
Whether you have been trading for some time, are new to the market or are just thinking about starting a business of your own, it has been proven that your chances of success are considerably improved if you seek support from an experienced business advisor or mentor. You can find out more about both options at Business Advice in Kent and Business Mentors in Kent .
"Money makes the world go round."
Running out of money is one the most common reasons why businesses fail. This risk of this happening to can be avoided (or minimised) by careful planning and cashflow forecasting. If you need additional funds to start or keep your business going, you can learn more about your options and download our free funding factsheet at: Business Grants and Business Funding .
"It's not what you know, it is who you know."
Does the idea of business networking fill you with delight or dread? Either way, it can be beneficial for both your business and you as an entrepreneur. See Business Networking in Kent for details of local groups and our free Networking Factsheet.
"Home or away?"
Working from home is appealing to many new business owners but not practical for many others. Even if you are running a business by yourself, you might like to consider the option of 'hot desking' or co-working in one of the many flexi-workspaces that have emerged in recent years. Find out more at: Co-Working and Business Premises
Where to find help and support in the area.
If you are thinking about starting a business, our FREE three-hour ONLINE workshop is definitely for you!
Open to everyone, our sole aim is to increase your chances of success. We do that by explaining:
The reality of running a business; the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them; which legal status is likely to be most suitable; funding, grants and managing your money; business planning and cashflow forecasting; finding and keeping customers.
Download the 2023 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide
An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.
The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?
However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don’t become one of them.
This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.
There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.
'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.
Kent is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.
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100's of free startup articles
We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.
You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business