WSX Enterprise will provide a package of learning, advice and mentoring to new entrepreneurs, including for individuals that have been made redundant or unemployed as a result of COVID-19 who have a new business idea (pre-starts), as well for as new businesses that have recently started up.

The support will include online business start-up courses; 1-2-1 consultations; specialist week-long events; a 24/7 start-up app; and a portfolio of online learning materials.

Information will also be provided on grants to support new businesses and all participants that have received at least a 1-2-1 consultation and up to 3 hours of business support through the programme will be eligible to apply for a grant in October/November 2021.

Anyone interested in joining this programme should contact the Kent and Medway Growth Hub

This programme aims to support businesses to improve digital capability and help them become more competitive and resilient, as well as helping them to tap into new market opportunities.

To qualify for this support the individual seeking this training must own or work for a business that is seeking support/advice on digital growth.

This programme is provided by WSX Enterprise and it includes: 100% online business support; online awareness events; workshops/masterclasses; 1-2-1s; specialist week-long events; and a pool of online support resources.

Information will also be provided on grants to support new businesses and all participants that have received at least a 1-2-1 consultation and up to 3 hours of business support through the programme will be eligible to apply for a grant in October/November 2021.

Anyone interested in accessing this support should contact the Kent and Medway Growth Hub.

The Revi-VE – South East Visitor Economy Fund is a 100% grant fund which sits as part of a wider package of support and is funded by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) in order to help deliver long-term resilience and adaptation to a post-Covid world for the visitor economy.

This new programme is being delivered by a consortium of partners that represent the tourism and hospitality industry across the region and comprises of colleagues from Visit Kent, Visit Essex, East Sussex County Council, Sussex Modern, and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

The programme will provide funding of between £1,000 and £3,000 per project, for a minimum of 150 businesses across the SELEP region and will crucially inject small visitor economy businesses with the financial investment they need in order to respond to changed conditions across the marketplace.

Applications will be open from 09.00 on 15th July 2021 to 23.59 on 18th July 2021.

If certain funding allocations are not met from the initial applications, then the form may reopen for a second application window to businesses that meet specific criteria. SELEP anticipate that demand for these grants will be much higher than the total number available.

Before starting your application, please check the details below to ensure that this fund is the right fit for your business.

Download a Guide to Revi-VE
Download the Revi-VE Toolkit

The SELEP Digital Bridge is available to residents that have recently become unemployed or redundant as a results of COVID-19 and have a clear need for digital kit and / or connectivity which is preventing access to work and training.

There are a number of entry routes into the scheme and a dedicated webpage for the scheme where individuals can apply directly either online, by phone or text.

The SELEP Digital Skills Programme will provide 200 individuals that are unemployed or economically inactive and from disadvantaged communities, with the skills to enjoy successful careers in tech.

The programme includes training to level 4 in software, data, cyber and cloud skills, with certification upon completion (in partnership with BCS, Microsoft and AWS).

Individuals will be able to self-refer through a dedicated webpage or via Job Centre Plus.

Around 1000 individuals that are recent unemployed or redundant due to the impact of COVID-19, and who can demonstrate a clear need for training to upskill to secure employment in priority sectors, will be supported through this programme.

Individuals will be able to access support and referrals made via the webpage which is being developed.