New £10 Million Hospitality Grant Scheme
Local pubs, restaurants and cafés can now apply for funding through a new Government £10 million three-year Hospitality Grant Scheme.
The money will be invested into projects that help get new hospitality ventures off the ground, bring vacant premises back into use, or support training programmes that help people develop the skills, confidence and work ethic to open doors to future careers.
Round 1 of the Fund is intended to support delivery ready projects that can mobilise quickly and contribute to effectively spend within the 2026–27 financial year.
The application window is now open, and will close on 13 October 2026.
Visit gov.uk to find out more and apply.
Digital Marketing in an AI World & Cyber Security Workshop
Kent and Medway Growth Hub are holding a free workshop for Kent Business on 7 October 2026 from 10am - 12pm at Ashford International Hotel. This free workshop will bring together two really topical areas for businesses – adapting digital marketing for an AI-driven future and protecting your business from cyber threats.
Nick Huxsted from Gooey Digital will explore how AI and Large Language Models are changing the way customers search for and discover businesses, with practical advice on adapting and future-proofing digital marketing strategies.
Paul Lopez and Arran Ostridge from the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre will then raise awareness of the cyber threats facing businesses and share simple, proactive steps businesses can take to protect themselves, their data and their customers.
There will also be an interactive Q&A and informal networking, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, meet the speakers and connect with other local businesses.
The workshop is being delivered in partnership with Made Smarter and the Kent and Medway Business Fund.
Visit Eventbrite website to find out more and reserve a space.
 Business Start-Up Course
Whether you’ve got the beginnings of a great idea or you’ve recently started your business and want to make sure you’re getting the basics right, Kent and Medway Growth Hub are running a free 2-day online Business Start-Up course from 3-4 November 2026, 9.30am to 2.30pm.
The two practical sessions will cover the essential building blocks you need to start and run a business – without the jargon or unrealistic advice.
Hear from people who have real experience of starting and running businesses, alongside their experienced Business Growth Mentors, who understand the challenges business owners face and can give you realistic, practical advice based on what actually works.
To find out more or to book a space visit Eventbrite website.
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