West Kent Business | Support, Grants & Networking for SMEs

Join the West Kent free business support programme for all West Kent based businesses and entrepreneurs. Enjoy free events, mentoring, webinars and business support provided by Invest West Kent and GLL.

People chat and laugh at an Invest West Kent networking event.

The West Kent Business Programme supports businesses in West Kent to grow and achieve their business goals.
This programme is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is managed by Invest West Kent (consisting of the three local authorities of Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) in collaboration with GLL.

What’s included:

Mentoring: one-to-one sessions with experienced business advisors.
Workshops & webinars: practical training to build new skills.
Networking: connect with other local businesses and share knowledge.
Grants programme: access funding to accelerate your growth.
West Kent Expo 2026: showcase your business on a regional stage.

Who it’s for:
The scheme is open to small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups based in the West Kent area.

Why join?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this programme offers the tools, funding, and connections to help your business succeed.

View upcoming workshops and networking opportunities.

Grant Writing for Beginners Webinar

Learn the essentials of grant application writing, avoid common mistakes, and gain skills to craft competitive funding responses.

Wednesday 8th October 2025, 10.00am-12.00pm
Gary Parker
Online Webinar

Promotional banner: grant writing for begineers live workshop — Online Webinar.

Start using the potential of AI to work for your business

Not sure where to start when it comes to Generative AI for your business? This hands-on workshop will get you using AI for your needs.

Tuesday 4th November 2025, 10.30am-12.30pm
Thomas Akintan & Kevin Loi-Heng
Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, Tonbridge TN9 1BG

Promotional banner: AI essentials: Start using the potential of AI to work for your business

Creating a Strategic Roadmap for Your Business

Discover how to set the path for growth with a strategy that matches your vision, adapts to change, and drives your business forward.

Thursday 13th November 2025, 10:30am-12:30pm
Lee Lam
The Stag Sevenoaks, London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ

Promotional banner: create a strategic roadmap for your business with Lee Lam — Sevenoaks.

How to win government contracts as a small business

Practical guidance for small businesses to navigate procurement, avoid common mistakes, and write more successful bids.

Wednesday 19th November 2025 10.30am - 12.30pm
Gary Parker
OfficeTribe, 8A London Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1DA

Promotional banner: win government contracts with Gary Parker— Tunbridge Wells.

West Kent Expo'26

A free, one-day showcase of 50+ local businesses with practical workshops and expert business support. Discover suppliers, network with advisers and pick up actionable tips to grow your business.

Business Grants Programme

If you run a small, registered business in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling or Tunbridge Wells, you can apply for a £500 grant (one per organisation) to fund equipment, marketing, software or professional services — no match funding required.

Free West Kent Business Support

West Kent Business Programme

Latest Events