From dishes to design and washing to wheels, businesses across the district are flourishing thanks to the support of Folkestone Community Works (FCW).
The programme, run by Folkestone & Hythe District Council, invests EU funding into the district and among the recipients are many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME). These include The Little Greek Bus (catering), Sam Millen (visual artist and designer), Lantern Laundrette and Autospot MG Ltd.
SMEs in the FCW area with less than 250 employees and a turnover of under €50m can apply for grants between £1,000 and £7,500 (this must be match-funded).
The programme management team is looking for innovative projects that will support further economic development in the area. Members of the team are on hand to help applicants throughout the whole application process, including one-to-one support.
Funding recommendations are made by the Local Action Group, which comprises businesses and community leaders. Successful projects have to be completed by 31 March 2023.
Cllr David Wimble, Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: "It is exciting to see that so many of the ventures who have already received funding through Folkestone Community Works are thriving - albeit with a lot of hard work on their part.
"We are keen to ensure that many more are able to follow in their footsteps and encourage anyone who runs a small- to medium-sized business to apply."
More details about the FCW project be found here: https://folkestone.works/folkestone-community-works/
Anyone with a project to discuss, should email: folkestonecommunityworks@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
FCW covers the East, Central and Harbour wards of Folkestone.
Hannah O'Toole is pictured outside her FCW-funded business, The Little Greek Bus.
European Structural and Investment Funds
The project is receiving up to £2.5 million of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) are the Managing Authorities for European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
Date published: 1 February 2022