Ashford Borough Council offers management training grants for both experienced and new staff, specialist managers and those returning to work after a career break. The maximum grant is 400 per employee. Ashford Borough Council offers cash help for small and medium-sized businesses taking on new staff. Ashford Borough Council also has starter units on Ellingham Industrial Estate for people who want to set up their own business and need premises at a reasonable price with the minimum of red tape. The starter units range from 500 - 4,000 sq.ft and rents start from 48 per week.
New businesses are also eligible for rent-free periods.
The Kent European Information Centre publishes details of European companies which are looking for UK partners with whom they can establish trading relationships. It is updated monthly and is available on subscription. The Kent European Information Centre is a partnership between the European Commission and the Kent County Council which is supported by leading companies. Ashford now has Europe's largest market on its door, with 85 million consumers within a day's delivery.