Local firms are being offered the opportunity of claiming a voucher worth up to £1,000 to help fund a digital or technology solution to help with future growth.

The scheme for SMEs is being launched by Kent County Council and aims to benefit up to 300 firms to bounce back from Covid challenges.

Successful applicant businesses will be able to redeem a voucher worth up to £1,000 for the likes of web-based activities, software, remote working technologies, digital skills or equipment.

Derek Murphy, KCC’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “During the pandemic, businesses realised the importance of making the best use digital technology to connect to customers and deliver services in new ways. This new voucher scheme will help local firms to adopt these solutions to help with new ways of working and future growth.”

KCC has also commissioned a number of specialist digital business advisors who will also be available to support Kent businesses interested in applying for a voucher.

The scheme is targeted at firms impacted by the pandemic and which can "demonstrate how adopting new digital solutions will help them recover and grow".

KCC says it is particularly encouraging firms in the leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors to apply.

It is co-ordinating the local roll-out of the Technology Resilience Voucher Scheme which is part of the C-Care (Covid Channel Area Response Exchange) project. It is funded by the EU Interreg France (Channel) England programme.

C-Care represents a £5.6million package of Covid-recovery support from the European Regional Development Fund.

The scheme launches on November 22 and will run for up to nine months.

To apply or find out more, click here.

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent