THANET BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Ramsgate Space CIC is delivering a business support series as part of the Thanet Business Support Programme, on behalf of Thanet District Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The series is designed to support businesses across the Thanet district with practical training, specialist advice and growth opportunities.
Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the programme takes place across Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate, offering a diverse and accessible calendar of activity.
High Street Business Support
Accessing Finance for your Business
24th Feb | 08:30-09:30
Pierremont Hall
Broadstairs
Lisa Young, Let’s Do Business
This session is for independent high street businesses across Thanet who want a clearer understanding of funding options and how to prepare before applying. The session focuses on finance options for small businesses. It will cover common reasons businesses seek finance, the types of funding available, what funders look for, and how simple cashflow forecasting can support better decisions.
This session is ideal if you are:
Already trading and feeling cashflow pressure
Planning investment in stock, equipment or your space
Exploring finance options for the first time
The session is designed to fit around the realities of running a business.
AI for your High Street Business
17th Mar | 08:30-10:00
Olby’s Creative Hub
4 Fort Hill | Margate
Rebecca Bradley, R People
This workshop is for high street businesses who want to understand how AI can support the day-to-day running of their business. Focusing on real, accessible tools, the session will show how AI can be used across core business roles; from marketing and social media to planning, customer communication and operational tasks.
The workshop will explore practical prompts and examples that businesses can adapt and use immediately, helping to save time, improve consistency and support better decision-making without needing technical expertise.
Talks & Panels
Patterns of Success: What the Best Entrepreneurs Have in Common
26th Feb | 18:00-19.30
Ramsgate Space HQ
17 Albert Ct, CT11 9ND
Emma Jones, Small Business Commissioner with Dept. Business and Trade / Non Executive Director for Ramsgate Space CIC
This talk explores the common patterns, behaviours and decisions that successful entrepreneurs share, drawing on Emma Jones’ experience working with thousands of business owners across the UK.
From start-up to scale-up, Emma will highlight what consistently makes the difference between businesses that survive and those that thrive. The session will look at practical themes such as mindset, resilience, leadership, decision-making and the ability to adapt, alongside the external factors that support growth, including networks, support and timing. Attendees will gain insight into how these patterns show up at different stages of the business journey, and how they can be applied in real-world, day-to-day business.
This talk is designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to reflect on their own approach, learn from others’ experience, and strengthen the foundations for long-term success.
From Founder to Leader: Growing Yourself as Your Business Grows
9th Mar | 13:00-14.00
Royal Albion Hotel, 6–12 Albion St, CT10 1AN
Simon Millington, Wellbeing Coach and Former UEFA Coach Developer
This talk helps business founders and leaders develop the personal skills needed to grow themselves alongside their business. Delivered by Simon Millington, a wellbeing coach and experienced coach developer with over 25 years’ experience working in high-performance environments and mental health education, the session focuses on strengthening leadership, resilience and self-management as your business evolves.
This talk is ideal if you’re:
Leading a growing business and feeling stretched by new demands
Looking to improve wellbeing and effectiveness as a leader
Ready to develop practical skills that support long-term success
Business Essentials
First Aid for Small and Micro
Businesses
18th February | 09:00-16:00
Kent Innovation Centre, Broadstairs
22nd February | 09:00-16:00
Droit House, Margate
This practical first aid session covers the essential skills needed to respond confidently in an emergency. Topics include assessing a situation, supporting unresponsive casualties (including CPR and use of an AED), managing choking, seizures, bleeding and shock, and treating minor injuries such as burns, bites and stings.
The session includes practical assessment throughout, covering wound care, care of an unconscious casualty and CPR, alongside a short multiple-choice assessment. Delivered by Andy Webb of Kent Surf School.
Keeping Good People and Making Work Easier
13th Mar | 11:00-12:30
Pierremont Hall, Pierremont Park, Broadstairs CT10 1JX
Session led by Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet
Running a small team in Thanet comes with real pressures: staff shortages, seasonal demand, stretched managers, and small issues that quietly pile up.
This Lunch & Learn is for employers and managers who want workdays that run more smoothly, with fewer misunderstandings, less burnout, and teams that are easier to support and retain.
The session focuses on practical, low-effort shifts that make a noticeable difference in how people work together, especially in small, fast-moving teams.
In this session, attendees will:
Recognise common sources of friction
Understand why good people disengage or leave, often unintentionally
Explore practical ways to reduce pressure on managers and staff
Reflect on what their business actually needs next
This session is designed to be relevant whether you employ 2 people or 20+
Who should attend: employers, team managers, team supervisors, HR manager, local recruiters
Core Business Skills
Developing a Funding Plan for your Business
26th March | 09.30-11.30
Queens Road Baptist Church
Broadstairs
This hands-on workshop helps pre-start entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses create a clear, realistic funding plan. You’ll explore funding options, learn what funders look for, and work through a simple framework to define how much you need, what it’s for, and where to find it. You’ll leave with a draft one-page funding plan and practical tools to use straight away. Delivered by Ramsgate Space CIC as part of the Thanet Business Support Programme, funded by Thanet District Council.