Up to £2,500 funding now available to support local businesses in Adur and Worthing

Small businesses in Adur and Worthing are being invited to apply for up to £2,500 to grow and develop their companies.

Adur & Worthing Councils, together with Adur & Worthing Business Partnership, has now launched its third round of grants to support local firms.

The funding, of up to £2,500 for small and micro businesses, is matched by the business applying, providing project funding up to £5,000 in total.

Dozens of firms have already taken advantage of the scheme, using the cash for new equipment, marketing support, training or even making improvements to their commercial business premises. 

Among those successful in the past is Ross Cutting, of Worthing-based Jana Reinhardt Jewellery, who used the funding to buy a new welding machine.

He said, “We found the application very straightforward and the grant people very supportive. The new machine has massively improved production times and given us the ability to take on a wider range of jobs in house.”

Leila Conley, of The Print Fragrancing Company based in Lancing Business Park, was another successful applicant of funding, using the funding to upgrade its website and marketing activities.

She said: “As a small team, we are constantly at the coalface, doing the work for our clients. The grant funding meant we could outsource what we were trying to do ourselves and we will soon be revealing a super new website, which is very exciting.

“Our hope is that it will increase our appeal to our already global client base and help build our business for the future." 

The Councils are also overseeing an Apprenticeship Grant, with businesses able to bid for a one-off grant of up to £1,500. This is designed to help cover the costs of taking on and training these new members of staff. 

The funding is a result of an innovative partnership between district and borough Councils across West Sussex, aimed at helping to finance business growth and apprenticeship training across the County.

Kevin Pearce, Director of Cedar Garage, is one of those to have used the funding to provide young people with an on-the-job training experience.

He said, “We heard about the application process after we had been to a networking breakfast. I looked into it and found out a little more about it. The application was really easy as I just filled out an online form.

“We didn’t have to wait long and we were successful with both our apprenticeship applicants. It really helped with the onboarding of the apprentices allowing us to budget for other costs that are involved with taken on apprentices.”

Cllr Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local communities which is why I am pleased we’ve teamed up with the Business Partnership to offer this funding once again.

“These grants aim to encourage growth and expansion of the local economy, leading to new employment opportunities - which is why I urge local firms to get their bids in now.”

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration said,
“As a Council we are dedicated to connecting our business community to opportunities to thrive.

“It is fantastic to see the genuine, and evident difference this funding has made for local entrepreneurs who have used the grants to capitalise on their creativity, and further their business, while providing opportunities for apprentices. ”