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Last update 02/08/2025

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2025 Business Grants and Loans in Arun District, UK

Introduction

This guide provides the latest 2025 support for startups, small businesses, and new ventures in Arun District, West Sussex. It covers council grants, government‑backed loans, eligibility guidance, and the application process—all sourced from official 2025 information.

Available Grants

Arun Business Growth & Start‑Up Grants

Operated by Arun District Council and funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund:

Start‑Up Grant: Up to £1,000 for new businesses (trading since January 2021 or about to start). No match funding required.
Business Growth Grant: Up to £1,500, requiring 50% match funding. Intended for established SMEs in Arun.
Eligible expenses include equipment, consultancy, premises improvements, IT upgrades, online conversion, and leadership training. Funding excludes staff salaries, rent, materials/stock, VAT, and building works.
🔗 [Arun Business Growth & Start‑Up Grants – official council page](Arun District Council, Arun District Council, Facebook)

LEAP Grant (Local Enterprise & Apprenticeship Platform)

Offers up to £2,000, covering 50% of project costs; applicants provide the rest. Available for SMEs based in Arun, supporting growth, job creation, or apprenticeship-related investment.
To apply, email business@arun.gov.uk or call 01903 737845.
🔗 [LEAP Grant scheme details – Arun news & scheme info](Arun District Council)

Littlehampton Retail Start‑Up Grant

Launched June 2025 to support High Street vitality in Littlehampton:

Up to £3,000 for first-time retail businesses establishing in vacant units on the High Street, Beach Road, or Surrey Street.
Covers shop fit-out, equipment, signage, marketing, and legal fees—distributed in two stages (lease signing and opening).
Excludes franchises, snacks/salons, and vape shops.
🔗 [New grant scheme launched by Arun Council – news article, June 5 2025](Arun District Council)

Government‑Backed Loans

Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

Unsecured personal loans between £500–£25,000, fixed 6% APR.
Available to pre‑start and early-stage businesses, with up to £100,000 per business if multiple founders apply.
Includes 12 months of mentoring, pitch assistance, and business plan templates.
🔗 [Start Up Loans – Official website](Arun District Council, Arun District Council)

Let’s Do Business Finance / First Enterprise (via D2N2 Growth Hub)

Access government-backed loans from £500 up to £150,000 via accredited East Midlands lenders. Designed to bridge finance gaps for startups and growth-stage SMEs.
🔗 [D2N2 Growth Hub funding overview, including Arun](Facebook)

Local Support & Business Development

Arun District Council – Business Support Team

Offers guidance on grant navigation, business proposals, planning advice, and linking with local networks such as Arun Business Partnership.
Contact via miriam.nicholls@arun.gov.uk or 01903 737845.
🔗 [Arun Business development & support](Arun District Council)

West Sussex County Council Growth Hub

Provides strategic advice and access to county-wide funding sources, national schemes, and mentoring support.
🔗 [West Sussex Growth Hub services](West Sussex County Council)

Eligibility Guidance

Use GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder to locate UK‑wide grants and loans.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder
For tailored support, contact:
- Arun District Council Business Support Team (miriam.nicholls@arun.gov.uk, 01903 737845)
- West Sussex County Council Growth Hub (online contact form available)(Arun District Council, Arun District Council)

Application Process

Check eligibility against programme criteria.
Gather documentation: business plan, cash‑flow forecast, ID, premises evidence, and match‑funding proof (if needed).
Apply via official channels: Arun Council website, Growth Hub, or Start‑Up Loans portal.
Seek advice from the Council or Growth Hub teams as you apply.
Submit applications with all supporting documents.
Wait for assessment, noting councils assess on a first-come, first-served or grant rounds.
Complete projects within specified timeframes (6 months is typical for council grants).
Claim grant or draw down loan, as approved.

Additional Tips

Join local networks or referral groups like Arun Business Partnership to connect with other entrepreneurs and gain support.(Arun District Council, Arun District Council, Arun District Council, Arun District Council, Horsham District Council)
Use mentoring, workshops, and free tools offered through Start‑Up Loans and Growth Hubs.
Where eligible, combine grants (e.g. LEAP) with loans—but ensure compliance with subsidy rules.

Contact & Further Information

Arun District Council – Business Support / Economic Development
📞 01903 737845 or 01903 737500
📧 business@arun.gov.uk or miriam.nicholls@arun.gov.uk
🔗 [Arun Business Support page](Arun District Council, Arun District Council, Arun District Council)

West Sussex County Council Growth Hub Services
🔗 [West Sussex Growth Hub support](West Sussex County Council)

FAQs

🔹 Are there specific grants for tech startups in Arun?
No dedicated tech schemes—but general-purpose grants like LEAP and retail/start‑up grants can support technology or digital ventures if eligible.

🔹 What funding amounts are available?
Grants range from £1,000 up to £3,000 (Start‑Up, Business Growth, LEAP, Retail). Loans can reach £150,000, and Start‑Up Loans up to £25,000 per founder.

🔹 Can I apply before trading?
Yes—Start-Up Loans and Start‑Up Grants are open to pre‑startup applicants.

🔹 What documents are required?
Usually: a business plan, cash‑flow forecast, ID, match‑funding proof (where needed), and premises or job impact evidence.

🔹 How long does approval take?
It varies—Council grants close when funds run out or after set rounds, with decisions often made in weeks. Loans follow lender processing times.

🔹 Can I combine funding sources?
Yes—often possible if scheme rules and state aid/subsidy limits are followed.

🔹 Are there fees for loans?
Start Up Loans: no application/admin fees, 6% APR. Let’s Do Business Finance: fees depend on the lender—review individual terms.

🔹 Can funding cover operational costs?
Grants typically exclude salaries, rent or stock. Loans may cover working capital. Always check the scheme rules.

🔹 Where can I get help applying?
Contact Arun Council Business Support or West Sussex Growth Hub for personalised assistance and application guidance.

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What is Value Ad?

Value Ad is an innovative policy designed to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between two key groups: new businesses and service providers. This policy helps startups save significantly on essential services while enabling service providers to gain valuable traction and growth opportunities.

How is it a Win-Win Deal?

For New Businesses:

Cost Savings: Startups can save 50% to 80% on essential services such as website development and marketing. This means they don’t need to invest heavily upfront, making it easier to launch and grow their business.

Alternative Investment: The money saved through these discounts can be reinvested into other critical areas of the business, acting as an alternative investment that fuels further growth and development.

For Service Providers:

Initial Customer Base: Service providers, often tech startups themselves, can attract a significant number of initial customers by offering their services at a discounted rate. This helps them build traction and demonstrate value, which is crucial for attracting venture capital (VC) funding and other opportunities.

Marketing Efficiency: By providing affordable services, service providers do not need to spend heavily on marketing to acquire new customers. The discounted services themselves become a powerful marketing tool, bringing in customers who can spread the word and enhance the provider’s reputation.

Growth and Expansion: Attracting more customers through Value Ad helps service providers expand their client base and build long-term relationships, which can lead to increased revenue and business growth.

Alternative Investment for New Businesses:

For new businesses, the significant cost savings achieved through the Value Ad policy effectively serve as an alternative investment. Instead of spending large amounts on website development and marketing, they can leverage the affordable services provided by service providers. The saved funds can be redirected into other strategic areas of the business, enhancing overall growth and sustainability.

Benefits for Service Providers:

Service providers benefit from the Value Ad policy by gaining access to a ready pool of new customers who are drawn by the discounted rates. This initial customer base is crucial for:

Building Traction: Demonstrating product or service viability to potential investors.

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Market Penetration: Establishing a presence in the market quickly and efficiently without heavy marketing expenditures.

In Summary:

Value Ad is a strategic policy designed to create a win-win scenario for both new businesses and service providers. By offering significant discounts on essential services, startups can save and reinvest those savings, while service providers gain crucial initial customers and market traction. This mutually beneficial arrangement supports the growth and success of both groups, making Value Ad a powerful tool for business development and investment.

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