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    Last update 02/08/2025

    2025 Grants and Government-Backed Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Adur District, UK


    Introduction

    Adur District Council (now working jointly with Worthing as Adur & Worthing Councils) offers support through local grant programmes and business networks. This guide outlines the main funding options, government-backed loans, eligibility criteria, and application steps relevant in 2025.


    Available Grants

    Business Growth Grant Scheme

    • Offers £2,500 to £10,000 for projects that promote business growth, innovation, or job creation

    • Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

    • Requires 50% match funding from applicants

    🔗 Adur & Worthing Business Grants – small business grants (adur-worthing.gov.uk, LinkedIn)


    Welcome Back Fund (Closed)

    • Previously provided one-off funding to help businesses reopen post-pandemic

    • Not currently available, but indicates the council may offer similar emergency support in the future


    Ad‑Hoc Council Grant Programmes

    • The council sometimes launches short-term business funding initiatives (e.g. green vouchers, innovation grants)

    • Stay connected to the business newsletter or the Council website for updates


    Government-Backed Loans

    Start Up Loans (British Business Bank)

    • Loans ranging from £500 to £25,000 per founder

    • Fixed 6% APR interest rate, with 12 months of free mentoring and online support

    🔗 Start Up Loans – Official Application Portal (startupgrant.co.uk)


    Local Support & Resources

    Adur & Worthing Business Partnership

    • A local network offering peer support, online clinics, event collaboration, and access to grant information via council-backed programmes (X (formerly Twitter))


    Coast to Capital Growth Hub

    • Provides business guidance, help with sourcing funding, mentoring, and grant applications across the wider Coast to Capital LEP area

    🔗 Coast to Capital Growth Hub (c2cbusiness.org.uk)


    Eligibility Guidance

    • Visit the official GOV.UK Business Finance Support Finder for nationwide grants and loans (GOV.UK)

    • Council grants usually exclude operational costs, like salaries or rent

    • You will often need a business plan, financial projections, quotes, and proof of match funding


    Application Process

    1. Select relevant schemes that match your business goals

    2. Gather documentation: business plan, cost quotes, forecasts, must-show match funding

    3. Submit your application via:

      • Adur & Worthing Council grants page

      • Start Up Loans portal

      • Coast to Capital Growth Hub for referrals

    4. Consult with Growth Hub advisors to refine your submission

    5. Await funding decisions—timelines vary by programme

    6. If approved, complete your project and submit relevant paperwork or draw down loan funds


    Additional Tips

    • Never commence grant-funded projects before receiving written approval

    • Track local grant rounds carefully, as small business grants may close once fully subscribed

    • Use local partnerships and workshops (e.g. Innovation sessions via University of Brighton) to boost your capacity (adur-worthing.gov.uk, GOV.UK, startupgrant.co.uk, brighton.ac.uk, c2cbusiness.org.uk)

    • Combining grants and loans is allowed, provided each fund's separate items—check subsidy rules


    Contact Information

    Adur & Worthing Councils – Economic Development Team
    📞 01273 263000
    📧 info@adur-worthing.gov.uk
    🔗 Adur & Worthing Council Home

    Coast to Capital Growth Hub
    📞 (UK) 01273 xxxxxx (see website)
    🔗 C2C Business Support Website (LinkedIn, c2cbusiness.org.uk)


    FAQs

     
    🔹 Are there specific grants for tech startups in Adur?
    No dedicated tech grants—but local schemes like the Business Growth Grant can support digital or tech-based ventures if the criteria are met.

     
    🔹 How much funding is available?
    Grants: £2,500–£10,000. Start Up Loans: up to £25,000 per individual founder.

     
    🔹 Can I apply before trading?
    Yes — Start Up Loans are available for pre‑start and newly trading businesses.

     
    🔹 What documents are required?
    Business plan, quotes, forecast/cash flow, ID, proof of match funding.

     
    🔹 What’s the processing time?
    Grants typically take several weeks; Start Up Loans may take around 2–4 weeks.

     
    🔹 Can I combine grants and loans?
    Yes — provided funds are not duplicated for the same expense or activity.

     
    🔹 Are there application fees?
    Start Up Loans carry no fees. Local grants are usually free, but ensure eligibility criteria are met.

     
    🔹 Can funding cover salaries or rent?
    Grants usually exclude operational costs. Loans may cover such costs, depending on the lender.

     
    🔹 Where can I get help applying?
    Reach out to Coast to Capital Growth Hub or the Economic Development team at Adur & Worthing Councils for advice and guidance.

     

     

     

     

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