2025 Grants and Loans for Startups, Small Businesses & New Ventures in Chichester District, UK

Introduction

If you're starting or growing a small business in the Chichester District, there are several grant schemes, interest-bearing and government-backed loan options, and council-backed support services available in 2025.

This guide provides trusted, up-to-date information on funding, eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

Available Grants

🔹 Chichester District Council Enabling Grant Scheme

• Purpose: Supports independent small businesses with capital improvements, marketing, or startup costs.

• Funding Levels:

  • Growth Projects: 50% match funding up to £2,000.

  • Website / Social Media Projects: 50% match funding up to £1,500.

  • Start‑Up Award: Up to £500 (non‑match funded) (www2.fundsforngos.org).

• Eligibility: Businesses based in Chichester District, trading for under 18 months for start-up award, maximum 25 employees, and not having applied recently (www2.fundsforngos.org).

• Status: Currently closed, but may reopen periodically.

• More Info: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/enablinggrantscheme

🔹 UKSPF & Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)

• Purpose: Capital funding for rural business growth and infrastructure projects.

• Funding: Up to £25,000 capital support (typically max grant is 50% of project cost; exceptional applications up to £50,000) (chichester.moderngov.co.uk).

• Eligibility: Rural businesses or community organisations within Chichester District, excluding Chichester City, Southbourne, and Westbourne (Chichester District Council).

• Apply: Expression of Interest and full application via council funding advisors before 31 March 2026 (Chichester District Council).

🔹 Sustainable Support Grant (Chichester District Council)

• Purpose: Encourages SMEs to adopt sustainable, climate-friendly practices.

• Funding Options:

  • Minor Grant: 75% of the cost up to £2,000.

  • Major Grant: 50% of the cost up to £7,500 (Chichester District Council).

• Eligibility: Businesses in the Chichester District meeting clearly defined sustainability criteria.

• Apply by: Midnight, 9 June 2025 (Chichester District Council).

🔹 Independent Retailers Grant

• Purpose: Supports independent high‑street retailers in Chichester and nearby towns (e.g. Selsey, Midhurst, Petworth, East Wittering).

• Funding Type: Capital grants to improve premises or retail ownership.

• Eligibility: Must complete at least one free training module before applying (Chichester BID).

• Apply: Request the expression of interest form via official council or BID channels (Chichester BID).

Government‑Backed Loans

🔹 Start‑Up Loans (British Business Bank)

• Loan Size: £500 – £25,000 per founder.

• Terms: Fixed interest (~6% APR), repayable up to 5 years; includes 12 months of business mentoring.

• Eligibility: UK resident aged 18+, business trading under 36 months, viable plan.

• Apply via: GOV.UK start-up loan page; supported locally by Growth Hubs and councils' advisory services.

Local & Regional Business Support

🔹 West Sussex Growth Hub

• Offers free business mentoring, clinics, workshops, digital support, and referral to funding schemes (DV8 Sussex, West Sussex County Council, University of Chichester).

• Contact: GrowthHub@westsussex.gov.uk or via their website
  https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/start-or-grow-your-business/business-west-sussex/growth-hub

🔹 Chichester District Council – Business Support & Funding

• Central resource for grant news, application forms, and local support updates.

• Visit: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/helpforbusinesses (Our District, West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council).

• Contact: business.support@chichester.gov.uk | Tel: 01243 785166

Eligibility & Application Guidance

• Use the GOV.UK Business Finance Support tool to search national schemes.

• Contact the Chichester Council Economic Development team to ask about local grants and deadlines.

• Typical documents required:

  • Business plan and forecasts

  • Quotes for expenses or equipment

  • Proof of match funding (if needed)

  • Business registration and CIF form

  • Evidence of trading status and employee numbers

Application Process

1. Identify a suitable grant or loan for your business type and stage.

2. Confirm eligibility via official guidance or by contacting the Growth Hub or Council.

3. Gather required documents.

4. Submit an Expression of Interest (if needed) or full application online.

5. If shortlisted, complete a detailed application.

6. Await decision; if awarded, deliver the project and comply with monitoring requirements.

Additional Tips

• Register for the Chichester Council e‑Biz newsletter for updates on grant openings (startupgrant.co.uk, West Sussex County Council, www2.fundsforngos.org, curveaccountancy.co.uk, SussexWorld).

• Join West Sussex Growth Hub clinics and training programmes.

• Use https://www.gmaxcard.com/business-networking to connect with mentors and local business peers.

Contact & Further Information

• Chichester District Council – Help for Businesses & Grants:
  https://www.chichester.gov.uk/helpforbusinesses

  Email: business.support@chichester.gov.uk • Tel: 01243 785166

• West Sussex Growth Hub:
  https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/start-or-grow-your-business/business-west-sussex/growth-hub

• Business Finance Support Finder (GOV.UK):
  https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

FAQs

🔹 What grants are available for small businesses in Chichester?
Enabling Grants (capital or digital improvements), UKSPF/REPF rural business capital funding, Sustainable Support Grants, and support for independent retailers.

🔹 Is grant funding available for rural businesses or village enterprises?
Yes—the REPF is open through March 2026, offering up to £25,000 of capital funding (typically 20–50% match-funded) (Chichester District Council, startupgrant.co.uk, SussexWorld).

🔹 Are retail-focused grant programmes active?
Yes—the Independent Retailers Grant supports shopfront or retail upgrades, but requires pre-application training completion (Chichester BID).

🔹 Can I still apply for the Enabling Grant?
It’s currently closed; future rounds may open—sign up for updates to stay informed (Chichester District Council, SussexWorld).

🔹 What sustainability grants exist for SMEs?
The Sustainable Support Grant offers minor (£2,000 / 75%) and major (£7,500 / 50%) options for climate‑friendly business projects (Chichester District Council).

🔹 Can I access low‑cost loans in Chichester?
Yes—Start‑Up Loans of up to £25,000 are available for early-stage businesses with mentoring support via GOV.UK.

🔹 What documents will I need to apply?
Business plan, cash flow forecast, quotes, bank statements, business registration, and match funding proof if required.

🔹 Where can I get help with applications?
Contact the Chichester Economic Development Team or the West Sussex Growth Hub for guidance and clinical support.