New funding for Horsham District start-ups

Horsham District Council’s Economic Development team, which manages the Local Enterprise and Apprenticeship Programme (LEAP), has targeted the latest round of funding at new businesses.

The round, which is set to start on March 31, will be open to applications until May 30 with businesses urged to apply now before funds run out.

Eligible businesses can apply for up to £2,000, which they will need to match with additional funds – 30 per cent of the total proposed project cost – the council said. They must be able to demonstrate how the project will develop or establish their business and what difference it will make. They will also need to provide a fully costed business plan which the council can provide help with.

Recent grant recipient Lisa Brace from Bold PR said: “The LEAP business grant meant that my website could be created, giving me a window to the world to promote what my business does - something which is hugely helpful considering the current environment.”

In the four years since the Economic Development team has been managing the LEAP small business grants programme more than 125 small and micro businesses have successfully secured grants.

Horsham District Council’s Cllr Paul Clarke, cabinet member for local economy said: “This is a great opportunity for people who have recently set up a new business and have been adversely affected by the pandemic.

“We are hoping as many businesses as possible will take advantage of this grant scheme in order to make that important small investment which will build the resilience of their enterprise which will be so crucial going forward.”

To apply see www.horsham.gov.uk/business/business-funding and for more information visit https://www.horsham.gov.uk/businesspages/Business-Development/business-support-and-opportunities/information-for-businesses

Alternatively, contact the Council’s Economic Development team on [email protected]