One-to-one Business Support guidance for applicants

About this support

The one-to-one Business Support service helps Arun District Council deliver its Vision 2022-2026 by strengthening the long‑term endurance of new and existing businesses. It also supports the council's aim to use regeneration opportunities to attract new and relocating businesses to the district, while helping existing businesses stay competitive and sustainable.

Arun District Council offers free, in‑person, one‑to‑one business support for small independent businesses and people planning to start a business. This service gives business owners direct access to tailored advice from an experienced business consultant. The support helps businesses develop clear plans, explore opportunities, address challenges and strengthen their long‑term resilience.

Independent businesses across all sectors within the Arun district can apply for support through this scheme. The support is fully funded by Arun District Council and provided free of charge to businesses.

If you apply for the Retail Start Up or Business Start Up Grants, we may refer you to the one‑to‑one business support consultant before we can agree your grant.

Aim

The aim of the one-to-one Business Support programme is to give small independent businesses - and people preparing to start a business - access to practical, high‑quality advice that they can put into action straight away.

By giving personalised guidance, the programme helps businesses to:

  • start new projects and ideas
  • improve and grow
  • plan more clearly and make better decisions
  • build confidence and support a stronger local economy

We require you to meet with the business consultant before you apply for either of the business start-up grants. This helps ensure your proposal is clear and realistic before you spend time completing the full application

Eligibility

  • you must be an independent business
  • all types of business sectors can apply
  • you can apply if you have a physical business or an online business
  • if you have a physical business, it must be located in the Arun district

if you have a mobile or online business which you operate from home, your home must be in the Arun district.

If you have received one-to-one Business Support before, you may apply again if further assistance is needed. However, if places are limited, priority will be given to new applicants. 

What the support provides

Each eligible business will receive up to 3 hours of tailored, in‑person support at your premises. The consultant will also spend an extra hour on research, preparation, follow‑up and administration.

Support is delivered face‑to‑face wherever possible, as this gives the consultant the best understanding of your business space, how you work, and what your customers experience.

During your time together, the consultant will:

  • talk through your plans, challenges or ideas in detail
  • offer constructive challenge and practical suggestions
  • help you develop a clear, individual action plan
  • follow up with written notes or guidance where needed

Applying using the online form

The application for this this support is through an online form. You must finish the form in one session, as you cannot save it and return later. 

As well as details about you and your business, you will be asked to:

  • provide a brief outline of the kind of support you need
  • give permission to share your details with the third-party business consultant

The Economy Team will review your request and share your details with the consultant, who will contact you within 5 working days to arrange the appointment.

For further information, contact the Economy Team by email: business@arun.gov.uk 

How to Apply

You must submit your application through the online form:

Apply for one-to-one Business Support

We reply to applications for one-to-one support in the order we receive them.