General Business Grant guidance for applicants

About this grant

The General Business Grant helps us deliver our Vision 2022-2026 by supporting existing businesses to invest in equipment and improvements that strengthen their long‑term stability. It also supports our aim to use regeneration opportunities to attract new and relocating businesses to the district, while helping established businesses remain competitive and sustainable.

This grant is open to any type of business across the whole Arun district that has been operating for more than 18 months, including those trading from physical premises and those operating online.

You can apply for up to £2,500 through this match‑funded scheme. Match‑funding means we will cover up to half of the costs of your project, and you must cover the remaining costs.

So, for example, if your project costs £2,000, the grant will contribute £1,000 and you will need to fund £1,000. If your project costs £5,000 the grant will contribute £2,500 and you will need to fund £2,500. If your project costs £8,000 the grant will contribute £2,500 and you will need to fund £5,500. There is no minimum grant amount.

The grant is only paid after the purchases have been made, and you've shown us evidence. We cannot release funding in advance.

Aim

The aim of the General Business Grant is to help established businesses buy the equipment and practical items they need to improve how they work. This could include tools, machinery or other resources that make the business stronger, more productive or better able to grow.

The scheme encourages projects that help build a stronger local economy. We especially welcome ideas that have a clear environmental benefit or help make the district more resilient and diverse.

To receive funding, your proposal must:

  • show that your business is viable and sustainable
  • explain how the items you want to buy will support business improvement, development or growth
  • outline any environmental benefits, where applicable
  • evidence value for money

Eligibility

  • you must be an existing independent business (trading for more than 18 months)
  • all types of business sectors can apply
  • 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. 

You may only submit one application per business. 

You cannot apply if you have been given a general business grant before. 

Match Funding

You can apply for up to £2,500 through this match‑funded scheme. Match‑funding means we will cover up to half of the costs of your project, and you must cover the remaining costs.

There is no minimum grant amount.

Examples:

Project cost Grant Your contribution
£1,000 £500 £500
£2,500 £1,250 £1,250
£4,000 £2,000 £2,000
£5,000 £2,500 £2,500
£8,500 £2,500 £6,000
Match-funding examples

What this grant can be used for

We prefer to fund equipment and other physical items that help you grow your business. Projects that clearly help the environment will be given higher priority. Applications that focus mainly on less visible costs - such as marketing, subscriptions or everyday running costs - are less likely to be approved.

Examples of generally acceptable costs include:

  • tools, machinery and specialist equipment
  • IT hardware such as laptops, tablets or payment devices
  • essential software required for core business operations
  • equipment that contributes to environmental improvements (for example energy efficiency, waste reduction)
  • materials or items required for business development or diversification

This list does not include every possible cost the grant could be used for. If you have another cost that clearly helps you improve, strengthen or grow your business, you may include it in your application. 

Costs we cannot fund

  • ongoing operating costs (rent, staff costs, utilities, stock replenishment)
  • routine marketing or general advertising
  • statutory or professional fees
  • business insurance
  • interest payments

Evidencing value for money

You must submit quotes for all items or equipment you are requesting funding for. Each quote must:

  • include the supplier's name and contact details
  • include a breakdown of costs

You must provide at least two quotes for each item, unless this is not possible.

Insurance

You are responsible for making sure any equipment you buy is properly insured. We do not insure or replace items bought with the grant.

Payment of grant funding

Grant payments can only be made after the approved items have been purchased and evidence has been sent to us.

You must not make purchases until you have received the formal letter from us about your grant award. If you do, your grant may not be paid.

Assessment criteria

Your application will be assessed using the following criteria:

  • Strength of business proposal: how clear the idea is and whether it is likely to work and last
  • Appropriate use of funding: how well the requested items support business improvement or development 
  • Value for money: whether the costs are fair and reasonable

Economic benefit: how your business will add to a varied and stable local economy 

  • Environmental benefit: priority given to items that reduce your business's environmental impact

Assessment process

Applications will be reviewed in the order we receive them. Applications are assessed once a month by a panel on the following dates:

  • 15 April 2026
  • 20 May 2026
  •  17 June 2026
  •  15 July 2026
  •  19 August 2026
  •  16 September 2026
  •  21 October 2026
  •  18 November 2026
  •  16 December 2026
  •  20 January 2027
  •  17 February 2027
  •  17 March 2027

We will continue to review applications until the total grant fund has been fully allocated.

Next steps

As an existing business you can proceed straight to submitting an application and uploading all required information using the online form.

Applying using the online form

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

It is helpful to have all your documents ready to upload before you start.

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

Describe your business proposal

  • tell us what your idea is
  • explain why it is clear, workable and likely to last

Show how your business proposal supports the local economy

  • explain how it will attract customers to your business

Explain the costs are a good use of the funding

  • tell us what items you are asking for
  • explain how each item will help you grow your business

Show that the costs offer value for money

  • explain why the items you need offer good value
  • show us that the costs are fair and reasonable (by including quotes)

Show how your proposal supports the environment 

  • explain how it will improve your current environmental practices

You can attach a separate document with this information if you need more space.

Supporting documents you'll need to upload

  • business plan
  • evidence of business registration (if registered)
  • cost breakdown
  • quotes
  • your bank details

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 a General Business Grant

If we receive your application after the panel meeting for that month, it will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting. 

We can only assess applications that are complete. If any required information is missing, we will not be able to assess your application until all documents have been provided.

Successful applicants will receive a formal “Letter of Offer” with a deadline for completing the works. You should not start any works until you have received this letter. If you do your grant may not be payable.