The following grants are currently available to businesses within the Arun district which meet the qualifying criteria set out in the guidelines. Eligible businesses can apply for a maximum of one grant in the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
We offer 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.
You must read the guidelines before applying for the one-to-one business support.
To apply for one-to-one Business Support, please complete the online form below, after reading the above guidelines.
The aim of the Business Start Up Grant is to help people starting new businesses buy the equipment and practical items they need to launch with confidence. By supporting new businesses at an early stage, we want to strengthen the local economy and encourage long‑lasting, successful enterprises.
You can apply for up to £2,000 through this match‑funded scheme.
For full details of the Business Start Up Grant, please read the Business Start Up Grant guidance for applicants, including how to apply.
The general business grant aims to help established businesses purchase the equipment and practical items they need to improve their operations. 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.
You can apply for up to £2,500 through this match‑funded scheme.
For full details of the general business grant, please read the general business grant guidance for applicants, including how to apply.
The aim of the Town Centre Retail Start-Up Grant scheme is to help new retailers set up good‑quality premises that improve the look and feel of our town centres and improve the range and offer available. The grant supports investment in equipment and other physical items needed to open and run a retail shop.
The grant is only available to certain types of retail businesses setting up in ground-floor units on named streets in the district's three town centres of Arundel, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.
You can apply for up to £2,500 through this match funded scheme.
For full details of the Town Centre Retail Start-Up Grant, please read the Town Centre Retail Start-Up Grant guidance for applicants, including how to apply.
The Shopfront Improvement Grant scheme aims to help business property owners and their tenants invest in their buildings and improve the overall quality of the local street scene.
The grant is open to commercial property owners, or their independent business tenants with ground floor premises to improve the appearance of shopfronts within specific streets in Arundel, Bognor Regis or Littlehampton town centres.
You can apply for up to £2,000 through this match-funded scheme.
For full details of the Shopfront Improvement Grant, please read the Shopfront Improvement Grant guidance for applicants, including how to apply.
Applications will be reviewed in the order we receive them. Applications are assessed once a month by a panel on the following dates:
We will continue to review applications until the total grant fund has been fully allocated.
The list of external grants is always changing. Please sign up to the monthly newsletter below for the latest information.
If you have further questions regarding business grants, please contact Miriam by email: miriam.nicholls@arun.gov.uk or phone: 01903 737845.
A monthly newsletter to businesses is available to keep you up to date with local business news and opportunities, including external grants.