SMEs across Coastal West Sussex could be eligible to apply for grants of between £15,000 and £100,000 as part of the Coast to Capital Region Business Growth Grants Programme. It is open to start-ups, existing businesses and social enterprises that want to grow and create new jobs, but are unable to source the funding required. The total amount of funding available for new business projects for this financial year is £2,457,000.
Grants of up to 40% of a total project cost can be provided to applicants that meet the eligibility criteria, are located within the Coast to Capital Region and can demonstrate how the investment will lead to job creation and growth. Applications from all sectors are welcome, but the programme would particularly like to see applications from companies in key sectors including advanced engineering, manufacturing, environmental technologies, goods and services, creative, digital and IT, healthcare, medical technology and life sciences.
The proposed new activity must be additional to existing business activity and businesses must be able to incur the total project costs in full by 31 March 2017. The grant may only be used for capital items which will have a life span of at least 12 months. Items include machinery, building works, furniture, ICT equipment, and much more.
Applications for expressions of interest are now open and will remain open until 12 noon on 30 September 2016 or until the amount of funding available is awarded, whichever is the earliest. Applications will be appraised by a panel of experienced people from the investment and wider business communities.
For further information about the programme, eligibility criteria and how to apply, please follow this LINK