Horsham District Council has announced a new round of LEAP small business grant funding to support local businesses, which will open to applications on Monday 2 September 2024 at 10am.
Grants of up to £2,000 will be available for small Horsham District based businesses and start-ups with a project idea which will help future-proof their business.
Additionally, Green LEAP grants of up to £5,000 will be available for climate-friendly projects which will not only help future-proof businesses but also support the achievement of their climate action ambitions.
It is a requirement that all applicants submit a business plan to qualify for consideration, so businesses are advised to review their business plans now, so they can submit their application early. It is vital businesses prepare early as grants will be assessed and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Applications will close again once all funding has gone.
To help businesses understand what is required, a ‘How to write your business plan’ video is available to watch for free on the West Sussex Business Hub. This can be accessed via the Council’s website at: www.horsham.gov.uk/leap
Cllr Joanne Knowles, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for the Local Economy and Place, said:
“This new round of LEAP funding is a great opportunity for local businesses to access support to further develop their business, whether this be focussed on their climate change ambitions or other priorities in their submitted business plan.
“Having set up and run my own business I know how hard it can be to find the time to put together a business plan. Our excellent eight-minute video sets out clearly how to structure your plan and the insights you will gain from writing it, as well as increasing your chance of accessing these funds.”
The Council has funded a wide range of local business projects across the Horsham District in the past.
Heath Flower Farm, who sell cut flowers to local florists and individuals and run a glamping site on their farm near Ashington, received a Green LEAP grant earlier this year. Co-owner Duncan Heath commented:
“The LEAP grant will help us reach our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and will also extend the period of the year we can accept guests. An extra solar battery and solar panels will provide electricity when solar energy is scarce in winter, and highly efficient infra-red heating panels will prevent pipes from freezing in very cold conditions.”
The next round of LEAP funding opens to applications on Monday 2 September 2024 at 10am and will close 3pm on Friday 27 September 2024, or earlier if all funding is allocated. Find out more about eligibility requirements, the application process and how to access the business planning video on the Council website:
LEAP has received £130,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.