Horsham District Council has announced a new round of LEAP small business grant funding to support local businesses, which will open to applications on Wednesday 2 April 2025 at 10am.
Green LEAP grants of up to £5,000 will be available for small Horsham District based businesses to support them with climate-friendly projects which will not only help to boost their businesses, but also help towards the achievement of their business’ climate ambitions. Grants of up to £2,000 will also be available to fund other project ideas which will help future-proof local businesses.
Businesses are advised to review their business plans now, so they can submit their application early, as they will be required to include a detailed plan in their grant application. It is important businesses prepare early, as grants will be assessed and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will close on Friday 25 April 2025, or earlier if all funding is allocated.
To help businesses understand what is required, a ‘How to write your business plan’ video is available to watch for free on the Council’s website.
Cllr Joanne Knowles, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for the Local Economy and Place, said:
I am thrilled to announce this new round of LEAP funding, offering local businesses valuable support to become more sustainable is now open. Whether focusing on climate goals or other business priorities, this funding is a fantastic opportunity. Many past applicants have not only secured grants but also found creating a business plan to be a valuable exercise for long-term success. I encourage businesses to start preparing their business plans now so they can apply early.
Local mobile sauna business Kindred Sauna received LEAP Grant funding in 2023/24 to help boost their new business and is one of many applicants who found the grant process beneficial.
Marianne of Kindred Sauna commented:
The grant process helped me to dive deep and produce a full business plan and model future income which was a brilliant exercise to help me make sure my plan was viable. I am very grateful to Horsham District Council for their support, it has really helped develop my confidence and allowed me to upgrade some important parts of my business.
Green LEAP invites applications for a broad range of climate-friendly projects. In 2024, local boutique wellness facility Bodywise, received a Green LEAP Grant to help their business switch to LED lighting.
Aida of Bodywise commented:
The LEAP grant has enabled us to upgrade our lighting system to energy-efficient LED lights, and we’ve already noticed a reduction in energy consumption. This upgrade has also modernised our facility, creating a brighter and more welcoming space for our members. It supports our long-term goal of maintaining a sustainable business model while expanding our wellness offerings and minimizing our environmental impact. The grant made it possible to complete this project this year with less financial strain, allowing us to further invest in the growth of our services.
The next round of LEAP funding opens to applications on Wednesday 2 April 2025 at 10am and will close midday on Friday 25 April 2025, or earlier if all funding is allocated.
Find out more about eligibility requirements, the application process and how to access the business planning video.
LEAP has received £50,000 from the UK Government, part-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.