Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 who have not already received a government grant may be eligible for one-off cash support from a new discretionary fund.
Adur & Worthing Councils has been provided an additional £1.5 million from the government to distribute to local firms as part of continued efforts to help the area bounce back from the pandemic.
Applications launched today (Monday, June 1) with a closing date on Sunday June 14. Any applications after this date will not be considered.
Grants will primarily be one-off sums of either £10,000, £5,000 or £2,500 which do not have to be paid back.
Among those being prioritised include bed and breakfasts, regular market traders and firms based in shared premises or co-working spaces.
Applicants should have fewer than 50 employees, have fixed building costs and must have been trading before March 11.
Those firms which have already received COVID grants from the government are not eligible.
A Councils spokesman said: “We realise the huge economic impact that COVID-19 has had on the area and appreciate how valuable this grant could be to our local businesses as they look to get back on their feet again.
“While we will support as many firms as we can, we know demand will be high so we encourage all businesses to check the criteria first before submitting an application.”
The Councils added that those companies which can show their business is aligned to its economic strategy – such as those in creative & digital industries and manufacturing – are particularly welcomed.