December 17th, 2024



Newhaven businesses are invited to apply for grants of up to £15,000 towards a project that supports growth, innovation, social impact and other improvements within their company.

This is the latest round of Newhaven Business Grants Programme (NBGP), following a successful first round that supported businesses with the purchase of new specialist equipment, commercial vehicles and adaptations to premises.

The grants are on offer to SME businesses in the Newhaven Town Deal area for 50% of the cost of their capital projects.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, (pictured), Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “NBGP funding is just one way we are continuing to support business growth and job creation in Newhaven as part of our wider regeneration across the town.

“This is a great opportunity for Newhaven businesses to innovate or scale up, and with grants awarded on a first come, first served basis, those eligible are advised to come forward as soon as possible.”

The programme will run through 2024/25 or until the grant pot is spent.

Chris Ketley, Chair of the Re-imagining Newhaven Board, said: “The first round of the Newhaven Business Grants Programme has been a huge success, and I’m extremely proud of everything the participating businesses have achieved with their grants. As the second round of the programme gets underway, I strongly encourage Newhaven businesses to apply. The results of this incredible opportunity speak for themselves.”

Among the businesses that were successful in the first NBSP round was leads and cables specialist Leads Direct, which received a grant to buy a new electric forklift, access ramp and pallet racking for their warehouse. Its general manager Ollie Drake said the funding made a ‘huge difference’. He added: “This has helped us to grow quicker than we thought we would and helped us to employ more staff quicker than we projected.”

The NBGP is funded by UK Government with grant funding secured by Lewes District Council. The programme is being delivered by the Economic Development Team at East Sussex County Council.

To find out more about the programme and to see the full list of eligibility criteria CLICK HERE.