The Small Business Grants Scheme is available for eligible Crawley businesses:

• Needing start-up funds 
• Looking to expand or improve
• Creating new employment

Read the guidance fact sheet and application form to see if your business and proposal are eligible to receive the grant.

For further information about the Small Business Grant Scheme, call 01293 438430 or email economic.development@crawley.gov.uk .

As part of the ongoing West Sussex Retail Training and Support Programme 2021/22, currently running across West Sussex in partnership with the districts and boroughs and county council,  businesses now have the opportunity to apply for grant funding.

The Retail Improvement Grant Scheme can offer small grants of up to £4,000 aimed at supporting businesses in making key improvements to their premises and retail operations. Eligible projects could include,  but are not limited to, lighting and decoration improvements, minor building works, shop-front enhancements, display equipment, and payment system improvements, but does not include salaries, overheads, rent or stock.

To apply for the grant, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be able to commit 25% of the project value in match funding
• Must have engaged in the ‘West Sussex Retail Hub’ virtual learning programme
• Registered with HMRC/Companies House
• Have a physical shop premises in Crawley borough
• Be a small, independent businesses – maximum 50 employees and not part of a regional, national, or international chain or franchise

Applying for a Retail Improvement Grant is simple. Visit the Grant Approval website, create or sign in to an account, and complete the application form: ‘Retail Improvement Grant’.

You will be asked to provide background information on your business, some detail about the proposed retail improvement project you are applying for, and some supporting evidence.

It is a requirement of the Retail Improvement Grant scheme that businesses  engage with the West Sussex Retail Hub virtual learning programme. The hub offers free access to learning delivered by industry experts across 10 modules. Businesses can pick and choose modules that are of the most interest and value to them, and these include topics such as:

• Measuring sales, tracking profitability
• Creating an exceptional customer experience
• Card payments and electronic point of sale
• Using social media for business outcomes

To enrol or for more infomation, visit the West Sussex Retail Hub website.

For further information, please call 01293 438430 or email economic.development@crawley.gov.uk .