Discretionary Business Fund (Top Up Fund)

Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 who have not already received a government grant may be eligible for support in a new discretionary fund.

Adur & Worthing Councils have been working with neighbouring local authorities to apply a fair and standardised approach to this discretionary fund to ensure our area can bounce back from the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Adur & Worthing Councils have received a significant number of requests to date and unfortunately it is already clear this fund won't fully meet local demand. Businesses that were eligible for the Small Business Rates Relief Grant or the Retail Hospitality & Leisure Grant are not able to apply to the Discretionary Grant.

Adur & Worthing Councils have adopted the West Sussex Councils' Discretionary Fund Guidelines. Please review the full eligibility criteria before making an application: Click here to view the Local Discretionary Grant Funding Guidelines 

Eligible businesses that can evidence support to Adur & Worthing Councils' Economic Strategy - such as those in creative and digital industries, manufacturing or skills - are particularly welcome.

You will need to supply evidence to support your application, therefore you may find it useful to have the following documentation to hand; bank statements, signed lease/rental agreements, business rates bill, council tax bill (Bed & Breakfast properties only), insurance and/or evidence of other business related financial liabilities.

The Council have now released Round 2 of this discretionary fund with applications closing on 19th July.

During Round 2 the Council will still use the Local Discretionary Grant Funding Guidelines below, but are also keen to receive applications from any business that can clearly evidence a significant impact from COVID-19 and has not previously received COVID-19 grant funding.

To view the Local Discretionary Grant Funding Guidelines please click here

To view further information about Round 2 please click here