Business support

Businesses in Newhaven are fortunate to have access to a wide range of business support and funding opportunities. Some funds will get withdrawn or amended from time to time, so we always advise checking the relevant websites for the latest details. 

Newhaven Business Grants Programme

The Newhaven Business Grants Programme offers grants to SME businesses in the Newhaven Town Deal area if you are looking to grow your business.

Businesses can apply for grants of 50% of the cost of capital projects up to £15,000. This could include new equipment, machinery, commercial vehicles, property adaptations and more.

The Newhaven Business Grants Programme is funded by UK Government with grant funding secured by Lewes District Council. The programme is delivered through a partnership between Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council.

For full details of project eligibility and to explore the programme further, please view the Newhaven Business Grants Programme guidance and eligibility.

Please email your interest and contact details to NewhavenGrants@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Transforming Newhaven Investment Fund

The Transforming Newhaven Investment Funds offers flexible, blended grant and loan investment for local businesses and the public sector to invest in transformational growth projects.  The fund aims to support an inclusive economy, creating economic success and improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of all Newhaven residents.

The fund pot will support transformational projects and is open to public sector agencies working in Newhaven and businesses located in the Enterprise Zone area which meet the following criteria:

• Support the Newhaven Enterprise Zone Strategic Objectives
• Lever in a minimum match funding of 50% (1:1 investment)
• Projects that are able to demonstrate impact and benefits
• Projects that demonstrate value for money

A maximum grant of  £100,000 is available to support transformational growth projects and the fund will also support loan and equity investment up to £200,000.

A small proportion of the Investment Fund is also available to fund feasibility and technical work to structure and develop transformational projects. The maximum amount of feasibility funding grant funding is £30,000 per application. Find out more.

Innovate Funding: Collaborative R&D: Creative Catalyst

Opens December 9th, 2024 – closes 29 January, 2025.

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will invest up to £2 million in collaborative innovation projects. Your grant funding request must be between £150,000 and £200,000.

The aim of this CR&D competition is to advance the development of collaboration with innovators in the creative industries. We’re looking for products and tools across the creative supply chain which benefit and strengthen the UK creative economy.

For more details and to apply.

Low Carbon Investment Fund

The Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s Low Carbon Investment Fund is open for any company with a base within the BN9 postcode that wishes to pursue business growth by developing low carbon products and/or incorporating low carbon processes or services.  This may be achieved through pure research and development (R&D), capital investment or environmental aid support.

The grant is primarily focused on supporting projects that will help the transition to a low carbon economy.  This may include, but is not limited to, developing:

• A new product or service, or introducing new technology that will use less energy, produce less waste, reduce emissions and use less raw material in its manufacture than the existing alternative.
• New business models based on the principles of the circular economy, for example, through circular supplies, resource recovery, product life extension, use of sharing platforms or delivery of a ‘product-as-a-service’.

Projects will need to meet the following criteria:

• SME business operating in Newhaven
• Leverage investment (a minimum of 1:1)
• Demonstrate net zero benefits
• Will be delivered within a 12-month period

Find out more and apply Newhaven Enterprise Zone.

Newhaven Sites and Empty Property Fund

New grants are being offered to businesses in Newhaven to inject life into empty commercial buildings.

This fund will finance feasibility studies, masterplans, site investigations, pre-planning and business case development to support the case for commercial sites that have remained undeveloped for over twelve months to raise finance.

The fund is open to all businesses and landowners located in the BN9 Postcode. 50% match funding is required up to a maximum grant of £25,000.

Projects will need to meet the following criteria:

• Support our Strategic Objectives
• Leverage investment (a minimum of 1:1)
• Demonstrate impact and benefits
• Demonstrate value for money
• Will be delivered within a 12-month period

Find out more and apply at the Newhaven Enterprise Zone.

Get in touch with Newhaven Chamber via our contact form.