SMALL businesses in parts of West Sussex can benefit from a £71,428 pot to fund capital projects or help with apprenticeship training.

Through the enabling grants scheme, businesses can apply for match funding of up to £2,500 for capital projects, or up to £1,500 for apprenticeship training.

Chichester District Council’s economic development team run the popular scheme, which benefited 39 small businesses. last year.

Richard Dollamore from WHALEBACK architecture and planning, said: “The enabling grant was instrumental in helping us produce a website and commission photographs of completed projects.

“This helped to establish a web presence at an early stage of the business, when funds for such development activities needed to be allocated with particular care.”

Kate Griffin, from Griffin Designs, said: “As a small manufacturing business, purchasing machinery specifically to make a new, unique product was a major decision. Being awarded an enabling grant made the decision process easier.

“Not only has the machine paid for itself, but the process of applying, putting down our future hopes for scrutiny, was also a good exercise and acceptance gave a boost to our future growth plans.”

CDC leader councillor Tony Dignum said: “Small businesses like Griffin Designs are important to our economy.

“One of our priorities as a council is to improve and support the local economy. That’s why we have a grants programme to help small businesses.

“We know these grants can have a huge effect and be a real catalyst for growth. We hope this new round of grants will provide another welcome boost.”

Application details can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/enablinggrantscheme.

Small businesses can find out more by calling (01243) 534669 or emailing [email protected]