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Help for businesses

Help for businesses overview video

What support do you offer local businesses?

We are committed to helping our local businesses grow and thrive. Some of the support schemes offer by our Economic Development team include:

  • Enabling Grants Scheme - If funding is available, we're able to provide grants for small and medium businesses of all types to help grow their business. To keep up to date on future availability of these grants, sign up to our monthly E-biz newsletter. (opens new window)
  • ShopAppy online high street - This platform gives local shops and businesses the chance to establish an online presence and offer a range of services including 'click and collect' and home deliveries. We are paying for local businesses to join until June 2023.
  • Free independent retailer training - The West Sussex Retail Hub is delivered by industry experts and provides free training which offers advice on driving more trade to your business, as well as practical guidance. Although this is aimed at retailers, it is open to any business in the area. The training covers a wide range of topics such as running promotions and campaigns, merchandising tips and other ways to drive up sales and enhance your customer experience

Visit business support and advice for further information.
 

Is there help for businesses to pay energy bills?

We know that the cost of energy bills is a big concern to businesses. The Government has set out details of its Energy Bill Relief Scheme (opens new window) for businesses, charities and other organisations. Under the scheme, wholesale energy prices will be capped for all organisations for six months from 1 October. The savings will begin to appear in November's bills and will be applied automatically.
 

I am a local entrepreneur and want to try a high street base but rent can be expensive — how can you help?

Chichester District's Pop-Up Shop initiative is designed to make use of vacant retail outlets owned by the council by offering affordable, temporary premises for rent. This means that smaller enterprises and start-up businesses can have the opportunity to trial business concepts and trade in a city centre location without the commitment or cost of a longer-term lease.

People can apply to rent a council-owned shop in Crane Street, Chichester, for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of eight weeks, giving them the chance to engage with customers and launch products and services. Applications are welcome throughout the year.

 

I am looking to set up a new business — can your team support me?

We know that there are many factors to consider when setting up a new business or relocating to a new area. This is why we have produced a Business Welcome Pack as a guide for Chichester district-based businesses. It highlights the services provided by the council, as well as the local support available.

The Business Welcome Pack provides information and links to relevant sources you might need when setting up a new business or when relocating an established business to the area.

Business Welcome Pack (PDF) [5MB]

I am looking to move my business to the Chichester District. Can you offer advice?

Chichester District Council is here to support businesses who want to move into or relocate within the district. 

If you would like to talk to someone about this, please make contact with our Economic Development Service by email at business.support@chichester.gov.uk. We work with a number of partners to promote the district as a place for business — please visit our Invest Chichester website (opens new window)  for more information. Alternatively, if you would like an introduction to the district, please telephone 01243 534595.

Our Economic Development team are closely linked with support organisations that offer further training and advice, and so are ideally placed to signpost you to other networks and potential new business opportunities.
 

How can I keep up to date with new business support schemes?

Sign up to our monthly E-biz newsletter (opens new window). Our newsletter offers updates from the council on schemes, grants, events, marketing support and training for small businesses in the district.
 

How can I get help to make my business become greener and reduce our carbon emissions?

The council has recently appointed a Growth and Sustainability Officer to support businesses on their journey to reduce their carbon footprint and adapting to the market opportunities related to climate change. You can contact them at: business.support@chichester.gov.uk.

If you're interested in finding out how your business can reduce its carbon footprint, the following organisations can help:

  • Green Growth Platform - The University of Brighton's Green Growth Platform (opens new window) is an award-winning green business-innovation network on a mission to help create robust, future-proof businesses that minimise their impact on the planet.
     
  • Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME) climate hub - The SME Climate Hub has partnered with Oxford University to support small businesses in reducing their carbon emissions and to provide climate solutions to contribute to climate action in society. The tools and resources on the SME Climate Hub website help all SMEs take concrete steps towards climate action across multiple pathways. Visit SME Climate Hub (opens new window) to find out how your business can reduce carbon emissions and gain a competitive edge. 
     

Are there any other organisations that can help?

We work closely with organisations that offer further training, advice and funding opportunities, for example: The University of Chichester, Chichester College, West Sussex County Council and Coast to Capital.

 

New Supporting You service

We've launched a new holistic service to support those who are struggling with the cost of living. This is delivered by a dedicated team of trained advisors - our Supporting You team - who are able to support people with a range of challenging issues at once. You can contact the
team on supportingyou@chichester.gov.uk or 01243 534860. For more information, read our .
 

Supporting You leaflet

The pandemic and the rise in the cost of living has impacted on all of us in many ways. Whether you are struggling to pay bills, feel isolated, or are concerned about rising energy costs, the council and our partners are here to help.

We have produced a new leaflet called Supporting You, which aims to highlight key information. This includes support for the vulnerable; help with finances; and energy tips, and you can read this here.

Supporting You leaflet (PDF) [321KB]