Horsham District Council announces boost for small businesses with new £27,000 funding pot for Horsham Visitor Experience Grants.
Horsham District Council is pleased to announce that applications for the Horsham Visitor Experience Grant are now open. From 10am on Wednesday 28 August until 5pm on Friday 11 October, micro to small businesses with less than 50 employees can apply for up to £5,000 to create and enhance visitor experiences within the Horsham District.
In addition to grant funding, all applicants will benefit from a comprehensive package of free business support. This includes:
- Experience Makers Workshop, an in-person workshop led by expert Chris Brant, Director of Unmissable England. This event provides businesses with an opportunity to gain insights and practical advice on delivering successful visitor experiences. This free workshop will be held on Wednesday 11 September 2024. Businesses wishing to apply for the grant funding are encouraged to attend. Sign up for this half-day workshop which includes lunch and refreshments.
- Online Business Hub Resources: Access a range of tools, business plan resources and information to help businesses thrive via the West Sussex Business Hub.
- One-to-One Support: Tailored guidance run by Unmissable England to assist businesses in developing their visitor experience offerings.
Horsham Visitor Experience grants are an injection of funding aimed at micro to small businesses. This grant campaign has received £27,000 from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. This initiative aims to encourage increased visitor spend in the area, boost the local economy, and promote the Horsham District as a vibrant and welcoming destination.
Horsham District Council, in partnership with Experience Sussex, are inviting applications for a broad range of projects showcasing the cultural and natural environment of the Horsham District. Businesses interested in applying are encouraged to read through the guidance which is on the Horsham District Council website.
Successful applicants will receive their grant funding in October 2024.
Cllr Joanne Knowles, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Property, commented: "The Horsham Visitor Experience Grant is more than just financial support – it's about empowering our local businesses to create memorable experiences that will attract visitors to our beautiful district.
We recognise the vital role that tourism plays in our local economy, and this grant, coupled with the business support package, is designed to help our local economy flourish. I encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to innovate and grow.
Danny Edwards, founder of Great British Wine Tours and previous recipient of Shared Prosperity Grant Funding, added: ''The SPF fund has been an invaluable resource which has enabled us to trial and promote new tour experiences within the Horsham District. We are already seeing an increase in enquiries from MICE travel for our 2025 season and we look forward to another busy year ahead!”
Applications for the Horsham Visitor Experience Grant can be submitted through the Horsham District Council website. Businesses are urged to apply early to avoid missing out on this unique opportunity to receive both funding and valuable business support.
For more information on the grant and how to apply, please visit the Council website.