The financial journey for a Sussex startup involves more than just profit and loss; it means navigating mandatory costs like Business Rates and proactively unlocking non-dilutive funds through grants. By understanding the regional ecosystem, you can significantly reduce overheads and secure the capital needed for genuine growth.

1. Decoding Business Rates and Relief

Business Rates are the commercial equivalent of Council Tax, paid by most businesses that use non-domestic property. This is a significant cost, but smart entrepreneurs know how to reduce or even eliminate it entirely through relief schemes.

Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)

This is the single most important discount for new and small Sussex firms.

• 100% Relief: If your business property has a rateable value of £12,000 or less, and you only occupy one property, you are entitled to 100% relief (meaning you pay nothing).
• Tapered Relief: If your rateable value is between £12,001 and £15,000, the relief tapers down gradually from 100% to 0%.

You must apply to your local council (e.g., Brighton & Hove, Horsham, etc.) for this relief, but the policy is set nationally.

• Tip: If you are considering a property, always check its rateable value first. Choosing a space just below the £12,000 threshold can save you thousands annually. You can check the current rateable value of a property via the GOV.UK portal.

2. Grants: Unlocking Non-Dilutive Capital

Grants are highly sought after because they do not have to be paid back (non-dilutive) and don’t require you to give up equity. They are typically awarded for specific, strategic projects that create jobs or drive innovation in the region.

The Sussex Growth Hubs

The first—and best—place to search for regional grants is through the two primary Growth Hubs serving the area:

1. Coast to Capital Growth Hub: Covers West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and the Lewes district. They frequently run grant programs like the Invest4 Grant Fund (which has offered grants from £2,000 up to £170,000 for job creation or capital investment) and provide free business support and mentoring.
2. Locate East Sussex: Focuses specifically on East Sussex. They are the delivery partner for the East Sussex Invest Fund (ESI), which provides loans and grants for business expansion, job creation, and facility improvement within the county.

Specialist and Sector-Specific Funding

Keep an eye on specialist programs tied to innovation or green growth:

• Innovation: If your business involves R&D, new technologies, or process improvements, search for funding from Innovate UK.
• Green Economy: Organisations like the Green Growth Platform (run by the University of Brighton) offer advice and access to funding to support businesses transitioning to a low-carbon or environmental model.

3. Accessing Broader Finance and Loans

If a grant isn’t the right fit, or you require larger sums, the wider finance landscape offers several structured options:

Debt Finance (Loans)

For established businesses or those with tangible assets, debt finance is common:

• Traditional Bank Loans: For working capital or equipment purchase.
• Start Up Loans: Delivered by the British Business Bank, these are unsecured personal loans up to £25,000 for new businesses, often with free mentoring attached.
• Asset Finance/Invoice Finance: Ideal for purchasing expensive equipment or improving cash flow by releasing funds tied up in outstanding invoices.

Equity Finance (Investment)

If you need high-growth capital and are willing to give up a stake in your company, this is the route:

• Angel Investors: Typically experienced individuals who invest their own money (e.g., £5,000 to £500,000) in early-stage Sussex firms in exchange for equity.
• Venture Capital (VC): For high-growth, scalable businesses seeking millions. While most VC firms are London-based, many actively invest across the South East.

Our advice: Before pursuing any external funding, use the free resources at the Coast to Capital Growth Hub or Locate East Sussex to get an impartial assessment of which finance option is right for your growth trajectory.