April 2nd, 2026.



Businesses in Newhaven can apply for grants of up to £15,000 to expand, upgrade premises and invest in low carbon projects, following the launch of a new two-year funding programme from Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ).

The NEZ Business Growth Fund will run from 2026 to the end of 2027 and supports the development and refurbishment of employment space, alongside investment in low carbon and capital projects.

The fund is open to all businesses located within the Newhaven Enterprise Zone and offers grants of up to £15,000 with a minimum 50% match funding.

Michelle Connors, programme manager at NEZ said: “We’re pleased to launch this new funding programme to support business growth in Newhaven.

“We’ve refreshed our grants to reflect what local businesses need now and we’re keen to hear from companies ready to expand, improve their premises or invest in low carbon solutions.”

Projects must enable business growth or improvement and align with the strategic objectives of NEZ, while demonstrating clear impact, benefits and value for money.

Businesses which want to develop new employment space or refurbish existing employment space can put the funding towards feasibility studies, masterplans, site investigations, preplanning, business case development or property adaptations.

Companies keen to pursue business growth by developing low carbon products or incorporating low carbon processes or services into their business models can also apply.

Support is available for capital projects, such as new equipment, machinery, low- or zero-carbon commercial vehicles.

Successful projects will demonstrate they can create at least one full time job or meet any two of the following criteria: increased productivity, introduction of a new-to-firm product or service, creation of one part-time job, increased local spend, increased dwell time in Newhaven or contribution to net-zero goals.

The Newhaven Business Growth Fund brings together several successful funding schemes under one roof which have already effected positive change in the town.

Between 2023-2026 NEZ provided funding for 14 separate bids from businesses which resulted in the refurbishment of more than 9000sqm of commercial space.

The low carbon funding stream supported 10 bids from businesses which saved an estimated 80,000 kWh in electricity.

Full details about how to apply for the Newhaven Business Growth Fund are available HERE.

newhavenenterprisezone.com


Photo Credit: Aerial shot of Newhaven by Cripps Photography:  www.crippsphotography.co.uk