Agenda item

Mark Healy, Regeneration & Economy Programme Manager, introduced the report and outlined that it would be the first meeting of the Cabinet Grants Panel to consider the 2019/20 Micro Business Grant Scheme.

Will Hawkins, Economic Development Officer, and Holly-Jade Ryder, Business Development Officer presented eight Micro Business Grant applications.

The Business Development Officer introduced the application from Miall’s which sought funding for the purchase new equipment which will increase the businesses operation by offering a portable sorbet stand.

The Vice-Chairman raised concerns that supporting such a business selling alcohol may impede on other Council priorities such as the Council’s Wellbeing Policy.

A Member expressed support for the business and benefit it would bring to the economy of Mid Sussex.

The Chairman echoed the Member’s view and was glad that the business supplies only registered establishments.

Members were supportive of the application.

The Business Development Officer introduced the application from Mystove Ltd which sought funding to aid in the development of a new service which will offer chimney surveys to the District.

The Vice-Chairman outlined his support for the application. He enquired whether the business could offer and research the impacts of Wood Stoves on the environment.

The Chairman noted concerns at West Sussex County Council that Wood Stoves which are not installed properly cause air quality issues.

The Business Development Officer highlighted the business’ intentions to become more environmentally friendly and even currently they suggest to customers the more environmentally friendly stoves over other stoves.

Members were supportive of the application.

Members were supportive of the remaining six applications.

RESOLVED

The Cabinet Grants Panel agreed that:

1. A Microbusiness Grant of £3,500 be granted to Active 1^st to fund their upgrade to the business premises which will provide improved facilities for the gymnasium area, family and outside area and the hiring of a new apprentice.

2. A Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be granted to Beautiful to fund the development of the business as a training school of beauty therapy and improve existing premises that will increase service growth and provide new job opportunities for local residents.

3.  A Microbusiness Grant of £975 be granted to Bright Light Film Ltd to support the costs of procuring a marketing consultant and marketing activities.

4. A Microbusiness Grant of £1,000 be granted to Everest Events to fund the procurement of a marketing consultant which will provide support in improving marketing and promotional activities.

5.  A Microbusiness Grant of £550.75 be granted to Miall’s to fund the purchase of new equipment which will increase the businesses operation by offering a portable sorbet stand.

6.  A Microbusiness Grant of £2,000 be granted to Mystove Ltd to aid in the development of a new service which will offer chimney surveys to the District.

7.  A Microbusiness Grant of £1,748.25 be granted to Strawberry Moon Skincare to support the costs of developing new product lines and increased production of existing lines.

8. A Microbusiness Grant of £960 be granted to Sussex Facilities Management Ltd to fund the production of video testimonials which will be utilised with the existing website and marketing collateral.