A boost for small businesses in the South Downs
December 4, 2020
Twenty seven projects that support the small business, tourism and visitor economy have received additional support from the National Park Authority in the wake of the pandemic.
The Authority has been able to make a number of modest contributions towards business recovery through a series of initiatives. One such initiative was a small grants scheme, introduced in August, as part of the wider South Downs COVID-19 Recovery Fund. Businesses were able to apply for financial support of between £500 and £2,000 over two rounds.
A total of £40,000 was made available and, following a rigorous and impartial selection process, 27 schemes have received funding.
Kat Beer, Sustainable Tourism Lead, said: “Small businesses, pubs, food and drink producers, and hospitality venues are the lifeblood of the rural economy. We are saddened to see so many of our fantastic local businesses in this situation, but we hope our contribution aids their survival at this difficult time.”
One example of a business benefitting from the scheme is Gnarly Tree, an ethical and sustainable clothing company based in Chichester. From humble beginnings, printing T-shirts from an Alpine ski chalet in Le Fornet, Val d’Isere, to the countryside of the Downs, the business is now operating from a newly-refurbished store in East Dean. Our scheme enabled the Gnarly tree team two photographic shoots for their website and marketing material, in turn, helping them pivot to an online dominant service during periods of lockdown.
On being located in the beautiful South Downs, business owner Jonathan Schofield said: “It certainly provides a very beautiful commute! The 15-minute journey from Fishbourne to East Dean is definitely a highlight of my day and there’s not many people who can say that about a commute. Being nestled into the South Downs also makes it a stunning and fairly unique place to come and shop.”
Any business looking to keep up-to-date on news and useful updates can email enterprise@southdowns.gov.uk