FIRMS struggling amid the coronavirus crisis will be able to get their hands on grants worth up to £25,000.

Lewes District Council said its grant scheme would help support businesses feeling the strain of the national lockdown.

Small and medium-sized enterprises in Lewes district can apply for grants of £10,000 and £25,000.

Firms must register on the council website.

The launch was delayed by the Government, which made numerous changes to the guidance for implementing the scheme.

Green councillor Zoe Nicholson, leader of Lewes District Council, said: “The Government delay was frustrating for everyone, but our officers have been working night and day to get a process in place that will provide businesses with the support they need.

“The council is pulling out all the stops to support local enterprise and help get them through this unprecedented time of crisis for the economy and the country.”

The grants include the £10,000 Small Business Grant Funding and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund that will make payments up to £25,000.

The council said that once registered, an automated system will validate firms and payments to the businesses will follow.

For more information visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk.

• At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.