BUSINESSES who have not yet received a Government grant to support them could be eligible for a one-off cash payment.

Adur and Worthing Councils have been given a £1.5 million fund to hand out to firms in the area to help them bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Small companies can apply for cash until June 14 if they have not already received a hand-out.

The grants are for single payments of either £10,000, £5,000 or £2,500 and will not have to be paid back.

The move is aimed at supporting businesses such as bed and breakfasts, markettraders, or firms in shared or co-working spaces.

They should not have more than 50 employees, have fixed building costs and have been trading before March 11.

Those who have already received Government help are not allowed to apply for the funding.

A Councils spokesman said: “We realise the huge economic impact that COVID-19 has had on the area and appreciate how valuable this grant could be to our local businesses as they look to get back on their feet again.

“While we will support as many firms as we can, we know demand will be high so we encourage all businesses to check the criteria first before submitting an application.”

The Councils added that those companies which can show their business is aligned to its economic strategy - such as those in creative & digital industries and manufacturing - are particularly welcomed.

For more information or to apply to the scheme visit www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support.