Small businesses have been awarded more than £75,000 to help them fund regeneration schemes.
The cash, from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget, will be channelled through the Brighton and Hove Regeneration Partnership.
A manager will be employed to help small firms take advantage of regeneration opportunities.
More than 70 per cent of businesses in the city employ fewer than five people yet many do not know about regeneration.
Tony Mernagh, of the City Centre Business Forum, said private sector finance from National Westminster Bank was also available for the project, called Business in Regeneration.
It would help small business associations become more proactive and respond to proposals such as those in the city council's Local Plan.
Mr Mernagh said: "In this way it is hoped the ideas and energy of the small business community will be harnessed for the good of the city."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article