Business grants and loans

Find information about funding schemes available to support retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

We can help you source grants or loans depending on your geographical area and business needs.

Targeted business improvement grant

We offer a non repayable grant to businesses in the county to use on improving premises. The funding is available to:

support new businesses into premises
improve existing premises for business growth
bring back derelict premises or underused retail space back into use
encourage business growth

Property reuse and conversion interest free loan

We offer an interest free property reuse and improvement loan to encourage purchase or improvements to retail premises across the county. The loan must be used with the intention of purchasing a vacant or derelict property or with a view to making significant improvements to a property.

Meanwhile Uses Grant

This is funded via the Towns and Villages Programme as part of the Retail Hub.

The aim of this support and funding is to encourage the development of shared retail spaces or supporting temporary retail/hospitality/leisure offerings and the use of vacant buildings whilst they are between tenants. This will contribute to increasing town and village vibrancy.

Temporary running costs can be supported. This could include a contribution to rents, rates, utilities.

Retail Start Up Grant

This is available to new retail, hospitality and leisure businesses across the county. The UK Government grant provides you with the help and support you need in your first six months of trading. Contact Community Economic Development to discuss eligibility.

If eligible, the grant can be used for:

rent
business rates
service charges
utilities
insurance

The aim of the scheme is to utilise empty properties and attract entrepreneurs who will bring new and unique businesses to the County, which will create long term, full time employment.