Hangar Café received a Business Growth Grant to help expand the café
Help is available for existing businesses to grow in Worcester City through a programme of grants and free business advice. The package of support will help businesses to launch a new product, access new markets, create new jobs or move into or upgrade commercial premises.
Worcester City Council works with Worcestershire Growth Hub to bring all aspects of business support into one place. Free guidance and support are available as well as lots of useful information for running and growing a business.
Business Growth Grant
Businesses, that have been trading longer than 12 months can apply for a grant of up to £2,500 (if home based) or £5,000 (if in a commercial premises), subject to meeting the scheme criteria. Minimum grant is £1,000 and must be matched from own resources. This means your project must cost a minimum of £2,000.
The grant can be used towards ‘one off’ costs such as equipment, machinery, building works, premises refurbishment, fixtures and fittings, website construction or software, and other similar costs to help the business to grow.
The business must be based in Worcester. Only one grant is available per business or applicant. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they would not be able to bring the growth proposal forward without the help of this grant.
Businesses which trade with consumers and are less than 5 years, will be expected to have received business advice through the Enterprising Worcestershire programme.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Business Growth Grant is part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m.
For further information and to request an application pack, contact the Worcester City Council Economic Development team either by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01905 722106.
In addition, businesses operating from a retail premises might be eligible for the Retail Enhancement Grant. Businesses moving into an empty unit can apply for a grant of up to £12,000 towards the cost of refurbishment. For those already in a retail unit, there is a grant of up to £6,000 for improvements to the internal appearance, frontage or accessibility.
Enterprising Worcestershire Business support
The Enterprising Worcestershire programme offers a range of support for new and early-stage growing businesses.
Help from a business advisor
If your business is less than 5 years old and mainly trades with consumers, then FREE support is available from a team of specialist advisors. The 2 hours of 1:1 bespoke support can cover topics such as business planning, marketing and financial management.
In addition, business owners can access FREE coaching. The 3 - 6 hours of consultation will help owners to develop their business skills.
The programme is delivered by Smarter Society for Worcestershire County Council.
To register your interest, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If your business is less than 5 years old and mainly trades with businesses, then FREE support is available for a specialist advisor to help you prepare your business for a grant application.
To register your interest, email the Enterprising Worcestershire team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Early-stage business development support
If your business is less than 5 years old and trades predominantly with other businesses, then FREE support is available to help grow your business through the programme delivered by Real World Consultancy.
Businesses can access 12 hours of bespoke one-to-one coaching support with a business coach of their choice, access to an online portal and one month’s free access to The Kiln co-working space.
Early-stage business development support
Worcestershire Libraries
The Enterprising Worcestershire programme has teamed up with Worcestershire libraries to provide information and advice through key libraries across the county.
Individuals and businesses in Worcestershire can access resources and databases to support them with marketing and business planning and incorporating support from the Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) can access specialist IP one-to-one advice. This includes access to co-working spaces, events and workshops.