Help is available for new businesses to start up and grow in Worcester City through a programme of grants and free business advice. The support package will encourage the occupation of vacant commercial premises, help regenerate neighbourhoods, stimulate entrepreneurship, create new jobs and enhance the sustainability of new businesses.
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 setting up and running a business
Worcester City Council business start-up grant
Businesses at the start-up stage or which have been trading for less than 12 months can apply for a grant of up to £1500 towards ‘one-off’ costs such as building works, fixtures and fittings, equipment, a new website or software to help set up. The grant must be match-funded pound-for-pound from the business’s own resources.
The new business must be based in Worcester.
Businesses applying for the Worcester City Council start-up grant will be expected to have received business start-up advice (ideally through the Enterprising Worcestershire programme) and must provide a business plan.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Business Start-up Grant is part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m.
Funding for this scheme is now fully allocated. However, to make an expression of interest, should further funding become available, please contact the Worcester City Council Economic Development team either by email
Worcestershire Libraries
Business advice is available through the Business and Intellectual Property Centres at the Hive and other 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.
- Business - Why do business in Worcester
- Business Start Up Support
- Business Growth Support
- Retail Enhancement Grants
- Worcestershire Business Central Portal
- Business Rates
- Doing Business with Worcester City Council
- Business Continuity Management
- Licensing
- Alcohol and Entertainment
- Pavement Licence
- Lotteries and Gambling
- Taxis and Private Hire
- Street Trading
- Charitable Collections
- Busking
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- Sex Establishments
- Scrap Metal Sites and Collectors
- Caravan Sites
- Houses in Multiple Occupation
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