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 £1,000, if working from home, or £2,000, if in commercial premises, towards ‘one-off’ costs such as building works, fixtures and fittings, equipment, new website or software to help set up. The grant must be matched 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.
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 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.
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.