Help is available for businesses and organisations that are either moving into empty retail premises or are looking to make improvements to their existing building.
The grant will support occupancy and improvements to internal appearance, frontages, and accessibility of empty and occupied retail units across Worcester. The unit can be used for purposes such as retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care services or provision of financial services.
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.
The grant can be used for items such as building works, premises refurbishment, fixtures and fittings, signage and other associated costs to either bring the empty units back into use or improve an occupied unit. The grant must be match-funded, pound for pound (at least), from the business’s own resources.
The Retail Enhancement Grant aims to encourage longer-term occupation of vacant retail premises and improvements to existing shops to complement the wider investment in the public realm and help ensure Worcester remains an attractive place to visit.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Retail Enhancement Grant is part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m.
Apply for Worcester City Council retail enhancement grant
In addition, businesses might be eligible for a Start-up Grant of up to £2,000 if trading for less than 12 months or a Growth Grant of £5,000 if trading for longer than 12 months. This grant could be used towards additional costs such as equipment or a website.
Businesses that have been trading for less than 5 years, can access up to 2 hours of FREE support from a team of specialist advisors on topics such as business planning, marketing, and financial management. To register your interest, email the Enterprising Worcestershire team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For further information, contact the Worcester City Council Economic Development team either by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01905 722106.