Local firms have a chance to boost their business through a new grants scheme launched by Gravesham Borough Council.
Aimed at local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the scheme will see grants of up to £5,000 awarded to businesses for one-off work or longer-term projects to help protect and improve the borough’s town centres and local shopping parades.
Funding could be used for building improvements, buying new equipment, support for planning or licensing applications, business development, or improving energy efficiency, among other ideas.
Could £5,000 make a different to your business?
Launching the scheme, Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, Gravesham Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Business Development, said: “We know times continue to be tough on the high street, and we are trying to do all we can to support or local businesses where we can do so.
“With this new SME grant scheme, we are particularly keen to see businesses working together, for example, a number within a shopping parade improving the visibility and attractiveness of the area, and taking other measures to increase footfall.”
Eligible businesses include but are not limited to retailers such as grocers, butchers, bakers; service providers including hairdressers, beauty salons, barbers, funeral directors, dry cleaners; professional services including accountants, estate agents and solicitors; and restaurants, pubs, cafes and takeaways.
National chains, national charities, betting shops, and vape stores are not eligible.
Cllr Mochrie-Cox added: “As part of being a listening council we know that local businesses don’t want taxpayers to fund their business, they want their council to help where possible create the conditions for them grow and thrive.
“Through listening and through Business Gravesham - our Business, Development, Industrial, Jobs & Skills Strategy this scheme is just one of the practical ways we are putting into action our commitment and easing the pressure.
“This follows on from our successful UK Shared Prosperity Fund shop front grant scheme, which over two rounds saw 27 businesses receive a total of almost £130,000 to improve the look and accessibility of their premises.
“It’s a sign of our intention to support our local businesses and independent traders where we have the power to do so.
“We cannot set rents on the privately owned premises that the vast majority of these businesses occupy, and we are not able to cut business rates which are set nationally.
“What we can do is continue to find funding to support growth and improvements to shopping areas across Gravesham, and I hope as many qualifying businesses as possible take advantage of this scheme.” Find out more information and how to apply.