Council launches new diversification grant for high street businesses

The grant, which is available through the Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme, can help businesses who are looking to become more sustainable or extend their product range to thrive during what remains a challenging time.

Businesses of all types in the Borough towns of Wellington, Oakengates, Dawley, Ironbridge, Newport and Madeley could benefit from the grant which ranges from £500 to £4000.

The grant is designed to support businesses which are seeking to expand or evolve their existing operations, building on their current strengths. 

It encourages innovation and resilience by helping businesses explore new products, services, or markets.

To be eligible, businesses must demonstrate that their diversification application is in line with their existing business model. 

As businesses look to maintain their positions on the high street many are looking to extend product ranges or introducing new services and ways to generate new opportunities.

Businesses who have already received a previous diversification grant can apply but priority will be given to first time applications and applications can only be for a new activity.

The grant will not fund businesses that are located on the upper floors of buildings with no high street frontage unless they can demonstrate they bring footfall to the high street which will benefit other high street businesses.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transport, said: “We recognise the value that our high streets have in ensuring that our Borough flourishes and prospers.

“With that in mind, we’ve launched this new diversification grant to give businesses extra support during what remains a challenging time.

“The grant could be the perfect springboard for a business to open a new product range or extend its services.

“The grant adds to the range of other funding we offer through our Pride in Our High Street programme.

“We remain committed to supporting our high street businesses and continue to encourage people to shop local.”

For more information about the diversification grant please email prideinourhighstreet@telford.gov.uk