Grants

As previously the application process will be robust with applicants for the Start-up Grant having to submit a full business plan and cash flow and application form. 

They should not have entered into a lease and applications from a business that has signed a lease will not be considered. 

Grant applications will go through several review stages, including approval by the Councils Director of Finance and Cabinet Member for Business.

In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the finance in place to be able to contribute a minimum of 20% of total start-up costs. 

This can be in the form of cash, loans or in kind contributions – such as labour where an applicant undertakes building/conversion works to a unit themselves.

Applications for a Start-Up Grant will not be considered from any business that duplicates and possibly displaces existing high street retail businesses. 

For this reason applications for hair and beauty salons will rarely be considered.

Successful applicants will be expected to participate in any publicity promoting the Pride in Our High Street initiative, and:

• act as ambassadors for the high street, promoting the high street in all social media or other publicity channels
• participate in and support high street events, engaging with organisers and other businesses.

Important guidance:

• discussion with the Pride in Our High Street project team about business eligibility must take place before applying for a grant
• no premises lease should be signed before a grant has been awarded - if a lease is signed this will make the business ineligible for grant
• all expenditure of the grant monies must be after the grant has been awarded
• no grant will be awarded to businesses in the Hair and Beauty sector as this is a saturated market. The only exception will be where it can be demonstrated that no other business is offering the same services
• applicants will need to have a business bank account to receive the grant payment.

Setting up a food business

If you are interested in setting up a food business, you can find out lots of useful information and what’s needed and how to go about it on our advice to businesses page.

Start-up Trial grants will require the completion of an application form and applicants will have to demonstrate that they have a signed licence or street trading consent allocating them space in an established market before funding is paid.

Grant applications will be subject to a rigorous review process.

Three funding levels are proposed which reflect the differences in opening days/hours and also the amount of rent that is paid in each area (no rent is paid in Dawley/Oakengates):

• Level 1 – up to £2,500 for market stalls in Wellington Market operating 4 days each week and pop-up shops
• Level 2 – up to £1,500 for market stalls in Madeley and Newport (must operate for both market days)
• Level 3 – up to £1,000 for market stalls in Dawley and Oakengates.

Applications for a Start-Up Trial Grant will not be considered from a business that duplicates and possibly displaces an existing market stall. Applicants must evidence that they reside in Telford and Wrekin.

Applicants also need to confirm they have access to a vehicle to transport their market stock and equipment to their chosen market.

Please note: that the grant is not available to businesses that are already trading through markets or other outlets such as car boot sales. The grant is only available to residents from the borough of Telford & Wrekin Council.

Applicants can subsequently apply for additional funding through the Business Start Up Grant (up to a maximum total of £7,500) if they are successful through the Start Up trial grant and have the potential to grow on in an empty retail unit on one of the eligible high streets.

Interested in applying? Contact email prideinourhighstreet@telford.gov.uk or phone 01952 380036. 

Setting up a food business

If you are interested in setting up a food business, you can find out lots of useful information and what’s needed and how to go about it on our advice to businesses page.