Wiltshire Council has created the Vibrant Wiltshire grants programme through the Wiltshire Towns Programme to improve the vibrancy of Wiltshire's town centres and high streets. The programme looks to bring vacant commercial spaces in town centres throughout the county back into use.
The grants are available in targeted areas agreed with town councils, supporting small or micro businesses, including new start-ups, that wish to lease or rent a previously vacant commercial property located in eligible areas within town centres.
The purpose and aims of the grant
The grants aim to support new businesses, such as those providing services, and/or creative, cultural and community uses, into eligible areas within town centres to bring empty commercial units back into use. This could be on a permanent or temporary use and should help to strengthen and diversify these areas. By opening up premises for new commercial activity, the grants will help to boost footfall, create new jobs, and enhance the sustainability of businesses.
Eligible businesses and locations
The types of businesses eligible may be those providing services, and/or creative, cultural and community uses into the following town centres (eligible areas): Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Downton, Ludgershall, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Mere, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Tidworth, Tisbury, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton.
Businesses must bring empty commercial units back into use on a permanent or meanwhile/temporary basis.
Who can apply
Applications can be made by business owners or directors of registered independent businesses, charities or social enterprises, or a sole traders or self-employed individuals, who are bringing new business to a town centre or relocating a current business within a town centre. A signed lease for the premises is required.
Grant process
The grant application will form part of an investment plan for improving a vacant unit located within the town centres listed; Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Downton, Ludgershall, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Mere, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Tidworth, Tisbury, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton.
Applications and supporting information will be assessed for deliverability and alignment with the programme purpose and intervention aims. Credit checks and due diligence checks will be carried out.
If successful, you will be awarded a grant and a contract will be offered with terms and conditions for expenditure of the grant.
Grants will be paid in arrears on presentation of a claim containing satisfactory evidence of expenditure and of performance and you may be asked to provide information about the grant's impact for up to three years following the award.
Full details can be found here.
