Warminster Town Council and the Warminster Business Network is encouraging small and micro businesses to apply for a new Wiltshire Council grants programme, which aims to help bring vacant shops and commercial spaces back into use.
The Vibrant Wiltshire grants programme, part of the Wiltshire Towns Programme, is now open for applicants and is available for businesses that open premises in targeted town centres across Wiltshire – including in Warminster.
The grants, range from £1,000 to a maximum of £10,000, will support small or micro businesses, including new start-ups, who wish to lease or rent a previously empty commercial property. The types of businesses eligible may be those providing services, and/or creative, cultural and community uses.
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The Warminster Business Network (WBN) has welcomed this additional support from Wiltshire Council. A WBN spokesperson said: “The new vibrant Wiltshire grant offers various benefits to both our established businesses looking to expand or relocate and those entrepreneurs just starting.
“This financial support could contribute to the town’s overall prosperity, enhancing the town’s appeal and attracting more visitors. Hopefully this will create a positive cycle of development, preventing urban decay and encouraging a more vibrant community atmosphere.”
Businesses must bring empty commercial units back into use on a permanent or temporary basis. Wiltshire Council is welcoming applications for businesses ahead of the closing date on the 15th February.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “The Vibrant Wiltshire grants are geared towards helping small businesses to occupy vacant shops and commercial spaces across our high streets, supporting the county’s businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of our market towns.
“Filling empty units high street shops and supporting local businesses to move into town centre locations adds to the existing shopping and service options and attracts more visitors, increasing the number of visitors and boosting spend. This investment of £500,000 into helping Wiltshire businesses is a key part of our Business Plan commitment to support our town centres and encourage them to thrive.”
To find out more about the Vibrant Wiltshire grants visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/vibrant-wiltshire-grants or email vibrant.wiltshire@wiltshire.gov.uk
Last modified: 11 January 2024
