Telford & Wrekin Council has relaunched its ‘Pride in Our High Street’ grants programme across its six borough high streets in Dawley, Madeley, Oakengates, Ironbridge, Newport and Wellington.

The council says it remains committed to nurturing entrepreneurship and revitalising the borough high streets.

The focus of the funding programme for the next 12 months will continue to prioritise start-up trial grants and start-up grants.

These grants will exclusively target businesses either opening in vacant units or those seeking to test innovative business concepts at established markets.

Councillor Lee Carter (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Place (the Economy & Neighbourhood Services), expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s relaunch, stating: “Our ‘Pride in Our High Street grants initiative embodies our dedication to fostering business resilience and growth within our communities.

“By focusing on start-ups and strategic high street locations, we aim to continue to inject vitality and vibrancy into our local economy.”

The proposed grant levels remain consistent with previous cycles:

– Start-up Trial Grant awards will provide support of up to £2,500.

– Start-up Grant awards will provide support of up to £10,000.

Applicants must undergo a rigorous application process, including the submission of a comprehensive business plan and cash flow analysis.

Businesses which have already signed leases will not be considered for grants. The application review process will include scrutiny from the Council’s Director of Finance and Cabinet Member for Business.

Successful grant recipients will be expected to actively participate in promoting the Pride in Our High Street initiative by acting as ambassadors for the high street, engaging in social media promotion, endorsing the mytlc app for businesses and supporting high street events.

To find out more about these grants and for application details, please visit the Telford & Wrekin Council website.