If you are a business on the High Street seeking support…
Discover fully-funded support for High Street businesses in tourism, professional services, retail, food and drink, or hospitality.
If you are the landlord of a High Street premises in Shropshire…
Please check out our:
Starting a Business?
Launching a business can feel overwhelming, but the Shropshire Growth Hub can help.
If your high street business is based in a local market town, you can access advice and connections to local, regional, and national support programmes.
Services include help with finance, business planning, hiring, training, marketing, tax, and growth strategies. Free workshops and networking events are also available, offering opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and learn from industry experts.
Growing a Business?
If your business is located in the Shropshire Council LA area and has traded for over 6 months, you may qualify for up to 6 hours of fully funded, expert support with Business Boost 360.
Get guidance on finance, inventory, sales and marketing, customer service, HR, retail health and safety, cybersecurity, and much more! Plus masterclasses are available to help businesses adapt to local market changes.
Events & Training
The Shropshire Growth Hub provides free webinars and events.
A flavour of the kinds of topics you can access include:
- Digital Marketing & Social Media
- Customer engagement & loyalty
- Growing your business & product offering
- Selling online to broaden your reach
Let’s do Business in….
The Shropshire Growth Hub team regularly visit venues in Shropshire’s market towns to provide free information, advice, and support for small businesses.
Join them over a cuppa to discuss any issues you may have or get guidance and help from a specialist. See when they are next visiting your town by signing up to ‘Hub Highlights’ and choosing ‘Business’.
GRANTS & FUNDING
Throughout the year, various funding opportunities may become available, allowing you to apply for grants to start, grow, or develop your High Street business.
We recommend subscribing to the Shropshire Growth Hub Newsletter, ‘Hub Highlights’ to stay up-to-date on what is currently available.
Please note : not all grants are always open, and funding is limited.
Also please do check your eligibility by reading the grant criteria carefully before applying.
Small Capital Grant Scheme
Small and medium-sized businesses with 1–49 employees can apply for grants ranging from £2,000 to £10,000 to help purchase equipment.
These grants can be used to launch new product lines or services, acquire new point-of-sale systems or display units, or upgrade shop interiors or signage
Please note: This grant is currently closed because all available funds have been fully allocated to businesses.
WM Grant Programme (WMGP)
Established Shropshire businesses can apply for grants ranging from £2,500 to £100,000.
Funding can support new product launches, technology or equipment upgrades, and retail expansion or improvements.
Please Note: Start-up grants are not available for Shropshire-based businesses.
Please note: This grant is currently closed to new applications
Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS)
If you have an established business, there is support available to help you reduce your energy bills and operate more sustainably.
Assistance can include free energy checks for your premises, grants to help cover the costs of energy-saving lighting, heating, or renewable energy systems, as well as support for shops and businesses serving the local community.
Design Factory Shropshire
Design Factory Shropshire gives local businesses help with IT services.
Services include website creation and audits, SEO planning, cybersecurity testing, AI/chatbot integration, data services, CRM personalisation, game development, and digital strategy consulting. Businesses can choose what best suits their needs.
Sustaining Shropshire
If you run a food and drink business on the High Street, Sustaining Shropshire can help. This project gives free expert advice to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
It supports you in coming up with new ideas and making your business more eco-friendly.
Local Retail Initiatives
Each market town offers unique support for its retail community:
Love Bridgnorth
Love Shifnal
Make it in Market Drayton
Shrewsbury BID
Oswestry BID
Wem Town Council
Ludlow Town Council
These initiatives often include local promotions, events, and funding to boost footfall and retail visibility.
Are you the landlord of a High Street property?
The UKSPF Property Improvement Grant assists landlords of vacant High Street properties in bringing them back into use.
Grants range from £2,000 to £10,000 and can cover up to 50% of eligible costs. This funding may be used to refurbish vacant retail units, enhance shopfronts and interiors, or prepare premises for new occupants.
Stay Informed!
Subscribe to ‘Hub Highlights’ (and choose ‘Business) to stay updated on:
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Free webinars, training & events
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Local grant opportunities
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Networking events
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Business development tips