Small firms urged to apply for share of £400,000

9 hours ago

Oprah FlashWest Midlands

News image — The grant is available for businesses in the city centre, Bilston, Wednesfield and other high streets

Google General view of a statue of Prince Albert o a horse in Wolverhampton's Queen Square, There are a range of buildings including a historic one with a black and white facade — The grant is available for businesses in the city centre, Bilston, Wednesfield and other high streets

Small businesses are being encouraged to apply for a share of a new £400,000 grant.

Applications have opened for the Vibrant High Streets grants programme which is aimed at supporting small and independent retailers and businesses in Wolverhampton city centre, Bilston, Wednesfield and other other high street areas within the city.

The money can be used to help improve the appearance of stores, safety, and customer service in a bid to boost footfall.

The grants were subject to availability of funds and distributed at the discretion of the city council, a spokesperson said.

Each business can apply for up to £5,000 to be used for frontage improvements, interior and external refurbishments, and marketing and security measures.

The local authority advises businesses that they must provide evidence of how parts of their operation are in need of a boost, and provide match funding of at least 20% of the total cost of their project.

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