Carlisle City Council has launched a new grants programme to encourage businesses to invest in the city centre.
The fund aims to encourage new starter/growing SME local businesses to occupy vacant units.
The grant would be used to support capital works, such as shop frontage improvements, signage and equipment necessary for the business to operate, with £5,000 earmarked as the maximum grant per business.
The grant is open to businesses with less than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £25 million, occupying a vacant unit in Carlisle city centre – although consideration will also be given to businesses currently operating in the city centre but looking to expand into vacant ground floor space of the same building, or into a larger vacant premises.
Councillor Paul Nedved, portfolio holder for economy, enterprise and housing, said: “We want to encourage businesses to invest in our city centre. Businesses and organisations need the confidence to invest in the city centre again.
“This small business grants programme for new and growing city centre businesses will encourage businesses to invest in our city centre, while helping to reduce vacancy rates and maintain the vitality and viability of the high street.”
The council has already allocating more than £55million to Carlisle businesses and residents affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including closed business ‘lockdown’ payments, and discretionary grant schemes.
The criteria for the grant is available at https://www.carlisle.gov.uk/news-and-events/business-support
