Empty units grant

Grants are available from £2,500 to £25,000 to encourage local businesses to bring empty high street units back into use.

By supporting businesses to start up or grow on the high street this scheme will help to create new local jobs.

Bringing empty units back into use also improves the look of the high street, encourages more people to visit and support local businesses, and helps to increase people’s sense pride in their area. 

The grant funding has been provided through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

Who can apply

You can apply if:

• you own an empty commercial unit on one of our 8 high street locations
  
  or

• you are a sole trader, owner or main director of a small business, charity or CIC and have full control over all business decisions and have recently occupied or are looking to occupy an empty unit on one of our 8 high street locations

Check on a map for the exact area the grant covers for each high street.

What the grant is for

The grant can be used to fund structural work on the property itself or investment in essential machinery or equipment needed to trade.

The amount you can apply for depends on whether you are applying as a property owner or occupier, the length of your lease or rental agreement and the size of the unit – full details are provided in the application pack.

How to apply

Email our High Streets team at emptyunits.grants@southglos.gov.uk for an application pack.

Closing date for applications is 30 June 2024. However we will be reviewing them on a rolling basis, so the funding may be fully allocated before that date.