Nearly £200,000 given to Wiltshire businesses to revive empty shops
The Council's been handing out grants, with the aim of filling vacant units
Nearly £200,000 of grants have been given to Wiltshire businesses since the New Year, to help them set up shop in the county's vacant High Street units.
The Vibrant Wiltshire scheme, run by the Council, aims to make town and city centres more of a destination, while supporting small businesses to have a physical presence for customers. www.wiltshire.gov.uk/vibrant-wiltshire-grants
Each grant is for up to £10,000, with around 40% of the total £500,000 pot allocated.
The scheme will remain open to applications until 14th June 2024.
Ten towns in Wiltshire have so benefitted - Bradford on Avon, Devizes, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Trowbridge, Warminster and Wilton.
But the Council say there are 12 other locations across Wiltshire that are eligible that haven't yet had support granted.
They include Salisbury, Downton, Mere, Tidworth, Tisbury and Ludgershall.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“We’ve allocated nearly £200,000 to businesses all around the county, but we want to do more, and that’s why we’re extending the deadline and encouraging both new and existing businesses that would like to move into an empty unit to apply.
“The grants have supported a diverse range of businesses, including a jeweller, florist, bakery, beauty salon and clothing retailer. This funding is helping the businesses to grow and thrive, and the high streets to become more vibrant places that people want to visit.
“This funding is part of our Business Plan commitment to support our town centres and encourage them to thrive and I’d urge more eligible businesses – particularly on those high streets that have yet to benefit from a grant – to come forward and apply."