Huge boost for struggling high street shops in UK city as council launches new £400k grant
Struggling high street businesses in a UK city are set to benefit from a new funding scheme aimed at boosting local shops and attracting more customers. City of Wolverhampton Council has launched a new grant programme designed to support small and independent retailers across the city and the wider region.
The £400,000 Vibrant High Streets grants programme for 2026/27 is aimed at businesses operating in the city centre as well as Bilston, Wednesfield and other local high streets. The scheme officially opened for applications on March 6 and is designed to help businesses improve their premises and customer experience.
Council leaders hope the funding will help strengthen local high streets and encourage more people to shop locally.
Businesses can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support improvements to their premises.
Funding can be used across three main areas: shopfront improvements, internal or external refurbishments, and digital, marketing or security upgrades.
However, businesses applying for the funding must provide match funding of 20% of the total cost of their project.
The council said the scheme aims to help businesses improve the appearance and safety of their premises while enhancing the overall customer experience.
*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***
Officials also hope the funding will help increase spending in Wolverhampton's high streets and bring wider economic benefits to the area.
The grant programme is backed by the Government's Pride in Place Impact Funding.
It also builds on several major regeneration projects already underway across Wolverhampton.
These include £19million of city centre public realm improvements on Lichfield Street, Queen Square and Darlington Street.
More than £8million has also been invested in the redevelopment of Bilston Market.
Meanwhile £3.3million is being spent on improvements to Wednesfield High Street.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: "The aim of this grant scheme is to build on the major investment currently being delivered across our urban centres.
"This further support for our High Street retailers and businesses gives them the opportunity to secure funding that will enable them to thrive and boost the local economy.
"We anticipate demand will be very high for these grants, and applications will close once all the funding has been allocated, so I would urge businesses to submit a grant application as soon as possible."
Full details of eligibility criteria and the application process can be found on the City of Wolverhampton Council website.
Businesses that need help completing their application can contact the council's business support team. Support is available by emailing business.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk