Vibrant High Street Grant

Applications are now invited for a new grant to support city and town centre ‘High Street’ businesses in the daytime and night-time economy.

The £400,000 Vibrant High Streets grants programme 2026/27 is aimed at supporting small and independent retailers and businesses in the city centre, Bilston, Wednesfield and other high streets.

It is designed to help improve the visual appearance, safety and customer service experience at their premises to boost local spend and economic benefit.

Businesses can apply for a maximum of £5,000 across one or maximum two of the following 3 categories: Frontage improvements, interior and external refurbishments, and digital, marketing and security. Businesses must also evidence and provide match funding of at least 20% of the total cost of their project.

To be eligible to apply the business must

be involved in retail, hospitality, B2C daytime or night time economy
be operating from business premises for which there is a Business Rate liability (includes those eligible for Small Business Rate Relief)
based in the Wolverhampton City Council Local Authority area, you can check online which local authority your business postcode fits.
be trading for at least 2 years

Businesses can only apply for no more than 2 grants subject to the combined maximum grant value of £5000 (even if they have a multi-site operation)

Grant applications will be considered as they are received, with the call for applications closing once all funds are awarded.

If you need help with your grant application or have a general query, you can get in touch by emailing business.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk or calling the business support phone line on 01902 555572 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday or from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

The Vibrant High Street Grant Programme Process/Checks

Applications are made using the Vibrant High Street Grants online Application Form.

Sections include:
Business Details	Postcode check Companies house check/ UTR Nos State Aid
Business Documents	Latest Bank statements Insurance document Accounts – detailed accounts/ tax return
Business Rates Check	Up to date with Business Rates payments
Business Financials	Latest Audited Accounts Managements Accounts Forecast Profit & Loss Account
Procurement Review	2 quotes required
Project Details
Declarations
Equality Monitoring

Outline Application Process

Application to be submitted online via this website
Applicant, upon successful review, to be contacted to upload supporting evidence onto the Ascendant Portal
Procurement – to get 2 bona fide quotes on Co letterhead/Accept lowest quote
Financial Review last filed accounts/ latest management accounts/ a brief financial forecast based on impact.
Submit to internal panel for approval. No appeals under the scheme.
80% of the grant to be paid once quotes and financial documents have been received and approved. Then 20% with 100% defrayal information received.
Follow up with impact of the grant with applicant with before and after photographs

Vibrant High Street Application Form

You will be required to start your Vibrant High Street Application by completing an online application form.

Vibrant High Street Application online form

This will be checked by one of the team who will then contact you to advise of the next stage which will involve uploading supporting information such as accounts, bank statements, quotes onto our Ascendant Portal.

Ascendant Portal Requirements

Business Documents Required: (Failure to upload these documents onto the Ascendant Portal will result in your application being incomplete and will not be processed)

Business Current Bank Statement (one months)

Business Public Liability and Employers Liability Insurance

Annual Unaudited Financial Statements or last HMRC Tax return

Management Accounts prior to the grant application (These accounts from the last unaudited accounts date to before March 2026)

e.g. If your last unaudited accounts are to 31/3/25. Then Management Accounts are required to 31/1/26. The date will differ depending on the year end date of the Accounts.
Forecast Profit & Loss Account for 12 months to/ or after 31/03/27

Note: Maximum Grant

Frontage improvement grant	Maximum Grant £3,000*
Interior and external refurbishment grant	Maximum Grant £3,000*
*If applying for both grants – the maximum is that is available £5,000
Digital, marketing and security grant	Maximum Grant £2,000

Note: Procurement Rules

Up to £3,000	2 written quote or prices sought from relevant suppliers of goods, works and/or services
Up to £3,000 to £5,000	2 written quote or prices sought from relevant suppliers of goods, works and/or services
Above £5,000	2 written quote or prices sought from relevant suppliers of goods, works and/or services

To apply for the Vibrant High Street Grant, you must agree to the following:

have read and understand the Vibrant High Street Grant Policy and agree to comply with the various conditions and obligations.

satisfy all the eligibility criteria as set out in the Vibrant High Street Grant Policy

meet any legal requirements or other regulations, which may relate to the operation of my business, for example, Environmental, Health & Safety, Planning etc

understand that the Vibrant High Street Grant is discretionary and subject to the availability of funds. There will be no appeals.

that there is no conflict of interests with any aspect of this application

accept that any grant awarded must be repaid on request if any declaration is false

undertake to advise the City of Wolverhampton Council of any changes of address, if I cease to trade, or of any other circumstances that may affect my right to grant assistance

give permission for the City of Wolverhampton Council to undertake a credit worthiness check on my business

to demonstrate impact before and after photos may be required

Vibrant High Street Grants Specification

Businesses will be able to apply for a maximum grant of £5,000 across one or more of the following three themes: 

Frontage Improvements Grant (e.g. painting, replacement or new signs, roller shutter, or lighting) £3,000 maximum capital grant  An application can be made for this theme only or jointly with one other theme. The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only.

A project value for two grants of £6,250 will unlock the full £5,000 grant (based on the funding percentage). Your project can cost more than £6,250, but the grant will still be capped at £5,000.
Interior and External Refurbishments Grant (e.g. internal refurbishments, equipment, furnishings, shelving or outside spaces) £3,000 maximum capital grant  An application can be made for this theme only or jointly with one other theme. The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only.

A project value for two grants of £6,250 will unlock the full £5,000 grant (based on the funding percentage). Your project can cost more than £6,250, but the grant will still be capped at £5,000.
Digital, Marketing and Security Grant (e.g. website design, developing an e-commerce site, purchasing digital equipment including E-POS, marketing campaigns, improved security) £2,000 maximum grant, can be a mix of capital and revenue grant. An application can be made for this theme only or jointly with one other theme. The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only.

A project value for two grants of £6,250 will unlock the full £5,000 grant (based on the funding percentage). Your project can cost more than £6,250, but the grant will still be capped at £5,000.

Ineligible Businesses

Betting shops, Pawn shops, market stalls, community groups, charities; and any business promoting or exclusively selling tobacco or nicotine replacement products, gambling premises and those of a political or religious persuasion, activities involving gambling, pornography and any business activity that is illegal or deemed as unsuitable for public support by the City of Wolverhampton Council.

National/international brands, regardless of whether they are operated via a franchise.

Themes

Theme 1: Information for the Frontage Improvement Grant

All applicants must ensure that their application provides evidence how it meets these priorities:

To improve the attractiveness and the local environment of our city and towns upgrading the frontages of its shops or commercial premises.
To enhance the character and appeal of each shop or commercial premises
To help encourage footfall, spend and dwell time by raising the image of the city and towns amongst locals and visitors.
To support the growth of local businesses and the vitality and viability of our city and town centres.

The eligibility for the Frontage Improvement Grant is as follows:

Theme 1: Programme AIM	To support businesses and independent retailers in high streets to improve the visual appearance, safety and customer service experience at their premises
Frontage improvement grant	A discretionary grant of 80% towards eligible expenditure is available. The maximum grant amount is £3,000 for this theme with a minimum of £1,000 towards an eligible project.
Grant Start Date	All eligible projects for this theme will start after 06/03/26
Grant Finish Date	All eligible expenditure will be spent by 28/02/27 or as soon as the funding has been used up
Project Value	The minimum project cost for this theme will be £1,250. The minimum grant will be £1,000. A project cost for this theme of £3,750 will provide a grant of £3,000. The total project cost can be more than £3,750. The maximum grant will be limited to £3,000.
Maximum Grant	An application can be made for this theme only. £3,000 for this theme (£3,750 x 80% = £3,000)
Minimum Grant	An application can be made for this theme only. £1,000 for this theme (£1,250 x 80% = £1,000)
Combined Grant	An application can be made for this theme only or jointly with one other theme The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only. A project value for two grants of £6,250 will unlock the full £5,000 grant (based on the funding percentage). Your project can cost more than £6,250, but the grant will still be capped at £5,000.
Funding Available	An application can be made for this theme only. The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only. A project value for two grants of £6,250 will provide a grant of £5,000. The total project value can be more £6,250; however, the maximum grant will be £3,000.
Eligibility Costs includes	painting frontages replacing signage repainting or replacing roller shutters with retractable security trellis which looks more appealing on the High Street replacing or installing new exterior lightning with more sustainable lighting options that bring vibrancy and animation to the High Street when premises are closed improvements to frontages that reduce opportunity for Anti-Social Behaviour, for example installing shutters or other physical barriers that prevent opportunity for people to gather when premises are closed other proposals that support active frontages whilst being considerate to residents will be considered before and after photos may be required It is the applicant’s responsibility to check whether planning consent is required for your project. Contact planning@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Non-Eligible Costs includes	VAT/ delivery charges/ subscriptions/ Improvements to residential property, including residential property located above commercial premises Retrospective cost and applications i.e. for work already completed or underway Cleaning of buildings for purely cosmetic purposes Structural repairs including re-roofing Internal repairs and alterations Some monitoring/ security services for CCTV systems Costs associated with planning permission and building regulations fees Professional Fees/ Architects' fees
Additional Information	If you are applying for any physical upgrades or improvements that will require Planning Permission, Listed Building Consent and/or Advertisement Consent, grants will only be approved if the required consent(s) have already been approved or if there is evidence that they are currently being sought.
Businesses that can apply for the Grant (Not eligible to charities and community groups)	The applicant must provide details of a dedicated business bank account as part of the application process - this is the account your grant will be paid into if successful). Eligible organisations are: Sole traders and/ or Micro/ Small Enterprise (less than 50 employees); have no debt to the council e.g. Council Tax or Business rate arrears. operate on a full-time basis. is not/ or considering administration, bankruptcy, liquidation or similar
Grant Processing Time	We anticipate a high level of interest in the fund and applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis. Please be patient - we will try and process applications as quickly as we can. This could take up to 20 working days. Any planning consent will need to be secured as quickly as possible.
Communication	If you want to ask a question regarding your application, you can email us at Business.Development@wolverhampton.gov.uk Other useful websites: planning@wolverhampton.gov.uk environmentalpermitting@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Theme 2: Information for the Interior and External Refurbishment Grant is as follows:

Theme 2: Programme AIM	To support businesses and independent retailers and businesses in high streets to improve the visual appearance, safety and customer service experience outside and inside of their premises
Interior and external refurbishment grant	A discretionary grant of 80% towards eligible expenditure is available. The maximum grant amount is £3,000 for this theme with a minimum of £1,000 towards an eligible project.
Grant Start Date	All eligible projects for this theme will start after 06/03/26
Grant Finish Date	All eligible expenditure will be spent by 28/02/27
Project Value	The project value can be more than £3,000.
Maximum Grant	An application can be made for this theme only. £3,000 for this theme (£3,750 x 80% = £3,000)
Minimum Grant	An application can be made for this theme only. £1,000 for this theme (£1,250 x 80% = £1,000)
Combined Grant	An application can be made for this theme only or jointly with one other theme The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only. A project value for two grants of £6,250 will unlock the full £5,000 grant (based on the funding percentage). Your project can cost more than £6,250, but the grant will still be capped at £5,000.
Funding Available	The minimum project cost for this theme will be £1,250. The minimum grant will be £1,000. A project cost for this theme of £3,750 will provide a maximum grant of £3,000. The total project cost can be more than £3,750. The maximum grant will be limited to £3,000.
Eligibility Costs includes	capital equipment such as new kitchen equipment (food and beverage premises) refurbishment, furnishings, shelving etc (internal) outside space to support a café culture (external) a licence may be required. Interior: Electrical upgrades Updating floors and ceilings Accessibility improvements Net Zero energy installations Installation of fixtures and fittings Exterior: Shopfronts and traditional signwriting. Enhancing existing historic features e.g. windows, doors, brickwork, timber details, etc High level joinery Awnings Works to property entrance to create access/enhance accessibility. Window /door replacement External Lighting (e.g. decorative or security lighting) before and after photos may be required It is the applicant’s responsibility to check whether planning consent is required for your project. Contact planning@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Non-Eligible Costs includes	Improvements to residential property, including residential property located above commercial premises. Retrospective cost and applications i.e. for work already completed or underway Cleaning of buildings for purely cosmetic purposes Structural repairs including re-roofing. Internal repairs and alterations Costs associated with planning permission and building regulations fees. Professional Fees /Architect Fees Delivery Costs
Additional Information	If you are applying for any physical upgrades or improvements that will require Planning Permission, Listed Building Consent and/or Advertisement Consent, grants will only be approved if the required consent(s) have already been approved or if there is evidence that they are currently being sought.
Conditions for applicants	To enhance the character and appeal of each individual property To help encourage footfall, spend and dwell time by raising the image of the city centre and towns amongst locals and visitors. To support the growth of local businesses and the vitality and viability of our city and town centres.
Businesses that can apply for the Grant (Not eligible to charities and community groups)	The applicant must provide details of a dedicated business bank account as part of the application process (this is the account your grant will be paid into if successful). Eligible organisations are: Sole traders and/ or Micro/ Small Enterprise (less than 50 employees). have no debt to the council e.g. Council Tax or Business rate arrears. operate on a full-time basis; is not/ or considering administration, bankruptcy, liquidation or similar
Grant Processing Time	We anticipate a high level of interest in the fund and applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis. Please be patient - we will try and process applications as quickly as we can. This could take up to 20 working days. Any planning consent will need to be secured as quickly as possible.
Communication	If you want to ask a question regarding your application, you can email us at Business.Development@wolverhampton.gov.uk Other useful websites: planning@wolverhampton.gov.uk environmentalpermitting@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Theme 3: Information for the Digital, Marketing and Security Grant is as follows:

Theme 3: Programme AIM	To support businesses and independent retailers in high streets to improve the visual appearance, safety and customer service experience at their premises
Digital, marketing and security grant	A discretionary grant of 80% towards eligible expenditure is available. The maximum grant amount is £2,000 for this theme with a minimum of £1,000 towards an eligible project.
Grant Start Date	All eligible projects for this theme will start after 06/03/26
Grant Finish Date	All eligible expenditure will be spent by 28/02/27
Project Value	The minimum project cost for this theme will be £1,250. The minimum grant will be £1,000. A project cost for this theme of £2,500 will provide a grant of £2,000. The total project cost can be more than £2,500. The maximum grant will be limited to £2,000.
Maximum Grant	An application can be made for this theme only. £2,000 for this theme (£2,500 x 80% = £2,000)
Minimum Grant	An application can be made for this theme only. £1,000 for this theme (£1,250 x 80% = £1,000)
Combined Grant	An application can be made for this theme only or jointly with one other theme The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only. A project value for two grants of £6,250 will unlock the full £5,000 grant (based on the funding percentage). Your project can cost more than £6,250, but the grant will still be capped at £5,000.
Funding Available	An application can be made for this theme only. The maximum grant value that can be claimed for two themes is £5,000 only. A project value for two grants of £6,250 will provide a grant of £5,000. The total project value can be more £6,250; however, the maximum grant will be £5,000.
Eligibility Costs includes	website design (revenue) upgrading your online presence (revenue) developing an e-commerce site (revenue) purchasing digital equipment (e.g. EPOS) (revenue) marketing campaigns (e.g. social media advertising, campaigns or google ads) (revenue) improved security e.g. CCTV (revenue) before and after photos may be required
Non-Eligible Costs includes	renewal of existing product or software licences, or minor updates to existing products (e.g. a software version update); statutory costs, property development or the purchase of stock. Software, hardware rental or charges (unless paying for new installation and support contract with minimum 12 months in advance), for platforms, hosting, or online content management. hardware that is a replacement to existing hardware i.e. through wear and tear; consumable items (i.e. toner/ink printer cartridges). products acquired through a third party not licensed to the applicant for its own use. Delivery Costs
Eligible expenditure will introduce new digital capabilities to your business	enhance digital skills of workforce necessitating external training. purchase of new software, ICT, or digital communications, hardware related to the project; developing an online booking/ticketing system or a new Ecommerce website; developing an app for service or sales (through an external contractor); building or re-development of websites incorporating interactive functionality.
Conditions for applicants	clearly demonstrate how the digital investment project will improve performance and/or will safeguard or increase employment. provide a business strategic statement outlining their digital investment project, and demonstrating the commercial viability of their business;
Businesses that can apply for the Grant (Not eligible to charities and community groups)	The applicant must have a dedicated business bank account providing details as part of the application process (this is the account your grant will be paid into if successful). Confirmation that the applicant organisation is: is a sole traders or Micro/ Small Enterprise (less than 50 employees); Has no debt to the council e.g. Council Tax or Business rates arrears; operates on a full-time basis; is not in or considering administration, bankruptcy, liquidation or similar; is trading at least 2 years
Grant Processing Time	We anticipate a high level of interest in the fund and applications will be processed in chronological order. Please be patient - we will try and process applications as quickly as we can. This could take up to 20 working days. Any planning consent will need to be secured as quickly as possible.
Communication	If you want to ask a question regarding your application, you can email us at Business.Development@wolverhampton.gov.uk Other useful websites: planning@wolverhampton.gov.uk environmentalpermitting@wolverhampton.gov.uk

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Vibrant High Street Grant

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