Business grants expanded to support independent retailers and low carbon initiatives

City of Wolverhampton Council has expanded its Relight Business Programme grant to support independent retailers and help businesses across the city invest in low carbon and other environmental measures.

The move comes following feedback from businesses across the city on how best they can be supported after being hit hard by the pandemic.

Grants of up to £5,000 will be available for independent retailers to invest in their premises to make them more attractive to customers ahead of expected increased footfall from major 2022 city events, such as British Art Show 9 and the Commonwealth Games cycling time trial.

Businesses looking to invest in their premises to reduce their carbon footprint and support the city’s climate change commitment can also apply for grants up to the same amount.

For details on how to apply, please visit Wolves in Business | City Of Wolverhampton Council

Councillor Stephen Simkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “During the pandemic we have delivered vital grants to support thousands of Wolverhampton businesses – and this work continues.

“The expansion of the Relight Business Programme grant comes following feedback from our city businesses and organisations and ensures the council is delivering support where it is needed most.

“Supporting independent retailers in this way will enable them to maximise their offer and capitalise on major events coming to the city – it also gives them the power to support the city’s climate change initiatives.”

In addition to the expansion of the Relight Business Programme grant, the maximum amount available to businesses and organisations through the Covid-Compliant Scheme grant has been doubled from £1,000 to £2,000. This grant is to enable businesses to work with the council’s Environment Health team to implement new working safe requirements to improve the health, safety and welfare of customers.

Businesses that have previously received a grant from the Covid Compliant Scheme are eligible for additional funds.

The scheme has supported hundreds of businesses across the city. Details on how to apply for a Covid Compliant Scheme grant can be found at COVID Compliant Scheme Grant | City Of Wolverhampton Council

Applications to the existing discretionary Restart Business Grant, which helped businesses reopen after lockdowns during the pandemic, will close on December 31, 2021.

If you need help with your grant application or have a general query, you can get in touch with the Business Grants team by emailing business.grants@wolverhampton.gov.uk or calling the business support phone line on 01902 290242 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday or from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.