Funding the Future: What do you want to see Worcester do next?
Worcester’s transformation owes much to effective city centre management and strategic funding allocation. Four primary funding streams are driving Worcester’s progress: the Future High Streets Fund (£17.9 million), UK Shared Prosperity Fund (£2.96 million), Cultural Development Fund (£3 million), and Levelling Up Funding, with recent news of an additional £5 million injection into Worcester’s cultural landscape, bringing total capital funding over five years to £46 million for Levelling up funding alone.
Since 2019, Levelling Up Funding has been used to revitalise unused spaces like the train arches into vibrant venues for dining, arts, and activities, contributing to Worcester’s cultural growth. The recent £5 million boost will sustain this momentum, facilitating more art projects and community initiatives.
In 2019, Worcester City Council secured £3 million from the Cultural Development Fund to enhance Worcester’s profile as a visitor destination, foster festivals like Light Night, and support local businesses. Festivals such as the Victorian Fayre and Paint Festival have become integral to Worcester’s cultural tapestry, drawing diverse crowds.
To ensure continued funding, collaboration with entities like Arts Council England is essential for sustaining Worcester’s festival momentum and visitor influx.
Worcester BID is seeking ways to sustain the momentum by creating dedicated spaces for youth engagement and promoting discussions on implementation tailored to residents, visitors, and students between city partners. The success of initiatives like Teenage Markets in other regions underscores the potential for similar models in Worcester. Championed by Councillor Joe Bennett, Teenage Markets empower young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and sell goods at public markets run by teenagers for the community.
As we contemplate Worcester’s future, community input is invaluable. What are your thoughts on providing dedicated spaces for young people in Worcester? What other initiatives would you like to see?
Let’s envision a Worcester that thrives for all its residents.
City Council Growth Grants Released - Applications now Closed Until April
Please note that applications to Worcester City Council are currently closed until April 2024. Applications for the Start Up and Growth Grants will open again in 2024.
Business Growth Grant – Worcester City Council
Worcester Business Growth Grant: Helping Your Growing Business Succeed
If your business has been trading for more than a year, you can apply for a grant of up to £2,500 (if home-based) or £5,000 (if in commercial premises). The grant, which requires a minimum of £1,000 matching funds from your own resources, can be used towards one-off expenses to help your business grow. These expenses can include equipment, machinery, website construction, building works, premises refurbishment, fixtures and fittings, software, and other similar costs. The minimum grant is £1,000 and must be matched from own resources. This means your project must cost a minimum of £2,000.
To be eligible for the grant, your business must be based in Worcester, and you must demonstrate that you need the grant to move forward with your project. Only one grant is available per business or applicant.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Worcester Business Growth Grant is part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m. To receive an application pack or for more information, contact the Worcester City Council Economic Development team at economy@worcester.gov.uk or call 01905 722106.
If your business operates from retail premises, you may also be eligible for the Retail Enhancement Grant. The grant provides up to £12,000 for businesses moving into an empty unit and up to £6,000 for improvements to the internal appearance, frontage, or accessibility for those already in a retail unit.
Find out more – Click Here!
Worcester City Runs Breakfast Club with the legendary Paula Radcliffe MBE
Join us at the @worcesterrun Breakfast Club: a networking event with a twist that give's you all the information you need to get involved with the Worcester City Run.
BREAKFAST
CLUB
FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2023
8AM - 10AM
Jog, walk or just enjoy a coffee whilst networking at Wildwood.
Take it at your own pace.
Fancy a jog or walk? You will be joined by athletics legend’s Steve Cram CBE and Paula Radcliffe MBE as you make your way along the river path to the marina before circling back for breakfast and a hot drink.
Chat to Steve, Paula and the team about how you can get involved in our exciting plans for 2023.
Register your BID Business by contacting us at info@worcesterbid.com
Register your BID Business by contacting us at info@worcesterbid.com
NEW - City Council Grants for Business Improvements
Worcester City Council has just introduced a new grant for retail properties. The grants are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and are part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m.
If you have a retail unit, you could be given financial support towards making improvements to internal appearance, frontages, and accessibility of empty and occupied retail units across Worcester.
Businesses/organisations can apply for a maximum of £12,000 towards costs of occupying a previously empty retail unit or £6,000 for improvements to internal appearance, frontages, and/or the accessibility of occupied units. Eligible expenditure can include building works, premises refurbishment, fixtures and fittings, signage, installation of ramps and other associated costs to either bring the empty unit back into use or improve the internal appearance, frontage, or accessibility of occupied units.
Businesses/organisations must be able to make a ‘cash’ match funding contribution of at least 50% towards the cost of the proposed project/investment.
Applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible.
Please note that you may be contacted regarding your application and changes.
Please contact the Economic Development team on either 01905 722106 or email economy@worcester.gov.uk for more information.