Cumberland Council extends shop front grants programme
Cumberland Council has announced additional funding to support high street regeneration and wider business growth.
With funded from British taxpayers through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), the money has allowed the council to extend their shop front grants programme, which helps improve the front of commercial properties in town and city centres across the region.
Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "The previous grants have proved to be a great success, and we urge businesses to apply for the funding.
"If you have a commercial high street or town centre property which would benefit from a new look and meets the call criteria, please do get in touch.
"More information on the fund, guidance notes and how to submit applications is available on our website."
An additional £105,000 has been allocated for 2025-26, marking the third consecutive year of capital funding for the scheme.
To date, the programme has supported upgrades to more than 100 premises and returned 11 empty units to active use.
Past recipients include 16 King Street in Whitehaven and 121 Senhouse Street in Maryport.
In addition to the shop front scheme, the council is working with Cumbria Business Growth Hub and Enterprising Cumbria to deliver wider business support across the region.
Cumbria Business Growth Hub has been awarded £200,000 from UKSPF and £400,000 from REPF to provide grants and advice to small, micro, and medium-sized businesses.
Capital grants are available for equipment, productivity improvements, premises upgrades, tourism heritage projects, and farm diversification.
Revenue funding will offer vouchers for specialist consultants, as well as advice and access to workshops and programmes.
Agricultural businesses will also benefit from workshops delivered in partnership with the Farmers Network.
A further £200,000 in revenue funding will enable Enterprising Cumbria to expand its Accelerator programme across the region.
This programme offers support for new and existing businesses, one-to-one advice for high-growth potential businesses, and pre-start support for individuals exploring business ideas, including potential financial assistance.
For details on the shop front grants, visit cumberland.gov.uk/UKSPF.
Businesses interested in Cumbria Business Growth Hub support can email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.
For information on the Accelerator programme, contact lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk.
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