Wolverhampton City Council is launching a new £400,000 grant programme on 6 March 2026 to help small and independent businesses improve their shops across Wolverhampton. The Vibrant High Streets scheme is designed to help local retailers across Wolverhampton their premises and attract more customers.
Eligible businesses can apply for a maximum grant of £5,000 to pay for various improvements. This money can be used to fix up shop fronts, carry out interior or exterior building work, or upgrade digital, marketing and security measures.
To receive the funding, business owners must be able to provide 20% of the total project costs themselves. The council is awarding the grants on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning the application window will close as soon as all the money has been handed out.
Councillor Chris Burden, the Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said the grants are a chance for local retailers to thrive alongside other major investments in the city. The programme is being funded by the UK Government through its Pride in Place Impact Funding, which aims to improve the look and feel of local high streets.
The council expects high demand for the funding and is encouraging shop owners to prepare their applications early. Retailers interested in the scheme can find more information on the Wolverhampton Today social media page before the portal opens on Friday.
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