Stockport Council has opened applications for grants of up to £50,000 to support local businesses and community regeneration projects as part of its new Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant (EDRFG) scheme. The move aims to boost jobs, investment, and local economic growth across the borough.
The grant scheme, launched on 1 April 2026, replaces the previous UK Shared Prosperity Fund programmes and is part of the government’s Integrated Settlement for Greater Manchester. It offers funding for visible, time-limited projects that deliver clear benefits to Stockport. Standard grants are capped at £25,000, while exceptional cases can receive up to £50,000. Applications must be submitted by 4pm on 24 April 2026, with successful projects required to be completed by 28 February 2027.
Who can apply? The grants are open to community and voluntary organisations, charities, social enterprises, cultural and creative groups, and organisations involved in economic or place-based activities. The scheme is designed to support grassroots initiatives that complement the borough’s larger regeneration projects.
The launch comes as Stockport pushes ahead with its £1 billion town centre regeneration—described as the UK’s largest. The Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) has already attracted £600 million in private investment, delivered 1,200 new homes, and created 170,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. The corporation is set to expand into Town Centre East in early 2026, with plans to deliver an additional 4,000 homes by 2040.
In November 2025, Stockport secured £56.3 million from the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund, including £41.3 million for the Stockport 8 development and £15 million for the Fletcher Street homes project. These investments are part of a wider strategy to transform the town centre, which includes improvements to transport links, the creation of new parks, and the regeneration of heritage sites.
The council’s Economy, Work and Skills Team is administering the scheme and is offering advice to applicants on preparing bids. Completed application forms should be emailed to the team by the deadline.
For more information or support with applications, contact the Stockport Council Economy, Work and Skills Team or visit the council’s available funds page.
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