What is the Malvern Hills Enterprise Scheme?
Early stage and start-up businesses within the Malvern Hills District can now benefit from a new business grant scheme. The scheme will encourage the occupation of vacant commercial premises, help regenerate town centres, stimulate entrepreneurship, create new jobs, and enhance the sustainability of new businesses. The aim of the Malvern Hills Enterprise scheme is to support new and young businesses in the Malvern Hills district.
The grant must be match-funded, pound for pound (at least), from the business’s own resources. Only capital expenditure on an approved project/investment is eligible.
- The scheme is open to new businesses that have started trading within 12 months of the date the application is received by Malvern Hills District Council.
- The business must be located within Malvern Hills district.
- The full grant amount of up to £750 is only available to businesses moving into business premises that are liable to business rates (the applicant must be the Proprietor or Lessee of the premises and be liable for the premises business rates). Businesses that are not moving into business rated premises can apply for a grant of up to £500.
- The applicant must have received business start up advice from a business start up adviser / mentor that has been approved by the scheme.
- The applicant must have a business plan that has been agreed by an approved business start up adviser / mentor.
- The applicant must have all the necessary permissions and licenses to operate the business.
Pre-start businesses and new businesses that have been trading less than 36 months can apply for a grant of up to £500, or up to £1,000 if they meet any of the following criteria:
- The business is in or moving into premises that are liable to business rates
- The business employs or will employ 2 or more FTE employees (in addition to the applicant)
- The business operates in the low carbon economy
- The grant will be used towards expenditure that supports the business’ environmental sustainability
