A new funding opportunity has just launched, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and those looking to expand their reach through utilising vacant high street shops as well as market trading. The Meanwhile Enterprise Grant offers two tailored funding streams designed to help bring vacant retail spaces back to life and boost footfall in local market towns:
- Vacant High Street Shop Grant and
- Market Town Stall Grant.
These grants are part of a broader initiative to revitalise high streets across the Breckland area by making use of empty units and encouraging business growth. They complement the existing Shopfront Repair and Redecoration Small Grants Scheme, reinforcing the council’s commitment to creating vibrant, welcoming, and economically active town centres.
Vacant High Street Shop Grant
This grant is designed to support businesses and community groups in occupying vacant shops in Breckland’s market towns or larger villages.
What’s on offer:
- Up to £8,000 in grant funding;
- Minimum of 25% match funding required;
- Can cover up to 6 months’ rent and eligible business setup costs (excluding stock or vehicles);
- Requires a signed lease and evidence of spend (after grant approval); and
- Grant may be reclaimed if the business ceases trading in the high street location within 6 months of opening.
Market Town Stall Grant
Perfect for businesses or groups looking to start up and occupy a market stall in one of Breckland’s market towns.
What’s on offer:
- Up to £1,000 in grant funding;
- Minimum of 25% match funding required;
- Covers up to 6 months’ stall rental (1 stall, up to 5 days per week) and setup costs (excluding stock or vehicles); and
- Requires receipts to show how the grant was spent (after approval).
Who Can Apply? Evaluation Criteria
To be eligible for either grant, applicants must meet the following key criteria:
- You must not have already signed a lease, moved into a vacant unit, or currently occupy a market stall;
- The move should only be possible with the support of the grant;
- Your business should demonstrate sustainability and growth potential;
- Proposals should deliver economic, environmental, or social benefits to the local area; and
- The project should aim to create or safeguard jobs.
Both grants require a clear explanation of how the funds will be used, why it offers good value for money, and submission of a Business Plan outlining your goals, operations, and financial viability.
Full grant details and how to apply can be found here.
Other Grants and Support Currently Available in Breckland
In addition to the Meanwhile Enterprise Grants, there are other live funding opportunities and support programmes available to businesses and community groups across Breckland. Here’s a quick overview:
High Streets Matter
Launched in April 2025 and running until April 2026, the High Streets Matter programme is designed to support businesses in Norfolk’s market towns.
It offers free, fully funded workshops and expert-led sessions covering:
- Strategic business planning;
- Financial literacy;
- Marketing and merchandising; and
- Collaboration and community impact.
The programme aims to build strong local business communities, spark innovation, and provide practical, hands-on training delivered by an experienced team.
The next intake begins at the end of September and is aimed at retail businesses in:
Attleborough, Aylsham, Gorleston-on-Sea, Hunstanton, and Sheringham.
Download the High Streets Matter Retail Excellence Programme for full details of what is on offer.
Shopfront Repair and Redecoration Small Grants Scheme
This grant supports the improvement of shopfronts across Breckland – open to existing businesses and owners of vacant units.
Who can apply:
- Freehold owners; and
- Leaseholders named on their lease, with written approval from the building owner.
Funding available:
- Covers 75% of eligible costs;
- Up to £5,000 per property; and
- All work must be completed by 31 January 2026.
Find out more about the Shopfront Repair and Redecoration Grant
How M+A Partners can help
M+A Partners are unable to process or advise on grant applications, but we will let you know of any grant opportunities in the Breckland area that we receive notification of.
