Grants for City Centre Businesses

Business Solutions Voucher Scheme

The Business Solutions Voucher Scheme (BSV) aims to support the economic regeneration of Wolverhampton by encouraging innovation in the local business base.

Who is eligible?

Applications are welcome from start-up companies or existing businesses, where growth potential is identified that will contribute to stimulating local job creation and increase profitability for the applicant. The BSV Scheme enables businesses, entrepreneurs and social enterprises (in particular those that have a Wolverhampton post code) to gain expertise from the University of Wolverhampton knowledge base. The Scheme is administered by the University of Wolverhampton.

What is available?

A Business Solutions Voucher is worth up to £5,000 and can be redeemed against the cost of practical advice, expertise and access to specialist equipment/services provided by the University in relation to specific innovation related projects. For more information on how to make an application to the BSV Scheme please contact the Business Solutions Centre on 01902 321272.

Wolverhampton Business Grants Suite

The Wolverhampton City Council (WCC) Business Grants Suite aims to support the economic regeneration of the City by providing funding to assist in starting and developing local businesses, particularly where this will stimulate local job creation. It also aims to encourage the take-up of vacant business premises within the City. The Scheme is administered by The City Council’s Economic Development team, with funding provided from the Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF).

Who is eligible?

All start-up and existing SME businesses which are or will be located within the Wolverhampton Local Authority boundary (with business rates payable to WCC), who are planning for growth and require financial assistance to enable this to proceed.

What is available?

• City Wide Start-Up Grants These grants will be available to businesses that are starting up in Wolverhampton (less than 12 months old). Grants of up to £5,000 matched investments are available to help towards the cost of capital equipment.
• City Wide High Growth Start-Up These grants are available to new businesses that are forecasting high growth within the first 12 months of trading. A grant of up to £1,500, which is NOT matched investment, is available to help their business to grow.
• City Wide Business Support Grants These grants are available for existing businesses (trading for longer than 12 months). Grants of up to £5,000 matched investment are available.

* Please note that applicants may only apply for one of the three grants above.

• City Wide Security Grants These grants are available for all businesses which are operating from commercial premises within Wolverhampton and are investing in security measures for their premises. may be eligible for A grant of up to £3,000 matched investment towards the cost of the measures is available.

For more information on how to make an application for one of the grants available via the Wolverhampton Business Grants Suite please download a copy of the application form and guidance notes.