Local Food Economy
By Ramona Andrews
Bristol City Council has launched two grants to support nighttime business diversification. Also, the Greener High Streets Grant offers support with carbon reduction and energy efficiency projects for those operating their business from a fixed property in Bristol’s city centre or on one of Bristol’s 46 designated high streets. Read on to find out more.
As part of the City Centre and High Streets Programme, Bristol City Council has launched two new grants to support independent businesses in diversifying their nighttime offer, in three city centre locations:
This grant is for businesses that do not open/operate after 6pm to trial late night openings. Businesses will be able to access funding of between £600 and £1,000 to trial between three to five late-night openings.
Grants from £500 to £2000 are available to allow businesses to test an idea to reach a wider or new audience, trialling something that can continue to be self-funded.
Bristol City Council is running regular webinars to talk through guidance and eligibility criteria.
To book a place email business@bristol.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Nighttime Economy Grant Webinar’, indicating which webinar you would like to attend and you will receive a link to join the webinar.
Applications close at 9am on Tuesday 3 September.
Grants from £500 to £5,000 are available through the Greener High Street Grant scheme to help purchase and install new products and equipment that reduce your carbon emissions, cut your utility costs, and improve the energy efficiency of your business, such as:
The scheme is available to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are set up as Sole Traders or simple Partnerships and are operating their business from a fixed property in Bristol’s city centre or on one of Bristol’s 46 designated high streets.
Your application must be supported by an independent carbon survey that demonstrates your project will achieve a measurable reduction in carbon emissions and cut your utility costs. The West of England Combined Authority provide this advice free of charge.
Visit the Growth Hub for a free carbon survey.
The grant can cover up to 80 per cent of your costs and is available on a first come first served basis, with a total of £275,000 available. The grant is paid in arrears once the project is completed.
The application window closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 December 2024.
The deadline to complete all work, purchase all items and submit all invoices for the agreed costs is 11.59pm on 31 January 2025
So, what change do you want to see happen that will transform food in Bristol by 2030? Do you already have an idea for how Bristol can make this happen? Join the conversation now.
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