New and aspiring business owners in Swansea are being encouraged to take advantage of two new grant schemes aimed at helping turn business ideas into reality and boosting local high streets.
Swansea Council has launched the High Street Helper grant and the Launchpad Bursary through its £10 million Economic Growth Fund.
The programme is designed to support locally owned, new retail and hospitality businesses that will contribute positively to the mix and appeal of Swansea’s high streets.
Councillor David Hopkins, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment and Delivery, said:
“Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and our high streets.
“These grants are designed to give people with good ideas the support and confidence they need to get started.
“Whether someone is ready to open a shop or wants to test a new idea at a market or pop-up space, we want to help them take that first step.
“This is part of our vision to create more vibrant high streets throughout the city, while helping support stronger businesses.”
The High Street Helper grant offers up to £30,000 to help people establish new businesses in high street premises across Swansea’s city and district centres.
Eligible locations include Clydach, Gorseinon, Pontarddulais, Morriston, Mumbles, Sketty and Uplands.
Successful applicants can receive up to £25,000 towards start-up costs such as equipment, tools, stock, website development, software, training, marketing and accountancy fees.
A further £5,000 is available to help cover early overheads during the first three months of trading, including rent, business rates, energy bills and internal fit-out costs.
The Launchpad Bursary is aimed at people who want to test a business idea before formally setting up a company.
The scheme supports short periods of real-world trading, enabling entrepreneurs to assess customer demand and refine their offer while reducing financial risk.
Funding can be used towards equipment, initial stock, market stall or temporary trading space fees, and marketing during the test trading period.
Both schemes are open only to applicants within the Swansea area.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said:
“These grants complement what’s available for local businesses through our £40m local growth fund, which is supported by funding from the UK Government and Welsh Government.
“This includes pre-start, growth, innovation and carbon reduction grants.
“Together, this means we’re the only council in Wales with a local investment fund of this scale.”
Businesses interested in applying or finding out more about either scheme are encouraged to contact [email protected].
