Kimberley Business Booster Small Grants Program (United Kingdom)

Footfall can be developed by improving shop fronts, advertising and signage. All businesses in the area can benefit from this. Some buildings date from the Victorian/Edwardian eras and projects wishing to enhance the town’s period look (where appropriate) are particularly encouraged. Kimberley can then become a town with a unique identity, supporting high street businesses and attracting more people.

For this round, the fund will focus on the small grants scheme. These grants are funded by Broxtowe Borough Council’s Levelling Up Funding.

Themes

• This scheme’s purpose is to enhance Kimberley’s aesthetic appeal, for both residents and visitors, reinvigorating the town centre in the light of the impact of the pandemic, and developing people’s pride in their local area. Applications must address some key themes of the Levelling Up project:
  • Business Growth: All applications should promote improvements to attract more footfall to premises in Kimberley. Applications could also address key challenges and opportunities, e.g. Productivity, Employment, Leisure and Tourism, developing a unique identity for Kimberley, and may focus on accessibility improvements.
  • Net Zero: Investment in green technologies reducing the town centre’s carbon footprint and air pollution emissions, encouraging more sustainable, healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Perception of place: The town centre is Kimberley’s focal point and the main route through the town. As such, the better look and feel of the town centre should encourage local pride. Larger projects focused on the conservation of the aesthetic appeal of Kimberley are welcomed. Enhancing the Victorian or Edwardian look of your building, if appropriate to your venture, is encouraged.

Funding Information

• Businesses can apply for:
  • Small grants – up to £5,000, with at least 15% match-funding from the applicant for the whole project.
  • For example, a project totalling £5,883, would be made up of a grant of £5,000 and match funding from the applicant of £883 (15% of the whole project).
• Grant applications over £5,000 fall outside the remit of this scheme. They may consider a small number of large grant applications (with at least 40% Match Funding), but applicants will need to speak to the Economic Development team at Broxtowe Borough Council to develop any potential project. Applications for such projects will not be accepted through this portal.

Who can apply?

• A business must be registered and have a business bank account. Registration can take the legal form of sole trader, partnership, limited company or social enterprise/CIC (Community Interest Company). Other forms of incorporation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Priority will be given to businesses that have not received grants in Rounds 1 or 2.
• Businesses must be located within the designated area of Kimberley.
• All businesses must be able to provide proof of secure tenure.
• The grant must be spent on new investment and cannot cover any costs already incurred.
• Business start-ups may apply, but they will need to produce a viable business plan and proof of property tenure.
• The focus of these grants is on small local businesses. However, they will consider applications from larger businesses or franchises whose proposals are in line with the stipulated criteria and will explicitly bring wider benefits to Kimberley. They will not fund work that merely conforms to a corporate identity.

For more information, visit Broxtowe Borough Council.