Wednesday 7 April 2010

GRANTS TO HELP FILL UP EMPTY SHOPS

People setting up new businesses or wanting to move their businesses only have another few weeks to apply for grants to move into vacant shops in the centres of Margate and Ramsgate.

Grants of up to £2,500 are available from Thanet District Council, as part of a funding programme, which aims to boost town centres and bring empty shops back into use.

The Business Support Grants are available to people who want to set up in a shop that has been empty for at least a month and they will need to have a sound plan and be open to the public.

Grants can be used to fund a number of things, including the fit-out of the premises, buying assets such as equipment, and cleaning and decorating the premises. However, the money cannot be used for day to day management or administration costs and will be aimed at specific business types.

Support is not available to high street chains or if public funding has already been used to refurbish the empty unit.

Louise Askew, Economic Development Officer, said: "This money is all about bringing some of the empty shops in Margate and Ramsgate back into use. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to set up a new business or perhaps move an existing business to get a high profile unit in the centre of one of the two towns. This money aims to give small businesses a major boost and help to bring new life back into our town centres."

Applications have to be made before any work starts and forms are available at http://www.thanet.gov.uk/business.aspx Applications need to be submitted to the council by Friday 30 April.

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