16/09/2025: Breckland Council relaunches fund in latest step to support high streets

Breckland Council has relaunched its popular Meanwhile Enterprise Grant Scheme under a new name - the Reopen Scheme - A Meanwhile Grant - to continue supporting local entrepreneurs and revitalising high streets across the district. 

This is just the latest in a long line of support offered by Breckland to create flourishing market towns. Open alongside it is the Shopfront Repair and Redecoration Small Grants Scheme, which, using funding made available through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), helps fund works to revitalise the appearance of buildings to enhance the look and feel of our high streets.

This follows the council's recent allocation of £285,000 made available through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to help rural businesses start up, grow or diversify. This public investment has already unlocked an additional £1,104,341 in private sector funding, bringing the total investment into Breckland's rural economy to £1.4 million.  

In addition, Breckland recently partnered with Norfolk County Council to enable another round of the Love Your Market Town grant scheme, which last year saw ten organisations awarded grants to help them improve footfall and increase sales in our market towns.

The Meanwhile Enterprise Grant Scheme, now named the Reopen Scheme - A Meanwhile Grant, has already helped several businesses breathe new life into vacant town centre properties, strengthening the local economy and improving the vibrancy of Breckland's towns. Since starting the programme in late 2022, we have invested over £180,000 into the scheme, which has allowed 21 entrepreneurs to open their first business, created over 20 jobs, and filled over 1000 m2 of empty commercial space. 

The refreshed Reopen Scheme will build on this success, and offers two types of funding to help local enterprises take their next step: 

• Vacant High Street Shop Grant - up to £8,000 to support businesses and community groups moving into empty shops in market towns or substantial villages.

• Market Town Stall Grant - up to £1,000 to help traders establish a regular stall in one of Breckland's busy market towns. 

With support available for rent, set-up costs, and essential equipment, the Reopen Scheme is designed to give local businesses the confidence to launch, grow, and bring fresh ideas to town centres.

Breckland Executive Member for Economic Development & Growth, Cllr Paul Claussen, commented: "Our high streets are the heart of Breckland's communities, and we want to make sure they remain lively, welcoming, and resilient. The support we offer through these grants emphasises our commitment to help businesses and community organisations to thrive, while making our market towns even more attractive places to live, work, shop, and visit." 

Applications are now open. 

For more information, guidance, and to apply, visitvisit the Reopen Scheme webpage.