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New Urban Business Grant scheme to support small businesses

Published: 12 May 2026

Urban businesses play a vital role in Chelmsford’s economy, helping to create vibrant and welcoming city and town centres. The Urban Business Grant scheme aims to support small businesses to invest in improvements that boost productivity, reduce operating costs and build long-term resilience.

The Urban Business Grant scheme builds on the success of the council's rural business grant funding delivered via the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Over the last three years this programme has helped strengthen Chelmsford’s rural economy and businesses in the city’s urban centres can now access similar support.

Small businesses located within Chelmsford’s defined urban areas, including South Woodham Ferrers, will be able to apply for grants of up to £10,000 with a total funding pot of £100,000 available. Funding must be used for capital investment, such as building improvements or the purchase of equipment that delivers lasting benefits.

Applications will be assessed on how well projects:

  • Support business growth and productivity
  • Create or safeguard local jobs
  • Promote urban areas, including increasing footfall and improving the experience of local centres
  • Deliver value for money and can be completed successfully
  • Align with the council’s wider economic development and environmental priorities.

Applicants will be expected to provide match funding of at least 20% of the grant requested, demonstrating commitment to investing in their own growth and strengthening the overall impact of the scheme.

For the purposes of this scheme, a small business is defined as employing fewer than 50 employees and having an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than £10 million. Applicants will need to outline their proposed project, costs, timescales and expected outcomes.

Applications open on 11 May and will remain open until 30 June. Full eligibility details and the online application form will be available on the Invest Chelmsford website