New grant scheme to support Chelmsford’s urban businesses

Chelmsford City Council is launching a new grant scheme to help support small businesses across the district’s urban areas. The new Urban Business Grant scheme, which opens in May, offers capital funding to support productivity, reduce operating costs and strengthen long-term resilience.

Urban businesses are central to Chelmsford’s economy and help create vibrant, welcoming town centres. Many small businesses, particularly those in retail, hospitality, leisure and personal services, continue to face rising operational costs. This grant aims to give them the support they need to invest in improvements that will help them grow and adapt.  

The new Urban Business Grant scheme builds on the success of the council's rural business grant funding delivered via the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Since 2022, this programme has helped rural enterprises invest in improvements to their premises, enhance productivity, create local employment opportunities and sustain the vitality of Chelmsford’s rural economy. The launch of the Urban Business Grant scheme will ensure that businesses in the city’s urban centres can now access similar support. 

What the scheme offers

Small businesses based within Chelmsford’s defined urban areas, including South Woodham Ferrers, can apply for grants of up to £10,000, with a total funding pot of £100,000 available. For this scheme, a small business is defined as a business which employs fewer than 50 employees and has an annual turnover or a balance sheet total not exceeding £10 million. 

To ensure the fund supports businesses that are committed to investing in their own growth, applicants will be expected to provide match funding to 20% of the grant they apply for. For example, a £10,000 grant request would require a £2,000 match funding contribution from the business. This helps strengthen the impact of the support and encourages further investment. 

Funding must be used for capital investment, such as improving buildings or purchasing equipment with a long-term benefit. Applications will be made through an online process where businesses will be asked to provide details about their project, costs, timings and expected outcomes. 

Projects will be considered on how well they: 

• Support business growth and productivity
• Create or safeguard jobs
• Help promote urban areas, including boosting footfall and improving how people use and experience local centres
• Demonstrate value for money and can be delivered successfully
• Align with the council’s wider economic development and environmental priorities 

Speaking ahead of the launch of the scheme, Councillor Simon Goldman, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property, said: 

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“Small businesses play a huge role in making Chelmsford’s centres vibrant, welcoming places. We know many are facing rising costs and pressure to adapt, and this grant scheme is designed to give them the extra support they need to invest in their future. Whether it’s improving premises, upgrading equipment or making changes that boost productivity, these grants can make a real difference. We encourage any eligible business to apply and take this opportunity to achieve their ambitions.”

Cllr Simon Goldman, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property

To be among the first to receive full details and apply, keep an eye on the Chelmsford City Council website and sign up for the Invest Chelmsford newsletter. 

Discretionary Grant

The Urban Business Grant is not the only funding scheme that will be opening for applications in May.  

Chelmsford City Council’s Discretionary Grant scheme is available to voluntary or community organisations who work for the benefit of Chelmsford residents. 

The scheme’s focus is on supporting ‘vulnerable people’ living in Chelmsford through small grants to non-profit organisations. To be eligible for the grant, organisations are required to be working for and benefitting residents in the Chelmsford district.   

Organisations are required to supply 50% of matched funding from other sources. This shouldn’t just be an organisation’s own funds as one of the purposes of matched funding is to bring funds into the city from other sources. The grant can only be spent on revenue costs, which are the ongoing costs that have to be paid as a normal part of providing a project. 

The Discretionary Grant Scheme goes live in May. You can find out details on eligibility and on how to apply on the Community Funding webpage of Chelmsford City Council’s website.