Love Your Market Town

Grant Funding 2026/27

Support your local high street - attract new people to the town, increase

dwell time and improve the experience for residents and visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Love Your Market Town grant scheme?

The Love Your Market Town grant scheme is to part-fund or fully fund projects that will have

a positive impact on Norfolk’s local high streets.

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from town councils, local groups and businesses.

Where must the project be based?

Your project must be located within the boundaries of Norfolk.

What types of projects can be funded?

Your project must be a new idea and should support multiple areas or services within a local

town. Your project should be sustainable in future years without additional external funding.

There are no restrictions on the kind of activities that can be funded, but ideas must be

linked to creating interest or increasing footfall in town centres.

What outcomes are expected from a grant-supported project?

Following completion of a grant supported project, we would expect to see:

 Increased town centre footfall and dwell time

 Diversification of offering to attract new people to the town

 Enhancement of existing services to significantly increase people’s experience in the

town

 Introduction of ideas, concepts, or events to create awareness of the town

What can’t be funded?

 VAT, unless it is not recoverable

 Any costs incurred before a grant offer is made

 Items that are not directly required to deliver the proposed project (for example,

general operating costs)

 Those that benefit a private individual such as enhancement of personal premises or

assets

What level of funding can I apply for?

The grant can fund up to 100% of project costs. Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 are

available.

When do projects need to be delivered?

For maximum economic growth impact, our focus will be on projects delivered by the end of

March 2027, although we welcome longer-term projects with completion dates extending to

the end of December 2027.

LYMT Grant – FAQ v1 2026/27

What is the application timeline?

 EOI forms accepted from 17 July 2026 through to 31 August 2026

 Applications accepted until 14 September 2026

 Independent panel will review applications by end of September 2026

 Applicants will be notified of their outcome by 12 October 2026

 Projects to be delivered from October 2026 to December 2027

What are examples of suitable projects?

For examples of projects we have funded in the past, please visit our webpage:

Love Your Market Town Grant - New Anglia Growth Hub

How do I apply for funding?

Read these FAQs carefully to consider whether your project may be eligible for funding.

If you consider your project eligible and you would like to apply, please download a copy of

the Expression of Interest (EOI) form here: Love Your Market Town Grant - New Anglia

Growth Hub.

Please return the completed EOI form to the Norfolk’s High Streets Matter team at

nhsm@norfolk.gov.uk

If your EOI form is eligible the team will then provide you with an application form which you

need to fully and carefully complete, taking note of both the requirements within the FAQs

and the application form.

What else should I know before applying?

 There are limited funds available and the panel’s decision is final.

 If your application is successful, you will need to make the full investment yourself

and then claim the grant payment once the project is complete.

 The fund will run from October 2026, and all projects are expected to be fully

completed and claimed for by 31 December 2027.

 This discretionary grant is awarded by an independent panel, and after presentation

to the panel, it may take up to 28 days for you to be notified of a decision.

 All projects will need to demonstrate value for money and there will be a requirement

to provide a minimum of one quote for each contract.

 Funding is subject to Subsidy Control under Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) and

businesses will be required to declare any previous subsidy received.

 The Expression of Interest (EOI) form and Application form must be completed in

digital format and typed.

 You will receive advice and support as required during the application process.

 If your project requires Planning Permission or any other permission/licence, you

must confirm this prior to application and provide evidence with your application.