High Streets Matter Grant Funding 2026/27
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the High Streets Matter grant?
The High Streets Matter grant is a business improvement grant for eligible businesses to
part-fund or fully fund business improvement through investment in projects that create
lasting benefits for the business.
How much funding can I apply for?
Eligible businesses can apply for up to £1,000.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from businesses who have completed the Retail Excellence or
Hospitality Matters programme and attended a minimum of 75% of the programme
workshops.
What types of projects can be funded?
Funding is for projects that help improve productivity, efficiency, customer experience or
long-term business performance. For more information on eligible costs please refer to the
High Streets Matter Grant Funding Eligibility document.
Can I use the funding for purchases/works the businesses has already made?
No, expenditure must not be incurred until a formal grant offer has been issued and
accepted
How long do I have to apply for the grant?
Invitations to eligible businesses will be issued 1 week after the final workshop. The
application timeline will then be as follows:
• Applicants have 2 weeks to submit their application from the date the invitation is issued.
• Successful applicants will be issued a grant offer letter, this grant offer will remain open
for 3 weeks during which time you will need to accept the offer before making any
purchases.
• Applicants will have 12 weeks from the date on the grant offer letter to submit claim
documents.
How long do I have to claim the grant funding?
Applicants must submit their claim documents to us within 12 weeks of the date of their offer
letter so spend must be made within this time.
What can’t be funded?
• VAT, unless it is not recoverable
• Any costs incurred before a grant offer is made
• General operating costs such as salaries, utilities, business rates and insurance
• Those that benefit a private individual such as enhancement of personal premises or
assets.
I am not VAT registered, can I claim VAT on purchases?
Yes, if you are not VAT registered you can claim the VAT made on purchases, you must
include the amount plus VAT in your application. For example, if you are purchasing
something for £100+VAT you must include in your application a claim for £120.
If you are VAT registered you cannot include VAT in your claim.
How do I apply for funding?
Read these FAQs carefully along with the High Streets Matter Grant Funding Eligibility
document. Eligible businesses will receive an email invitation, follow the APPLY link within
this email to complete the application.
What else should I know before applying?
• If your application is successful, you will need to make the full investment yourself
and then claim the grant payment once payments are made.
• You will be required to submit claim documents to evidence spend within 12 weeks of
receiving your grant offer letter. These documents must include invoices/receipts and
proof of payment by bank statements.
• Our preferred method of payment is direct from business bank account. If purchases
are made by credit card, we will need to see evidence that the full balance on the
card has been paid off (i.e. next credit card statement).
• Funding is subject to Subsidy Control under Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA).
• You will receive advice and support as required during the application process.
• Projects must be ready to proceed, with all necessary permissions, approvals and
consents already in place where applicable.
