Grants available for Torbay's town centre retail businesses and start-ups as the Torbay Enterprise Fund reopens

Following the successful launch of the Torbay Enterprise Fund in September, Torbay Council are pleased to announce that the fund will reopen for a second round of applications from local businesses on Monday 10 November.

The fund was created to support business growth in local start-ups and town centre businesses, helping to enhance Torbay’s high streets and strengthen the local economy.

It offers two types of grants for local businesses and high streets in Torbay, a Start Up grant and a Retail Unit Improvement grant. 

Retail Unit Improvement grants of up to £5,000 are available for independent, town centre retail businesses in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham to support improvements to shop fronts.

The funding is designed to help enhance Torbay’s town centre spaces, supporting the local business community to thrive all year round and making town centres more inviting and accessible for visitors. 

Applications are open to local small and medium-sized enterprises, in designated town centre locations, and can help with a variety of external physical improvements such as signage and refurbishments. 

Support is also available for Torbay’s entrepreneurs and start-up businesses through the Fund’s Start Up grant.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available to new businesses, launched on or after 1 April 2025, to help with eligible start-up costs such as websites or essential equipment.

The funding is designed to help local start-up businesses that may be struggling to access the initial funding needed to succeed.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said:

“I’m pleased that we are reopening the Torbay Enterprise Fund for a second round of applications following its successful launch in September. It’s a great opportunity for town centre businesses and local start-ups to access grant funding that will help them to grow and thrive. Applications open soon, so I’d encourage any businesses who think they’re eligible to find out more.”

Applications for each of the grants will open on Monday 10 November. Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply to both grants, and more information can be found on our website.