Apply Now for Shop Front Grants and Local Business Support
Published: 09 June 2025
Cumberland Council is pleased to announce further funding support for the local economy, made possible by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
Shop Front Grants – 2025–26
Capital funding of £105,000 has been allocated for the third year of the shop front grant scheme. This programme supports improvements to commercial properties in town and city centres across Cumberland.
- Over 100 premises upgraded to date
- 11 vacant units brought back into use
- Examples: 16 King Street, Whitehaven and 121 Senhouse Street, Maryport
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:
“The previous grants have proved to be a great success, and we urge businesses to apply. If your high street or town centre property could benefit from a new look, please apply online.”
Additional Grants & Business Support
Cumbria Business Growth Hub
Supported by £200,000 UKSPF and £400,000 REPF, available to:
- Small, micro, and medium-sized businesses
Capital Grants available for:
- Equipment or productivity improvements
- Business premises upgrades
- Tourism and heritage asset improvements
- Farm diversification support
Revenue support includes:
- Consultancy vouchers
- 1:1 business adviser support
- Workshops and programmes for business resilience
- Specialist support for agricultural businesses via the Farmers Network
Email: info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
Enterprising Cumbria – Accelerator Programme
£200,000 revenue funding supports:
- Tailored business support for new and existing businesses
- 1:1 innovation support for growth-focused businesses
- Pre-startup guidance and potential launch funding
Email: lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk
UKSPF & REPF Overview
These programmes support the UK Government’s missions to boost local pride, economic growth, and community power:
- 2025–26 UKSPF allocation for Cumberland: £3,463,047
(including £639,388 capital and £2,823,659 revenue funding) - REPF allocation for Cumberland: £755,827
More details about remaining funds will follow.
For press/media enquiries, contact: sarah.irving@cumberland.gov.uk
Funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
