Torbay Enterprise Fund

We have launched the Torbay Enterprise Fund to help support business growth for start-ups and retail businesses in Torbay.

The fund builds on the success of our previous business support programmes and complements the holistic approach of our Start Up, Stay Up, Scale Up business support programme which provides one route of entry for all business support enquiries.

The Enterprise Fund offers two different grants to support local businesses and high streets in Torbay:

• A Start Up grant (now closed)
• A Retail Unit Improvement grant.

There is more information below. 

Start Up grant

The Start-up grant is aimed at helping new businesses in Torbay who are experiencing difficulties with accessing start-up finance. 

Please note that the Start Up grants have now closed and are no longer accepting applications. 

Retail Unit Improvement grant

The Retail Unit Improvement grant will help enhance Torbay’s town centres by supporting SME high street businesses in designated town centre locations to make physical improvements to their shop fronts.

Grants available: grants of up to £5,000

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to help support existing independent businesses make improvements to shop fronts within specified town centre locations in Torbay. See our Enterprise Grant Fund questions for defined areas.

The grant must be used for external refurbishment, signage, shop fronts or any cosmetic or physical improvements, and must be matched pound for pound.

Full eligibility criteria are available on the applications form. 

Key dates

Start Up grants: These are now closed.

Retail grants: Applications for the Retail Unit Improvement grants are open and will remain open until all the funding has been allocated.

Next Steps

Your application will be reviewed within three weeks of submission, where you will receive a status update. 

Tips for a successful application

• Read our answers to your questions.
• Read all information on the application thoroughly, including the terms and conditions, eligibility criteria qualifying locations and questions.
• Provide itemised costs with appropriate evidence of these. For example, quotes or screenshots.
• Ensure you send your supporting evidence as described within the application form IE: Basis Business Plan and cash flow. Without this, your application will likely be unsuccessful.
• Where possible, provide images via email of your shop front areas as they are now. This will help you make the case for investment. 
• Make sure you press the submit button on the last page to ensure your application is properly submitted.

Need help?

Reasonable adjustments are available.

If you have any questions or require any support, please contact our Economy team by emailing EconomyTeam@torbay.gov.uk.