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Grants of £2.5k to £10k are to be made available to people in Bristol who wish to start trading from vacant commercial properties, if they’re located in Bristol’s designated City Centre or one of 46 designated high streets there.

Bristol City Council (BCC) launched the Vacant Commercial Property Grant to help reduce the number of empty commercial properties across the city. This scheme forms part of its City Centre and High Streets Renewal Programme, and aims to support small businesses and sole traders, charities, community groups and more.

BCC says the core objectives are to reduce commercial vacancy rates across the city’s designated high streets and in the city centre, as well as to diversify these areas. It’s also hoped the move will go some way in increasing footfall, as well as creating new jobs and generally “making Bristol a better place to live for residents.”

Other schemes already in place to counter vacant lots on the nation’s high streets have included a plan to auction off empty premises. 

Intended to help individuals or groups get up and running in properties, the grants will not provide ongoing support. They have been funded by the council itself, as well as the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and the UK government through its UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To be considered for the grant, applicants must be leaders of a small business, charity, CIC, arts or cultural group, or operating as a sole trader.

Organisations to be considered must employ fewer than 50 people, have a maximum turnover of £10.2 million or less, and a balance sheet showing £5.1 million or less. They must also be new to Bristol’s commercial property market or returning after at least a six-month absence, or expanding into an additional property - not simply relocating.

Applications must be received by 14 November 2025. Successful applicants must start trading from their funded properties by Friday 30 January 2026. Further details and application forms can be found here.