Business Visual Improvement Fund 2022

Business Visual Improvement Fund 2022

The Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) has set aside £15,000 for this financial year to contribute towards a selection of visual business project ideas that will have a positive impact in the BID area. Awards in the amount of £300* (maximum) will be given to selected businesses. *Larger amounts may be considered if there is a compelling case.

All projects submitted must align with at least 3 of the BID’s strategic aims and will be assessed against these aims when the applications for funding are awarded. Applications will only be accepted from those adding visual improvement and additionality to their existing businesses. The applicant must present the ‘extension / additionality to their existing project’ within their application. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID’s Strategic Aims: 

Increase footfall within the BID area 

Raise awareness of the City Centre’s unique offerings 

Enhance and improve the experience of those visiting the BID area

Deliver a strong marketing offer to highlight Stoke-on-Trent City Centre’s hidden gems 

Increase the safety of those visiting the BID area 

Provide a cleaner and greener environment to attract visitors 

Reduce anti-social behaviour and crime within the BID area

Enhance and improve the streetscape of the BID area

Applicants’ proposals must support and enhance the project areas from within the BID’s business plan. Businesses applying can be for-profit or not-for-profit, but must be able to identify the positive visual impact of their plan. Applications can be made to the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre “BUSINESS VISUAL IMPROVEMENT” Fund once a year. A panel will meet to assess and award accordingly.

Who can apply? 

Any City Centre businesses within the BID Levy Area, who have a genuine desire to improve their business frontage.

Examples of requests for funds would include (but not be limited to):

New or improved shop signage

Painting - building, frames, doors, etc.

Boarding out or glass replacement of upstairs windows

Hanging Baskets

Deep cleaning (outside)

Window wraps for closed businesses

To be eligible for the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre “BUSINESS VISUAL IMPROVEMENT” Fund, you must:

Be providing a idea aimed at improving and enhancing Stoke-on-Trent City Centre

Be based in England 

Be a registered organisation, community group, association, or an individual

Ensure your idea is for the benefit of the city centre 

Be able to match fund larger projects financially or in kind (example: The BID will provide the paint, the business does the work).

Funding criteria: Things to consider as an applicant

The BID receives a high proportion of requests for funding; therefore, your application needs to be clear, compelling and provide a concise rationale as to why it will support the BODY's primary objectives for the city centre. 

Do you have an idea or project that intends to drive footfall and increase footfall in Stoke on-Trent City Centre? 

Do you have a city centre business project that requires grant funding to help deliver it?

Does your project match the aspiration of the BID’s business plans?

Do you have an action plan for your project with timeline and metrics? 

Is your application to provide an extension / additionality to an existing business?

How is the rest of the project being funded (if applicable)?

Payments will be made retrospectively once work has been completed

Please also note, the BID must be able to show Return on Investment to its levy payers.  Therefore, any publicity about the activity would need to include suitable coverage about the BID’s input. All successful applications would be publicised by the BID through platforms such as press releases, website coverage, social media, and other avenues, therefore those applying must acknowledge this in advance. To view the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID Business Plan and the BID area, visit www.stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk and click the relevant link at the top of the page

Key Dates:

20/04/2022 Applications Open

30/04/2022 Applications Assessed

06/05/2022 Offers made to Successful Applications

10/05/2022 Dates agreed for Completion of Work

HOW TO APPLY:

Simply download our application form and return to hello@stokeontrendbid.co.uk, or fill out the copy you receive from our ambassadors and return back to us at The BID.