Rochdale: Start-up business grant

​​​To help boost business and create more vibrant town centres in the borough, Rochdale Council is offering a big benefit to new independent retailers opening in selected empty units.

Whether you’re setting up a business for the first time, trading outside the town centre and looking for a high street base, or thinking of expanding, there’s never been a better time to bring your business to the borough of Rochdale.

Using your grant

You can use the start-up grant for new doors, windows and signage, as well as other permanent work such as internal improvements. 

The grants cover 50% of the cost of the work, with grants of up to £5,000 available. ​​

Properties​ available

​​The start-up grants apply to selected empty properties in the following areas:

Rochdale

• Yorkshire Street up to John Street
• The Walk
• Parts of Baillie Street
• South Parade
• Cheetham Street
• Union Street
• St Mary's Gate

Heywood

• Market Place
• Market Street
• Parts of Bridge Street

Middleton

• Parts of Long Street
• Parts of Wood Street
• Middleton Gardens

View scheme boundary maps

Eligibility

We’ve launched the scheme to reduce the number of empty shops in key town centres and improve the quality of the shopping experience in the borough of Rochdale.

You must be a Rochdale resident and applications must be submitted before the new business has opened. Any money spent or committed to be spent before a grant is approved will not be eligible to be covered by the grant.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from the following types of businesses:

• Cafes, restaurants and coffee shops
• Clothes shops
• Shops selling food and drink
• ​Home and garden shops
• Travel shops
• Specialist shops
• Health and beauty shops
• Finance, banking, solicitors and professional services 

Restrictions

​​The following businesses are excluded from the scheme:

• Charity shops
• Pawnbrokers and cash generator shops
• Mobile phone shops
• Off-licences and newsagents​
• E-cig shops
• Pubs, bars and clubs
• Pound shops
• Taxi offices
• Adult shops
• Takeaways​