Select from the options below to find out more about business grants. Any questions about business grants please contact the Economic Growth Team by email at edu@chorley.gov.uk.
- Rural Business Grant Programme
- Business Energy and Road to Net Zero Grant
- High Street Vacant Property Grant
- Chorley Business Improvement Grant (BIG)
- Chorley Upskilling Grant
Rural Business Grant Programme
Are you a rural business in Chorley with a new product ready to launch into a fresh market? Chorley Council is here to help you take that next big step.
What’s it for?
The Rural Business Grant Programme supports rural businesses looking to:
- launch new products into domestic or overseas markets
- undertake market research or attend industry events to prepare for a launch.
Funding available
The council has been awarded funding from the Government’s REPF (Rural England Prosperity Fund) to help supercharge growth and help businesses across the borough’s rural areas.
Eligible businesses can apply for up to 50% of their total project costs, with:
- minimum project spend: £40,000 (grant of £20,000)
- maximum grant available: £40,000 (project spend of £80,000)
Key details
- there is a 3 stage application process for local businesses looking to apply. Firstly, any business interested must email edu@chorley.gov.uk with their postcode and a very brief outline of their project to determine whether they are located within an eligible rural postcode and their project meets local priorities. Secondly, once eligibility is confirmed they will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest to check that their project meets local priorities and fits within the timeframe for the programme. All applicants invited to proceed to full application will be expected to attend a business planning session and will also receive 1-2-1 support.
- this is a competitive grant programme and applications will be assessed on specific eligibility criteria
- projects must demonstrate clear market potential and business impact.
For more information please contact the Economic Growth Team at edu@chorley.gov.uk or call 01257 515300
Business Energy and Road to Net Zero Grant
Chorley Council is supporting local SMEs on their journey to sustainability with our new Energy & Road to Net Zero Grant.
Is this grant right for you?
Are you a Chorley-based SME aiming to:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
- improve energy efficiency?
- invest in low-carbon technologies or reduce reliance on fossil fuels?
- drive business growth and job retention through greener operations?
If so, this grant could help you make a real impact.
What is available?
A limited number of grants ranging from £10,000 to £15,000 are available for high-impact decarbonisation projects within Chorley’s business community.
Key details
- funding is limited, so early applications are encouraged and are on a first come, first served basis.
- projects must demonstrate clear environmental and operational benefits.
For more information and how to apply please contact the Economic Growth Team at edu@chorley.gov.uk or call 01257 515300
High Street Vacant Property Grant
Chorley Council is helping to bring empty retail spaces back to life with the High Street Vacant Property Grant.
What is it for?
This grant provides financial support to landlords or prospective tenants of vacant retail properties in Chorley. It’s designed to encourage investment in:
- external signage and shop frontage
- shop floor and back-office upgrades
- new equipment to support business operations.
Key details
- funding is limited, so early applications are encouraged and are on a first come, first served basis.
- all proposed improvements must be supported by a clear business case.
Why apply?
Revitalising vacant units boosts footfall, strengthens the local economy, and helps businesses thrive. If you’re planning to transform a retail space, this grant could help make it happen.
For more information and how to apply please contact the Economic Growth Team at edu@chorley.gov.uk or call 01257 515300
Chorley Business Improvement Grant (BIG) – Boosting Business Growth
The Chorley BIG Grant is designed to support established businesses with bold plans for growth and job creation.
Who can apply?
Businesses that have been trading for over 6 months and are looking to:
- expand operations
- increase employment
- invest in infrastructure or equipment.
What can the grant be used for?
Funding can support a wide range of growth-related improvements, including:
- Construction of new buildings
- refurbishment or adaptation of existing premises
- site engineering works
- plant and equipment
- signage
- hard/soft landscaping
- security enhancements
Why apply?
The BIG Grant helps businesses in Chorley Borough scale up and succeed, with financial support aimed at enabling expansion and creating new jobs.
Key details
- funding is limited, so early applications are encouraged and are on a first come, first served basis.
For more information and how to apply please contact the Economic Growth Team at edu@chorley.gov.uk or call 01257 515300
Chorley Upskilling Grant - Invest in your team's future
Chorley Council is proud to offer the Upskilling Grant, designed to help local businesses grow by supporting the cost of accredited training courses for their staff.
What is available?
Eligible businesses can receive up to £500 to cover training costs. This grant can be used for:
- multiple accredited courses
- training for one or more employees.
Key information
- limited availability – grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis
- pre-approval required – training must not begin until you receive a written offer letter from Chorley Council
- maximum grant value £500 per business
- deadline – all training must be completed by 31 December 2025.
How to apply
You can apply for the upskilling grant online.
Submit your application early to avoid missing out. We’ll review your request and confirm eligibility before training begins.
Eligibility criteria
- up to £500 per business for upskilling – This can be for any number of courses/ employees
- SME with premises in Chorley – employee must be based at the Chorley location
- course must have paid for by December 2025. Payments are made retrospectively; therefore, the business must pay for the training first and the grant will be paid on a receipt being provided and proof of payment
- this grant can only be used to fund accredited training courses and cannot be used to fund apprenticeships, skills bootcamps or any other training available through DWP funded initiatives or adult education provision
- the course must not commence before the grant offer has been reviewed and a decision has been given
- individuals completing the course must be an employee and paid a minimum of National Living Wage
- businesses must be active and trading as usual and not dormant, in liquidation, dissolved, or subject to a striking-off notice.
- applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We reserve the right to amend the schemes at any time
- businesses that have already received support that equals or exceeds the maximum Subsidy Allowance limits are excluded
- employees must have a right to work within the UK
- have not already had the upskilling grant from Chorley Council in the previous 12 months.
Any questions about business grants please contact the Economic Growth Team by email to edu@chorley.gov.uk or call 01257515300