A pot of £180,000 will be shared between eligible businesses in a bid to boost trade by sprucing up shopfronts and helping the traders with the upkeep of their units.
The Mayor asked for the grant scheme to be set up as part of the Middlesbrough Priorities Fund.
Businesses in the hospitality, leisure, personal care and non-essential retail sectors will be able to apply for grants of up to £5,000 each.
Mayor Cooke said: “Our independent businesses serve their communities with great dedication and when we’re in a position to help them, we should.
“These grants can help with things like signage and lighting, as well as improvements to doors and windows. Relatively small amounts of money can go a long way in improving the look and feel of local shops.
“The aim is to help the businesses thrive by making them more attractive to customers.”
Businesses must be responsible for their own commercial rates or significant rental value and be able to provide evidence. Applications will only be accepted from the business owners. Owners of vacant premises are not eligible.
Grants will be awarded based on priority factors of local need, applicant contribution (if the total works exceed the £5,000 limit) and quotations from local providers.
Full details of the grants and how to apply are available online now. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025.
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