Businesses and entrepreneurs could get up to £10,000 to help bring empty commercial premises back to life in Crawshawbooth, Waterfoot and Rawtenstall.
A new grant programme is now open to businesses looking to move into an eligible vacant premises in one of these three areas.
The Pride in Place-funded Make Your Move programme is open to entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses from anywhere, provided they are looking to take on an eligible empty commercial unit.
It could be an opportunity for:
- A home-based business ready to open its first shop
- A market trader looking for a permanent base
- An existing business looking to expand
- Someone with a new business idea who is ready to take the next step
Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available and could help towards costs such as fit-out works, shopfront improvements, equipment, signage, accessibility improvements, fixtures and fittings. The aim is to bring empty units back into use, attract new businesses, increase footfall and create more reasons for people to visit and spend time in our town centres.
Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Borough Council, said:
“Rossendale is a brilliant place to do business. We have a really strong independent spirit here, fantastic communities and people who genuinely want to see local businesses succeed.”
“We’re always pleased to welcome new businesses to our high streets, and this is a wonderful opportunity to help people take that next step, whether that means opening their first premises, growing an existing business or bringing a completely new idea to Rossendale.”
“I’m really excited to see what comes forward and to support businesses that can add something special to the area and become part of our community.”
Iain Taylor, Chair of the Pride in Place Board, added:
“This funding is not about filling units for the sake of it, it’s about creating visible change in our town centres and backing the right businesses. That means businesses that are viable, distinctive, and capable of adding character, energy and something genuinely valuable to the area.”
“Pride in Place is focused on investment that delivers visible, lasting change. By helping strong businesses take on vacant premises, we can support growth, increase footfall and build greater confidence in our town centres.”
“The best outcome will be seeing successful businesses trading from these spaces for years to come, creating jobs and giving people more reasons to visit and spend locally.”
How to apply:
The programme is being delivered by Rossendale Borough Council, with the Council's Economic Development Team on hand to support applicants through the process.
The first step is a short Expression of Interest, asking applicants to outline their business idea, proposed premises and likely funding requirement.
Successful applicants may then be invited to submit a full application.
Expressions of Interest close on 28th September 2026, although businesses are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Find out more, check the eligible areas and submit your Expression of Interest: MAKE YOUR MOVE | Invest in Rossendale