New grant offers up to £15,000 for Telford tourism businesses

Telford & Wrekin Council has launched a new grant to support independent businesses that boost the Borough’s tourism industry.

The Pride Destination Grant, the latest addition to the council’s Pride in Our High Street programme, is aimed at businesses, attractions and charitable organisations that attract visitors but sit outside traditional high street locations, meaning they’ve previously been unable to access existing Pride in Our High Street grants.

Grants range from £2,500 to £15,000, and can support visitor infrastructure improvements, building and accessibility enhancements, tourism facilities, equipment purchases and digital upgrades. The fund will not cover general operating costs, retrospective expenditure, debt repayment, staff salaries unrelated to the project, rent, business rates or utilities.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for jobs, transport and digital connectivity, said: “We’re pleased to extend our package of support for businesses through the Pride in Our High Street programme with the launch of this new Pride Destination Grant.

“There are so many businesses across our Borough that attract tourists from far and wide which aren’t located on our main Borough high streets and we want to support them, helping them to increase tourism, generate more footfall and create new jobs.”

Councillor Angela McClements, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, added: “This new grant is a fantastic opportunity for tourism businesses, attractions and organisations across the Borough to invest in their offer and create even more reasons for people to visit Telford. Alongside this funding, businesses can also benefit from free membership of Visit Telford, giving them access to destination marketing campaigns, business support, partnership opportunities and a platform to reach new audiences.”

Scott Adams, managing director of Exotic Zoo Wildlife Park, said: “We’re really pleased to see Telford & Wrekin Council launch the new Pride Destination Grant and recognise the important role that attractions and tourism businesses outside of the traditional high streets play in the local economy. As an independent visitor attraction, we know first-hand how important continued investment is to create new experiences, improve facilities and give people more reasons to visit and return to Telford.”

The grant is open to organisations anywhere within the Telford and Wrekin administrative boundary, with eligibility determined by an organisation’s ability to demonstrate its economic impact and visitor attraction.