Croydon Council has unveiled a major new initiative designed to help local businesses start, grow and thrive. It includes a refreshed package of grants, rates relief and dedicated support available across the borough.
Croydon Means Business, launched on Tuesday (24 March), brings together a series of targeted programmes that aim to increase occupancy in vacant buildings, create new jobs for residents and build a more resilient, vibrant commercial environment.
An Empty Unit Activation Grant of £10,000 will be available to qualifying small businesses to transform vacant commercial spaces and bring unused units back into use.
Alongside this, independent businesses will be able to apply for a Shop Improvement Grant of £5,000 to make improvements to shopfronts, boost accessibility and improve energy efficiency – ensuring Croydon’s high streets look and feel more welcoming.
To lower barriers for new ventures and encourage faster occupation of empty premises, Croydon is rolling out business rates relief for new occupiers of long‑vacant units. This is designed to boost the local economy, attract inward investment and help businesses build strong foundations as they grow.
A new concierge and business support service is also being introduced, offering hands‑on support to navigate grants, processes and opportunities. This aims to make it easier for entrepreneurs to get up and running and to ensure established firms can access the right help to thrive.
The services are supported by funding from Croydon Growth Zone, the long-term joint initiative between Croydon Council and the Greater London Authority (GLA) which allows business rates to be reinvested into town centre regeneration.
Supporting local businesses and growing Croydon’s economy are priorities for Executive Mayor Jason Perry as part of Croydon Growth Plan and the Mayor’s Business Plan.
“Croydon is an entrepreneurial hub – we have more than 16,000 businesses already based here and more SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) than many major cities.
“We recognise that these are challenging times for independent businesses, that is why we have launched Croydon Means Business. It brings together a £500,000 programme of easy to access, targeted support designed to help businesses take on vacant space, improve premises and regenerate our high streets.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Businesses seeking more information or wishing to access support can explore the full offer via Croydon Means Business on the Council website and sign up for the Croydon Means Business newsletter on this website.
