There are two different programmes available.

Village Shop Programme

The Village Shop Programme aims to stop the potential closures of village shops or to maintain their viability by giving expert retail and business advice to help shopkeepers diversify, identify development opportunities and operate more successfully.  If you or your community are the owner of the only shop in the village you may be eligible for one day's free advice with the possibility of a further 10 days' advisory support and a grant of up to £5,000 to implement changes.

Community-Owned Start-Up Programme

The Community-Owned Start-Up Programme supports community groups wishing to establish a community owned shop.

Successful applicants to the programme will receive up to 10 days of advisory support and be eligible to apply to the Village CORE Programme for a grant of up to £20,000.

Click here for full details of the Village Core Programme.

The advisory assistance will be tailored to the needs of the community. Advice offered can include consulting the community, organisational and legal structures, selecting premises, business planning, and getting ready for trading. A maximum of 10 days advisory support will be available to each shop supported under the programme.