A new high street project by Breckland Council aims to help new local businesses open up shops on the district’s high streets. Through its new “Meanwhile – Enterprise Grant Scheme”, the district council will offer business support and up to £10,000 to help local businesses take on shops that are currently empty in and around Breckland market towns. The council hopes that this will give fledgling businesses a leg-up, giving the owners of businesses that are just starting out the ability to secure a spot on the high street. The scheme is also open to retailers looking to relocate a business to a Breckland market town. The project will help to reduce the number of empty shops in local towns and villages, ensuring Breckland high streets continue to thrive. Among the packages of support on offer are up to six months’ free rent, support with set-up costs such as shelving and tills, and up to £10,000 in financial support to help set up their business. Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth at Breckland Council, commented: “The Meanwhile Enterprise Grant Scheme is ideal for small business owners looking to move into their first static premises and try out a new retail concept. Supporting landlords help fill vacant high street premises in Breckland is also part of revitalising the high street and we are supporting them by finding tenants, increasing the diversity of independent shops and creating new jobs. With business support and financial help of up to £10,000 available, we are delivering on our pledge to help high street businesses thrive and prosper post-pandemic.” What local shops would you like to see on your high street?