Greater Manchester's Labour Mayor Bev Craig has put a £20 million Good Growth High Streets Fund before the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, promising practical help for the independent businesses, traders and community groups that keep local high streets alive.
A report from the Mayor to the Combined Authority's meeting on 13 November asks members to approve the full £20 million investment as part of her "Our High Streets" campaign, which aims to restore pride in town centres, back good local businesses and tackle bad operators.
What it means for small businesses
- The first round will offer grants of up to £50,000 to businesses and community organisations on high streets in Greater Manchester's most deprived neighbourhoods, for projects they can deliver within 6 to 12 months.
- Eligible ideas may include bringing vacant or underused premises back into use, supporting independent businesses and joint trader activity, improving public spaces, and activities that increase footfall.
- The first round is expected to launch in December 2026, with applications closing in January 2027 and the first awards made in spring 2027.
- Later rounds, shaped with councils and a new High Streets Taskforce, are expected to offer larger grants for bigger projects on specific high streets.
Speaking at the Greater Manchester Social Enterprise Summit on 12 November, the Mayor said: "Good growth is about keeping the benefits of growth in the pockets of the people who create it."
When she first unveiled the fund in Middleton in August, she said: "They want to see practical support for local businesses now. And that's why I'm taking action. Our new £20 million Good Growth High Streets Fund is all about restoring pride in a vibrant high street – backing our neighbourhoods and spreading the rewards of good economic growth everywhere."
The wider campaign also includes plans for a Fix It Fund for small public realm problems, a Greater Manchester Ownership Fund to back community businesses and entrepreneurs, and a community banking pilot in Middleton.
SME4Labour welcomes this Labour-led commitment to put money directly into the hands of the independent shops, cafés and local traders who know their high streets best.
Sources: GMCA report, 13 November 2026; GMCA, 10 August 2026; About Manchester, 13 November 2026. Photo: Mayor Bev Craig in Middleton, Greater Manchester Combined Authority.