MAKE YOUR MOVE
Helping bring empty town centre spaces back into productive use and supporting local business growth.
Whether you’re starting something new, in the early stages of
business or already trading and ready to grow, Make Your Move
could help you take that next step.
The programme is focused on bringing vacant commercial premises in Crawshawbooth, Waterfoot and Rawtenstall back into use.
Expression of Interest deadline:
Up to £10,000 could help bring your plans to life.
New and early-stage businesses can apply, you don’t need to have started trading yet.
Existing businesses looking to expand into eligible vacant premises can also apply.
YOUR BUSINESS.
YOUR MOVE.
Make Your Move is designed to support businesses taking on vacant commercial premises in Crawshawbooth, Waterfoot and Rawtenstall.
The aim is simple: bring empty spaces back into productive use while supporting new businesses and local business growth.
Full programme criteria apply, including requirements around
the property and your proposed occupation arrangements.
Funding could help turn your plans into action.
Eligible expenditure can include fit-out works, shopfront
improvements, fixtures and fittings, equipment, signage,
accessibility improvements and other capital costs directly
linked to bringing the premises into use.
MAKE YOUR MOVE.
Bring a vacant commercial space back into use and help add
something new to one of our town centres.
We’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
Please also read the full guidance and FAQs before submitting your Expression of Interest.
Who can apply?
The programme can support new and early-stage businesses as well as existing businesses looking to expand into
vacant commercial premises.
The premises must be within Crawshawbooth, Waterfoot or Rawtenstall and the full eligibility criteria must be met.
What can the grant be used for?
Eligible costs can include internal fit-out works, shopfront improvements, fixtures and fittings, equipment,
capital start-up costs, signage, accessibility improvements and essential digital equipment.
Costs must be directly related to occupying and activating the vacant commercial premises.
Do I need to have signed a lease?
Not necessarily. You can apply while lease negotiations are underway, where Heads of Terms have been agreed or
where landlord consent has been obtained.
Evidence of your proposed occupation arrangements will be required.
Does my business need to be trading already?
No. The programme can support businesses that haven’t started trading yet as well as existing businesses
looking to expand.
Will I need quotations?
Yes. Wherever possible, quotations should be obtained through a genuine competitive process. At least one
quotation should be provided for each item of expenditure.
When is the grant paid?
Funding is paid in arrears after approved expenditure has been incurred and paid, and the required evidence
has been submitted and approved.
What happens after I submit my Expression of Interest?
The programme has two stages. The first stage is the Expression of Interest.
Suitable proposals will then be invited to progress to a full application.
Expressions of Interest close on 28th September 2026.
Read the guidance and FAQs and make sure the programme is right for your idea and proposed premises.
Complete the short Expression of Interest and tell us about your business and proposed premises.
If your Expression of Interest is successful, you’ll be invited to complete a full application.
Speak to the Economic Development Team before applying.
economicdevelopment@rossendalebc.gov.uk
MOVE.
Rossendale has a higher number of people with high level qualifications than East Lancashire
Pride in Place is about giving communities a stronger voice and making sure investment supports the places and projects that local people believe will make the biggest difference
Chair of the Pride in Place Board
The Pride in Place programme gives local people the opportunity to guide how funding is used and to focus on the improvements that matter most to them.
Chair of Civic Pride
We have secured £20m for the next 10 years for Waterfoot, Crawshawbooth and Rawtenstall.
The government strongly endorsed our plan, which means we can start to deliver the things our community want.
FIND OUT MORE
We have a dedicated team to help your business grow
Chief Executive Rossendale Council