Market Towns Grant Fund
Working with our partners to add value and provide unforgettable experiences across our Market Towns.
Introduction
Herefordshire County BID Ltd supports economic development across the County through collaborative, visitor-focused projects. The Market Towns Grant Fund aim to work closely with local organisations, councils, and community groups to deliver meaningful improvements.
The 2025/26 grant fund is now open for Bromyard, Kington, Ledbury, Leominster, and Ross-on-Wye. Each town can access funding to support projects that improve economic viability of tourism businesses and the visitor experience.
Projects should attract visitors, boost local business, and create a positive impact on the town’s economy. HCBID ensures all grants awarded contribute to Herefordshire’s visitor economy in a measurable way.
We welcome applications that demonstrate strong partnership working within and across the Market Towns.
Aims of the Grant Fund
- Increase footfall, dwell time and spend
- Promote Herefordshire as a destination to visit, live and work
- Develop stronger partnerships within the towns and across the county to deliver more opportunities for the Herefordshire visitor economy
- Deliver promotional campaigns to highlight the range and quality of businesses within Herefordshire
Projects That Have Already Been Funded Via The Scheme
- Late Night Shopping event / Christmas event
- Summer activities
- Area promotional booklets
- Area Map guides
- Online social media promotions
- Bromyard Independents support materials
- Ross on Wye In Bloom planters
- Leominster Independents day
- Kington Restaurants and Hotels advertising booklets
Application Process
- Submit your application at least 8 weeks before your project begins.
- For events, apply as early as possible to allow time for review and approval.
- Use the online application form and include all required documents by the deadline. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
- If you can’t provide accounts or a balance sheet, submit a business plan or strategy with supporting documents.
- HCBID Ltd may request additional information to help assess your application.
- Once approved, we’ll send you an offer letter outlining the grant amount and any conditions.
- Accept the offer by signing and returning the letter within the stated timeframe before starting your project.
- Keep all project paperwork, including invoices, for your final report.
- Submit a final report after the project ends. Include a summary of outcomes and a full income and expenditure breakdown.
- HCBID Ltd will follow up on missing reports. Failure to submit one will disqualify you from future funding.
Who May Apply
- Traders’ groups, charities, voluntary/ community organisations or Town Councils may apply.
- The BID Board must satisfy itself that any grant made is likely to achieve the desired outcome relating to economic, social or environmental well-being of HCBID area.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility for this grant please contact:
Diane Mansell on diane@herefordshirecountybid.co.uk
Who Cannot Apply
- Activities of a political nature, individual commercial ventures/ events, nor discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, gender, age, sexuality or disability
- Activities considered to be the responsibility of the Local Authority or a project that could lead to the statutory body withdrawing funding in the future.
- Will not award grants to national organisations which do not have a direct specific benefit to the people of Herefordshire or where local groups raise funds which are sent to a regional or national HQ for redistribution and not spent locally.
Conditions Of Funding
- Submit your application using the correct form and include all required supporting documents.
- Provide clear financial documentation. Without it, we will not consider your application.
- Ensure your organisation is properly constituted, with a written constitution and appointed officers.
- Do not begin your project until you receive, sign, and return the official grant offer letter.
- We do not fund projects that have already started or cover costs for work, goods, or services already delivered.
- Include Visit Hereford or Herefordshire County BID branding on all marketing materials, adverts, and event promotions.
- We may award less than the amount you request.
- You may request up to £10,000 per Market Town in any financial year (1 April–31 March).
- Your organisation must have a bank account in its name.
- We do not fund core running costs, salaries, or wages.
- We do not fund commercial operations.
- Use the grant only for the purpose stated in your application.
- If you cannot use the grant as planned or within the agreed timeframe, return the funds.
- Submit a project report with receipts or proof of purchases within six weeks of completion.
- Failure to report will make you ineligible for future funding.
- HCBID Ltd.’s decision is final.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility for this grant please contact Diane Mansell on diane@herefordshirecountybid.co.uk