The Future Markets Trader Programme is designed to support aspiring and early-stage market traders in building sustainable and successful businesses in today’s competitive retail environment. Whether you’re just starting out or taking your first steps into market trading, this programme offers practical support, expert guidance, and valuable resources to help you grow and thrive.
Participants will benefit from hands-on training, mentoring, and tailored advice to develop their trading skills, build customer engagement, and navigate the operational and regulatory aspects of market trading. The programme aims to empower local entrepreneurs and contribute to the vitality of traditional markets across Cambridgeshire.
This programme is delivered by Nwes on behalf of Cambridge City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the support of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), which acts as the lead local authority for delivering the funds across the region.
What the Programme Offers
As a participant in the Future Markets Trader Programme, you will benefit from a comprehensive package of support designed to help you start and succeed as a market trader. This includes:
- Tailored Business Planning Support
One-to-one guidance to help you develop a practical business plan and understand the key steps to launching and managing a successful market trading business.
- Mentorship from Experienced Traders
Learn directly from seasoned market professionals who can share real-world insights, tips, and support to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of trading.
- Financial Assistance
Access to a small grant to help cover essential start-up or early trading costs, such as equipment, materials, or stall fees.
Why Join?
Market trading is a rewarding way to launch your own business, engage with your community, and contribute to a thriving local economy. But getting started can be tough without the right support.
The Future Markets Trader Programme gives you the practical tools, expert advice, and financial boost to help you start trading with confidence and increase your chances of long-term success.
Criteria
- Open to inspiring new traders (start-up), as well as newly established traders under 12 months wanting to operate in the traditional market environment within South Cambridgeshire, Cambridge City or Huntingdonshire areas.
- Eligible businesses include food stalls, fresh produce, crafts, clothing, homeware, or other market appropriate goods and services.
- Preference will be given to locally made, sourced, or handmade products.
- Applicants must undertake the workshops and 1-2-1 support provided by the programme.
- Applicants will be eligible to apply for a grant once a clear business plan is in place. All grants must be used for purchases by the 31st January 2026.
- Applicants must begin trading within 3 months of joining the programme if not already trading.
- Applicants must comply with local authority regulations (e.g. food hygiene certificates, insurance, health & safety etc.). Support will be provided by the programme.
- Applicants must demonstrate how they will benefit from the support offered (e.g. training, equipment, stall access)
- Applicants must demonstrate willingness to engage with the local market community and contribute to the vibrancy of the market.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a market trader, we’d love to hear from you.
Spaces are limited, so early application is encouraged.
Telephone us on 01223 776016 to find out more and apply or enquire here
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund was a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provided £2.6 billion of funding for local investment up to March 2025. The Fund has sought to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. A further £900 million of investment funding is being provided for the period up to March 2026, ahead of a new funding programme to be launched by the Government. For more information visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025-26: Technical note – GOV.UK