The Market Traders Growth Programme is a dedicated initiative designed to support market traders in enhancing their business offerings and achieving sustainable growth within the sector. The programme is delivered by Nwes on behalf of Cambridge City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
Funding is provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with support from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), which acts as the lead local authority for the delivery of UKSPF in the region.
Recently launched, the programme offers a wealth of innovative ideas and practical opportunities for growth, alongside expert guidance to help market traders realise their full potential.
Programme Highlights (Late Summer 2025 – Early 2026):
Participants will benefit from:
- Tailored one-to-one business advice sessions with experienced Business Advisors specialising in start-ups and small enterprises.
- Thematic workshops addressing current industry trends, core business disciplines, and key challenges faced by market traders.
- Practical business management tools that remain valuable long after the programme concludes.
Benefits of Joining the Programme:
By participating, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop a clear and actionable business growth plan
- Learn to use simple tools for monitoring and evaluating your business’s performance
- Enhance your operational efficiency
- Identify key actions critical to your business’s success
- Contribute to environmental sustainability initiatives
- Strengthen your brand identity
- Receive guidance on applying for a small business grant available at the end of the programme
- Gain a fresh perspective on your business goals, challenges, and opportunities
This programme is a unique opportunity to access expert support, resources, and funding tailored specifically to the needs of market traders across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.
Unlock Your Business Growth Potential with the Market Traders Growth Programme
Take the next step in your business journey by enquiring about the Market Traders Growth Programme—a tailored support initiative designed to help market traders grow, adapt, and thrive.
Last year, the programme supported 23 local traders, many of whom reported significant positive outcomes. Here’s what some participants had to say:
“A great all-round programme that inspired us to implement new ideas—funded by the grant—which helped attract more customers.”
“The workshop topics were thought-provoking and genuinely interesting. I always left feeling more motivated and optimistic about the future of my business. I wasn’t expecting it, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and took away a lot of value—including a grant that will definitely make a difference.”
“David was my mentor and he was absolutely brilliant. I was going through a tough time, and he provided not only empathetic support but also practical business advice. The programme helped me realise I’m not alone—there’s a community of fellow traders facing similar challenges, which is something you often forget when you’re busy running your own business.”
Whether you’re looking to improve operations, access funding, or simply gain fresh insight and support, the Market Traders Growth Programme offers the tools and expert guidance to help your business succeed.
Criteria
- Open to all market traders, actively operating in outdoor or indoor markets within Cambridge City, Huntingdonshire, or South Cambridgeshire.
- Must have been trading for at least 1 year
- Applicants must undertake the workshops and 1-2-1 support provided by the programme.
- Open to receiving advice, making changes, and implementing business improvement strategies.
- Applicants will be eligible to apply for a grant once a clear improvement strategy is in place.
- Grant maybe used for eligible business development activities (e.g. equipment, marketing, sustainability upgrades, etc.).
- All grants must be used for purchases by the 31st January 2026.
- 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.
Programme Breakdown
- Initial One to One with Business Advisor to discuss the programme and if it is right for you and your business.
- Access to online workshops
- Up to 4 planning one to one’s with a Business Advisor
- Access to a Grant to assist with Growth
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
