Aspiring entrepreneurs have the chance to bring their high street business ideas to life as applications open for the 2025 retail incubator programme at 10 Market Place in Shepton Mallet.

The scheme, operated by the charity Interim Spaces, follows the success of its inaugural run in 2024, which saw The Little Farm Shed thrive in the historic Grade II listed building.

The programme offers up to nine months of rent- and bill-free use of the retail space, a £1,500 capital grant, and tailored mentorship to help participants build sustainable businesses and move towards permanent premises. Applications open on 1 January 2025 and close on 26 January 2025, with the chosen entrepreneur starting their placement in March.

Dan Simon, Director of Interim Spaces, said: "Building on the success and strong interest generated by the first retail incubator, we are all really excited to see what ideas are presented for the second round. The purpose of the retail incubator is about giving entrepreneurs the ability to try out new ideas, filling empty shops, and finding solutions that work on our high streets in the face of so much change. We welcome both traditional and unconventional ideas and look forward to reviewing your applications."

The retail incubator is part of Interim Spaces' mission to transform unused buildings into opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists, and community organisations. 10 Market Place, purchased and renovated by the charity in 2023, provides a historic backdrop for innovative retail concepts.

More information and application details are available at www.10marketplace.uk/retail-incubator.