Rochdale Council has founded a start-up grant, a discretionary scheme which awards grants of up to £5,000 to independent retailers to set up within a defined boundary in the three town centres of Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood. The scheme aims to bring empty properties back into use; support the local economy by encouraging new independent retailer start-ups and creating new jobs; and enhance the appearance and appeal of the main shopping areas in Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood to visitors, customers and the local community. Since the launch in 2014, there have been eight properties that have benefited from the scheme.