The next few months will be critical for the future of our high streets and we have taken further action to increase the support available. 

We have commissioned national organisation SaveTheHighStreet.org to provide a range of free, personalised, hands-on support for independent high street businesses, market traders and local community champions in Waltham Forest. 

Together, we will be helping high streets to reopen successfully, recover quickly, and build resilience through the next phase of the Covid-19 crisis. 

'Save The High Street Waltham Forest' comes after the recent launch of the Council's Choose Local. Support Everyone. campaign and will be rolled out across the borough from this week, with full support available for 100 independent business owners in Leytonstone, Leyton, Walthamstow, Chingford North and Chingford Mount. Registrations are now open. 

Find out more about Save The High Street and register for free 

The ‘Save The High Street Waltham Forest’ webinar series kicks off on Tuesday 11 August at 5.15pm with a 45 minute webinar about collaborating as a high street.

SaveTheHighStreet.org "Local Champions" from different parts of London will be sharing their experiences and top tips for collaborating as a high street to boost footfall, adapting to Covid-19 challenges, implementing community-led place making initiatives and more. 

All local businesses and community champions across Waltham Forest are welcome to join. 

Book your place on the webinar

The Discretionary Grant Fund supports certain small and micro businesses, with fixed property costs, that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

Over £1.2 million of grants have been paid to Waltham Forest businesses but now the Government has directed councils to close their Discretionary Grant schemes to new applications on 28 August. Businesses wishing to apply for a Discretionary Grant are strongly advised to submit their application well in advance of this deadline.

Keep an eye out for announcements about expanding the eligibility criteria for Discretionary Grants, meaning more businesses can apply, at the end of this week.

Full criteria here

Waltham Forest Connected will be hosting its first ever online Zoom event.

Senior Council officers have been invited to directly engage with local businesses at this event, which will provide details on the toolkit of business support available from the Council.

Waltham Forest Connected will also be promoting its new free membership package, open to anyone operating from a business, social enterprise, public, voluntary sector or community group in the borough.

The event will be hosted by Riley Ramone, Chair of Waltham Forest Connected and a local business owner. Businesses will be invited to send questions to guest speakers ahead of the event.  

The event takes place on Tuesday 11 August between 10am and 11am.

Register here

Abi Khan and his wife Verena not only run the beautifully put together Grace and Albert kitchen and gift shop in Highams Park, but they have become local heroes to many who have had the pleasure to meet them.

The business provides bespoke services to customers, with Abi and Verena exploring every avenue to ensure people are able to obtain unusual products they are looking for.

Selling everything from ethically-sourced wooden toys, lovingly designed Scandinavian products and a variety of house plants, Grace and Albert needs your support to continue thriving in difficult times. Remember – Choose Local. Support Everyone.

Read Abi’s story

Watch a video with Abi

Visit the website

Got a good story to tell? Please email our media team as we would love to hear from you.

We will continue to update you as new information is available. We know that this is a fast-moving situation, but we are confident staff will continue to provide support and guidance to local businesses in Waltham Forest.

You can sign up to our email newsletter with up-to-date information about Covid-19 below.

Sign up here