Shop Front Improvement Grants 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this funding scheme is to offer small grants to businesses in the town centres, and across North Warwickshire, to enable small-scale external improvement works to be undertaken.

These works will include such things as:

• basic improvements to shopfronts
• cleaning
• repairs to building facades
• signage
• visual improvements to the shop windows of empty units

Eligibility

Grants are being sought from any independent customer-facing business (including those in the retail or service sector) based in North Warwickshire, including those operating through a franchise arrangement.  The bigger retail chains, who have a centralised head office, will not be eligible to apply.

Funding Available

Businesses will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,000.  The amount of money being requested must be based on a quote, from a registered tradesperson, and offer good value for money.

Grants for more than £2,000 may be available in exceptional circumstance, where there is clear justification of need.  In this situation, the applicant will be required to contribute an equal amount of money to the project.

Application Process

There are two stages in making an application for a grant, namely:

Stage one – completion of an online application form (which can be submitted at any time)

Stage two – applicants are required to submit all appropriate quotes and a photograph of the shop front in its current state. 

Once all of the documentation has been received, and has been deemed satisfactory, the applications will be considered by the panel.  The panel will meet on the following dates:

There is a limited amount of money available for this scheme, and once it has been allocated no further funding will be made available.  Applications will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis and will not be considered by the panel until ALL of the supporting documentation (quotes and photographs) has been received and is in order.

Successful applicants will be asked to sign a Grant Funding Agreement (GFA), prior to starting any work.

Important Points to Note

• The premises where the work is taking place must be located within the borough of North Warwickshire.
• Applications being made by a tenant, should ensure that they have the permission of the landlord prior to making an application.
• No work should be undertaken ahead of a decision being made by the panel.  A grant will not be paid for any work that has already happened.
• Planning permission may be required for shop front alterations - particularly if the business is located within one of North Warwickshire’s Conservation Areas where any alteration will require planning permission.  If the building is a Listed Building further consents may be required.  For advice and further clarification, please contact the planning department - Contact Planning Control | Planning Guidance | North Warwickshire Borough Council
• When replacing an existing sign for something different, advertisement consent may be needed - particularly if the signage is illuminated and the business is located within a Conservation Area. The planning portal provides further guidance about when consent may be required for new signage - I want to erect/change/alter a shop advert, fascia or projecting sign - Shops - Planning Portal
• More information can be found at - Microsoft Word - GuideShopFrontDesign.doc (northwarks.gov.uk)
• Its is not possible to fund like-for-like improvements where shop frontages do not currently comply with planning regulations.
• Quotes submitted as part of the second stage of the application process must include a full and detailed description of the intended work.   This should include details such as materials, colours, sizes etc and include illustrations/designs where possible.  Applicants not providing this level of detail will be asked to obtain further information, which may slow the process down.
• The money will be transferred to the applicant’s business bank account, once the grant funding agreement has been signed and any conditions have been met.  This will enable invoices to be paid on completion of the work.  
• Once the work is completed, the Borough Council will request a short case study to detail the difference the funding has made, including photographic evidence of the changes made.