Shop Front Improvement, Universal Accessibility & Age-Friendly Grant 2024 

Kildare County Council established the Shop Front Improvement, Universal Accessibility & Age Friendly Grant as part of its Retail Support Scheme to financially assist and support independent business owners to improve the appearance of their shop fronts or commercial properties. We encourage an emphasis on works to enhance accessibility and/or add age-friendly elements to the premises.

This funding is being provided in recognising a building’s facade makes a big impact on our town centres. They help form people’s first impressions of a town centre, so their condition can really affect a town’s image. Smart shop fronts will make a town feel more prosperous, improve its image, and contribute towards a stronger sense of identity.

Your proposals do not have to involve a significant or expensive change. Simple jobs like repainting a shop front or seasonal window dressing may qualify. Each application will be assessed on its own merits and any job that will enhance the town’s character may qualify for grant aid.

Grant Relief and Payment

The scheme will provide for:

• Up to €5000 (ex VAT) or 50% (whichever is lesser) of eligible expenditure, and/or
• Up to 75% of eligible costs for Universal Accessibility Improvements, and/or
• Up to 75% of eligible costs for Age-Friendly improvements.

Guidelines and Criteria

• Details of proposed works including drawings or even minor details of the facade should be included with the completed grant application form.
• Retrospective applications for works already undertaken will not be accepted.
• An itemised list and quotations must be provided for the proposed work.
• Grants will only be offered to independently owned businesses.
• Cash payments are prohibited to contractors and suppliers.
• All applications and subsequent paperwork must be signed by the business owner/ director.

Requirements

• Photo of the current exterior of premises
• Quotations; 2 x Contractor quotations and/ or 1 x Materials quotation (Note: 3 written quotations for contracts above €5,000 as per National Procurement Guidelines)
• Declaration of ownership or written permission from the landlord/owner that the proposed work can be carried out
• Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Proof of Payment of Rates to Kildare County Council or a payment plan in place.

Please ensure no purchases are made or work completed before the application is approved by KCC’s Business Support Unit. Also, cash payments are prohibited to contractors and suppliers, payments must EFT and cheque/ drafts must be supported by bank statements.

You can apply for the grant via: https://submit.link/2qi  

For further information please email shopfrontgrant@kildarecoco.ie or call 045980838 or click on link below for our Kildare Retail Enhancements Support leaflet

Download the interactive brochure here