Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has launched a new Borough wide Business Paint Scheme, making a £70,000 grant pot available to help local businesses and property owners improve the appearance of their shopfronts.
The scheme is designed to support town and village centre regeneration, helping create more attractive and vibrant places to live, work and visit. Grants up to £1,500 will be available to eligible businesses and property owners to support repainting shopfronts or signage and the repair or cleaning of external stonework and brickwork. The scheme can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a minimum grant of £500.
Welcoming the launch of the scheme, Lord Mayor of Armagh city, Banbridge and Craigavon Council Alderman Stephen Moutray said:
“This new Business Paint Scheme is a practical way to support local businesses while improving the look and feel of our towns and villages. Attractive, well-maintained shopfronts make a real difference to the vibrancy of our streets. I would encourage eligible businesses and property owners to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”
The scheme is open to independent retailers, cafés, restaurants, bars, hair and beauty businesses, service providers and vacant commercial properties, as well as residential properties above shopfronts where applicable. This grant is for eligible businesses in town and villages within the borough including: Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dromore, Lurgan, Portadown, Aghagallon, Bleary, Dollingstown, Donaghcloney, Gilford, Keady, Laurelvale/Mullavilly, Magheralin, Markethill, Rathfriland, Richhill, Tandragee, Waringstown, Drumnacanvy, Hamiltonsbawn, Kinallen, Poyntzpass, Blackwatertown, Loughgall, Derrymacash, Loughbrickland (and any other property with a streetscape within the ABC Borough).
Applications open Monday 18 May (9am) closing Monday 8 June 2026, (3pm). Applications will be assessed on a first come basis.
A number of drop-in information sessions are available for queries and support.
| Date | Venue | Time |
| Wednesday 13 May | Lurgan Town Hall | 10am to 2pm |
| Wednesday 13 May | The Courthouse, Markethill | 10am to 2pm |
| Wednesday 13 May | Rathfriland Community Centre | 10am to 2pm |
| Wednesday 13 May | Dromore Town Hall | 3pm to 7pm |
| Thursday 14 May | Tommy Makem Arts and Community Centre (TMAC) Keady | 10am to 2pm |
| Thursday 14 May | Tandragee Recreation Centre | 10am to 2pm |
| Thursday 14 May | Banbridge Town Hall | 10am to 2pm |
| Friday 15 May | Online – Join here. | 9am to 9.30am |
| Friday 15 May | Armagh Market Place Theatre | 10am to 2pm |
| Friday 15 May | Portadown Town Hall | 10am to 2pm |
For further information and how to apply click here.
