Up to £7,500 available for businesses and property owners across the borough as applications open on 12 October 2026
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is investing £150,000 into local businesses and commercial properties through its new Business Internal Improvement Grant Scheme which will open for applications on Monday 12 October 2026.
The borough-wide initiative will provide grants of up to £7,500 to help businesses enhance and modernise the internal appearance of their premises, contributing to more attractive, vibrant and welcoming town and village centres across the borough.
With funding available to support a minimum of 20 businesses, the scheme forms part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local economies, supporting independent businesses and encouraging investment in high streets and commercial areas.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said: “Our town and village centres play a vital role in the economic and social life of our borough. Following on from the success of the Business Paint Scheme, this new Internal Improvement Scheme is designed to support local businesses and property owners to invest in their premises to further improve customer experiences and contribute to more vibrant and attractive commercial areas.
As a council, we strive to support our local businesses and help them succeed and so I encourage businesses to begin preparing their applications now and submit them as early as possible once the scheme opens.”
The grant programme is open to eligible rate-paying businesses and vacant commercial units located within town and village centres across the borough, however businesses located outside town and village centre boundaries but fronting onto a streetscape may also be considered, subject to available funding.
Under the scheme, grants will cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with awards ranging from £2,000 to £7,500. Applicants will be required to provide matching funding for the remaining project costs.
As funding is limited, applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to meeting all eligibility requirements and providing the necessary quotations and supporting documentation. Funding will be allocated until the available budget is fully committed.
Applications for the Business Internal Improvement Scheme will open at 9.00am on Monday 12 October 2026 and close at 9.00am on Friday 20 November 2026, or earlier if the available budget is exhausted.
Businesses and property owners interested in applying are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and prepare the required supporting documentation in advance of the opening date.
