Trafford Council has launched a third round of its popular Shop Improvement Grant scheme to help small businesses lower their carbon footprints and create fantastic shopping experiences.
And this time the opportunity has been extended to ground-floor retail premises anywhere in the borough, not just town centres.
The Trafford Town Centre Shop Improvement Grant Scheme is now open to applications for a share of £140,000 of Government city region funding made available by Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The closing date is Friday 31 July.
Shopkeepers with good business plans and match funding could be awarded £5,000 to £10,000 to improve their premises. The one-off grants can support up to 50% of costs of refurbishments aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the property, creating a better customer experience and boosting accessibility.
Start-ups and established businesses are welcome to apply to the initiative, which is intended to create new jobs and improve the economic growth and wellbeing of Trafford.
School uniform store Petites Modes in Stanley Square, Sale, received funding in the last round of grants.
Rachel Cookson, acting director, pictured, said:
“We’re a long-established independent retailer in Sale and when we wanted to invest in our new, larger premises we were told about the Shop Improvement Grant scheme.
“We received £10,000 that helped us to create a modern, welcoming retail environment. The funding contributed towards shop fitting, interior improvements, merchandising displays, signage, lighting, and creating a more accessible and enjoyable shopping experience for our customers.
“The move represented a significant investment for our family business, and the grant helped us accelerate improvements that may otherwise have taken much longer to complete.”
Rachel said the store has seen increased footfall and plenty of positive feedback from customers. She said:
“We would strongly encourage other retailers to explore the scheme. The application process was straightforward, and the support available made a genuine difference.
“Grants such as this help businesses invest with confidence and support town centres to remain vibrant and attractive places to shop.”
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“We are delighted to bring this latest round of funding to the retailers of Trafford. By helping local businesses, we can support our shopping districts to be great places for people to spend time and money in. We urge anyone who is interested to find out more and apply.”
Over the last two years, the scheme has helped 40 businesses to create 60 new full-time equivalent jobs, improved 5,444 square metres of commercial floorspace and reduced 45,000kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
Find out more on the Council website or email contact business@trafford.gov.uk. Any planning permission required for improvement work must be in place for businesses to meet the criteria.