To help businesses recover from the pandemic, South Tyneside Council has set up a Shop Front Improvement Grant.
Open to small and medium-sized businesses in South Tyneside, grant funding of up to £2500 is available to make shop front improvements. Businesses can submit applications until 17th December 2021.
What is the definition of a ‘shop front’?
For the purposes of this grant South Tyneside Council defines a shop front as ‘the facade or entryway of retail premises, located on the ground floor or street level of a commercial building. It usually includes one or more display windows to attract visual attention to a business and its merchandise.’
Level of funding
Grants of up to £2,500 are available at a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs. For example, a business wishing to spend £5,000 on shop front improvements could apply for a grant of £2,500 (50% of eligible costs) towards the expenditure. The remaining £2,500 (50%) would have to be paid by the business.
The minimum grant award will be £500 - therefore there must be at least £1,000 of eligible project costs.
Is your business eligible?
Businesses applying for the grant must meet the following criteria:
- Based in South Tyneside
- Occupying commercial premises included on the business ratings list (businesses in shared premises will only be eligible if they can demonstrate sole occupancy of part of the premises through a tenancy agreement. They would need to clearly show that classification as a separate property should the Valuation Office Agency perform an assessment).
- Commenced trading and registered with HMRC and be trading on the day the grant application is submitted.
- Meet the definition of a ‘small to medium business’ (having a maximum of 250 staff and a turnover of under £42m).
Is your project eligible?
Businesses can apply for funding for projects that meet all the following criteria. You must:
- Have eligible project costs of a minimum of £1,000 excluding VAT
- Be making improvements to commercial premises with shop frontages within South Tyneside
- Supply all supporting information with your application
- Where applicable, have the necessary landlord approvals in place before any improvements are undertaken
What costs are eligible?
Those project costs that are eligible under the grant relate to improvements including:
- Shop frontages
- Security shutters
- New signage
- Building works (excluding professional fees)
- External cosmetic improvements
- Enhanced accessibility
Full details of eligibility criteria can be found on the Council’s Shop Front Grant webpage.
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