Local businesses and commercial property owners across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough will be able to apply for a share of £150,000 to improve the inside of their premises under a new council grant scheme.
The Business Internal Improvement Grant Scheme will open at 9am on Monday 12 October 2026. It is designed to help businesses enhance and modernise their internal premises, with the council saying the investment will contribute to more attractive, vibrant and welcoming town and village centres.
What the grant can cover
Eligible projects can receive between £2,000 and £7,500, although the grant will cover no more than 50% of the total eligible project cost. Applicants must provide matching funding for the balance.
The council expects the £150,000 budget to support a minimum of 20 businesses. The scheme forms part of its wider effort to strengthen local economies, support independent businesses and encourage investment in high streets and commercial areas.
Applications are open to eligible rate-paying businesses and vacant commercial units located within town and village centre boundaries. Businesses outside those boundaries may also be considered where they front onto a streetscape, subject to funding remaining available.
Applications will be assessed in order
The council has said funding is limited. Applications will therefore be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, provided applicants meet the eligibility requirements and submit the necessary quotations and supporting documentation.
The application window is scheduled to close at 9am on Friday 20 November 2026. However, it may close earlier if the full budget has already been committed.
Businesses and property owners interested in applying are being encouraged to check the eligibility criteria and prepare their supporting documents before applications open.
Council urges businesses to prepare
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said the new programme followed the success of the council’s Business Paint Scheme.
“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 council’s announcement provides an application opening time and closing date, but the supplied information does not include a completed contact email address or a direct application link. Applicants should review the official scheme information for the full eligibility criteria and application details before applying.