Commercial Improvement Grant

The Commercial Improvement Grant will provide support for the improvements and maintenance works to enhance the front elevation of retail properties in the Vale of Glamorgan and improve the quality of the internal trading area including accessibility.  

The improvements will be expected to contribute to a positive impact on the street scene, creating a more attractive, vibrant and safer environment which will increase retail activity, boost footfall and stimulate further private sector investment.

Who is eligible: 

Businesses and owners of commercial and retail properties throughout the Vale of Glamorgan within town centres, other shopping districts and vacant properties. 

The grant can contribute 70% towards the cost of eligible works up to a maximum grant of £5,000.

What can it fund:  

• Painting of the front elevation (the colour scheme must be agreed in advance with the Council)

• Repair, repointing and cleaning of stonework or render

• Repairs to glazing, doors and shopfronts

• Repair or reinstatement of rainwater goods

• Repairs to original features

• Repair or installation of signage (non-illuminated)

• Powder coating of existing roller shutter doors

• Small scale shop modifications (internal) 

• Improved accessibility (external and internal)

What cannot be funded:  

• Works already being carried out or completed

• Fees for statutory consents, e.g. planning

Frequently Asked Questions:   

• What counts as match funding? How do I evidence this?
  Match funding has to be funding that has been secured already and cannot be speculative.  This could include cash from business reserves, a bank loan, or another grant scheme.  Evidence could be in the form of an award letter from a grant funding scheme or bank, or a bank statement with appropriate cleared funds.
• How much match funding do I need? 
  
  

  You are required to have a total of 30% of your project costs as match funding. 

   

  Example 1: Total project costs £5,000 (70% is £3,500/30%is £1,500)

  • Grant award: £3,500
  • Match funding: £1,500 

  
  

  Example 2: Total project cost £7,150 (70% is £5,005/30% is £2,145)

  • Grant award: £5,000 (maximum)
  • Match funding: £2,150
• When is the grant closing to applications? 
  The grant will be awarded on a first come first served basis.  The grant will close when the funds have been fully allocated or on 31st October 2025, which ever falls first.  All grant money awarded must be fully spent by 31st March 2026. 
• I have submitted an application, when can I start my project? 
  You cannot start your project until you have had it approved and have received a funding letter from us. 
• Can I make more than one application? 
   We accept ONE application per funding round.
• How soon will I hear if my application is successful? 
  Our grant officers aim to review applications within 2 weeks of receipt, if your application is deemed eligible and you have provided all the relevant detail it will be passed to our Panel for approval, if more detail is needed you will be contacted by a grant officer.