The Retail Window Merchandising Grant provides financial support to retailers and businesses, in our town centres, to design and enhance their window displays. An attractive and inviting streetscape plays a pivotal role in enhancing the retail experience across County Kildare.
The grant can be used for general internal displays including lighting and shelving and can be employed in conjunction with festival days and public holidays (e.g. St Brigid, St Patrick, Easter, Hallowe'en and Christmas) and local events (e.g. sporting events and race meetings).
The Retail Window Merchandising Grant is administered through Kildare County Council and has the right to use their discretion in regard to processes and the development of terms and conditions that are appropriate for the County’s streetscapes and businesses. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements, and other compliance requirements.
To apply for the Retail Window Merchandising Grant, all applicants must adhere to the following application process:
- Photo of the current exterior of the premises
- Quotations; 2 x Contractor quotations and/ or 1 x Materials quotation (Note: 3 written quotations for contracts above €5,000 as per National Procurement Guidelines)
- Declaration of ownership or written permission from the landlord/owner that the proposed work can be carried out
- Tax Clearance Certificate.
- Proof of Payment of Rates to Kildare County Council or a payment plan in place.
- The application, and all subsequent forms, are to be signed by the business owner/ director.
Important: Please ensure no work is paid for, or completed before the application for Grant Aid is approved by the Economic Development Team in Kildare County Council.
Important: Cash payments to your contractor or suppliers are PROHIBITED; all payments must be completed by EFT or cheque/ bank draft and proof of payment will be sought.
- The Business Support Unit will review your application and will respond with a decision.
- Should your application be successful, we will respond with a signed Letter of Offer for you to countersign.
- At this stage, work can commence.
- Once work has been completed (within 4 months from the date of the Letter of Offer) your contractor must be paid and the claim can be submitted to the Business Support Unit within 30 days of its completion.
- At this stage, payment will be made by KCC to the applicant.
Funding
The scheme will provide a Retail Window Merchandising Grant of 50% funding on eligible expenditure up to a max. of €1,000 over the calendar year. Businesses can use this fund at their discretion over the course of the year (i.e. giving you scope to forward plan and cost your window displays around festivals/ seasons), but not exceed a total of €1,000 in KCC reimbursement.
For further information please email shopfrontgrant@kildarecoco.ie or call 045-980838