Press Release
Kildare County Council launches Financial Supports for Retailers for 2023
Kildare County Council has launched a range of financial supports for retailers to avail of in 2023. The scheme includes the annual Shop Front Improvement Scheme to financially assist business owners to improve the appearance of their shop fronts or commercial properties. The scheme, which supported over 60 businesses in Kildare last year, aims to increase visibility for businesses and enhance the streetscapes of towns and villages around the county.
The scheme provides for up to 50% of the cost of shop front refurbishment, depending on the work proposed, with a maximum allowable contribution of €5,000 per applicant. The scheme also incentivises applicants to incorporate accessibility and age friendly improvements to their shopfront with up to 75% of eligible costs covered under this measure.
The Retail Window Merchandising Scheme is available for interior window decoration and design of a shop with funding of 80% to a maximum of €500. This scheme is eligible for applications from businesses year on year to keep a modern, attractive window display.
Outlining the scheme, Head of Enterprise at Kildare LEO, Jacqui McNabb, commented:
“Along with the grant funding schemes, retail businesses can also avail of additional retail enhancement supports through our local enterprise office. There is also an opportunity to improve your online presence through the trading online voucher valued at €2,500 and green your business and lower costs with the Green for Micro Programme, which has a value of €1,800. In addition, you can also sign up via our website (www.Localenterprise.ie/Kildare) to attend dedicated training courses that are delivered by experts in retail, design, digital marketing sales and social media”.
Launching the opening of the scheme, Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Fintan Brett commented:
“The high uptake from businesses around the county for previous schemes demonstrates the dual benefit of creating a greater awareness of businesses and their location whilst also enhancing the streetscape. It is an excellent opportunity for businesses to avail of the financial support and contribute to making our towns and villages attractive and appealing places for families to live, work, visit and spend their money in our local shops.”
Welcoming the supports, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, encouraged businesses to sign up:
“Under Kildare’s Economic Strategy (Kildare 2025) we are committed to supporting retail and commercial businesses through our Local Enterprise Office and Economic Development Team. This scheme will directly support property owners to undertake work; such as shop front improvements, the painting of buildings in vibrant colours and upgrades to signage and lighting. Smart shop fronts will make a town feel more prosperous, improve its image, and contribute towards a stronger sense of identity”.
The Shop Front Improvement Scheme will remain open for applications via the online platform until Friday 30th June with other interventions, advice and support available all year round.
Kildare County Council will host an online briefing to outline financial supports for retailers for 2023 at 2pm on 21st March 2023. Prospective applicants can also contact the Kildare LEO office on 045 980838 or on email shopfrontgrant@kildarecoco.ie
Further details on the scheme can be found at www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/Enterprise-Development/Shop-Front-Improvement-Scheme/
