South Gloucestershire Council is encouraging local retailers to apply for an Accessibility and shop front improvement grant.
Grants of up to £4,000 are available to support high street businesses with improving accessibility into and within premises and enhancing the visual appeal of shop fronts. A total of £100,000 is available and applications can be made from Monday 22 September up until Friday 9 January 2026.
Applications are welcome from freehold owners or leaseholders (with at least two years left) in designated high street areas (Chipping Sodbury, Downend, Filton, Hanham, Rodway Road Patchway, Kingswood, Staple Hill, Thornbury and Station Road Yate). Eligible businesses include retailers, service providers, hospitality venues, and community organisations.
National chains, national charities, betting shops, vape shops, adult entertainment venues, and businesses in administration or with licensing issues will not be eligible.
Any costs over £4,000 will need to be funded by the applicant. All works will need to be completed and invoices submitted to the council by Friday 13 March 2026.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member responsible for local place, said: “We are letting local retailers know that there’s money available to help make local high streets more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
“This funding will help local businesses make practical improvements that benefit disabled customers and the wider community. By investing in accessibility, we’re supporting economic growth and ensuring our high streets remain at the heart of community life.
“Shop front improvements can be really important in high street regeneration and can help transform the street’s character, making local centres more attractive for residents and visitors and boosting business for local traders.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Local retailers are the backbone of our high streets and bring so much to communities right across the West. This new funding, thanks to a partnership between the local council, regional authority, and national government, will help open up and brighten up shopfronts in South Gloucestershire, making it possible for traders to welcome everyone into their brilliant businesses.
“On the day that we are set to launch our new regional Growth Strategy for the next ten years, this programme is an important step forward – supporting jobs and growth and helping make a difference that local people can see and feel on nine high streets in South Gloucestershire.”
The Accessibility and shop front improvement grant is funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/asfi-grant
