Normanton businesses have chance at a £10,000 Shop Improvement Grant

Ever walked down a high street and noticed some shops just look a bit tired? A peeling sign here, a faded paint job there. It happens. Running a business is tough, and finding the extra cash to give the shop front a makeover often falls to the bottom of a very long to-do list. But for local business owners in and around Normanton, there's some brilliant news. A pot of money is now available to help give shops a bit of a glow-up, making the whole town centre a nicer place to be.

What's the big deal about shop fronts?

This grant scheme provides the financial boost that many business owners need to carry out repairs and improvements that might otherwise be out of reach. For a small, independent business, this kind of support is massive. The Shop Improvement Grants are designed to help transform the look of the town.

Normanton's turn for a high street glow-up

The Shop Improvement Grant scheme has already been making a huge difference across the Wakefield district. It's a proven success. Towns that have already benefited from this fantastic opportunity include:

• Castleford
• Hemsworth
• Horbury
• Ossett
• South Elmsall
• Wakefield city centre

After seeing great results in these areas, it's now Normanton's turn to get in on the action. Across the district, over £1 million in business grants has already been given out, helping heaps of local businesses to spruce up their premises. This shows a real commitment to supporting the small, independent shops that make each town unique.

How much money is on the table?

Let's talk numbers, because this is the really exciting bit. Eligible businesses in Normanton can apply for a grant that covers 80% of the cost of improvement works, up to a maximum of £10,000. That's a huge helping hand.

Imagine a local bakery needs a brand-new, hand-painted sign and some repairs to its old window frames. Let's say the quote for the job is £5,000. With this grant, the business could get £4,000 towards the cost, meaning the owner only needs to find £1,000. It turns a project that felt impossible into something completely achievable. This funding is aimed at creating a vibrant place for innovative businesses to really make their mark.

What the people behind the scheme are saying

Cllr Jack Hemingway, who is the Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, is clearly passionate about supporting local high streets. He has seen the positive impact the grant scheme has had elsewhere.

"Our business grant schemes have already helped over a hundred businesses across the district, but we want to do even more. These grants help transform the look and feel of our high streets, making them an even better place to visit."

"The expansion of the scheme shows our commitment to independent businesses and towns across the Wakefield district. Supporting our high streets remains one of my top priorities. So, I'm pleased to see these grants now being made available in Normanton. I would encourage all eligible businesses to apply."

The big question: is your business eligible?

The grant scheme is targeted to make the biggest possible impact. This means the funding is available for businesses located within a specific 'designated area' in Normanton. This usually means the main high street and the core shopping area. The goal is to improve a concentrated area to lift the feel of the whole town centre. The scheme aims to help independent, innovative businesses thrive. If you own a shop, cafe, or another local business in the heart of Normanton, it's definitely worth checking if you qualify. This is a brilliant chance for eligible businesses to get significant financial help.

What kind of improvements are covered?

The grant is specifically for carrying out repairs and improvements to shop fronts. It's all about boosting that kerb appeal. The types of work that could be covered by the grant include:

Type of Work	Example
Signage	Installing a new, professionally designed sign
Painting	A fresh, high-quality paint job for the entire shop front
Repairs	Fixing broken windows, doors, or damaged brickwork
New Features	Adding a new awning or canopy for shelter and style
Lighting	Installing external lighting to make the shop stand out

Essentially, any improvement work that makes the outside of the building look better and more inviting could be eligible for the Shop Improvement Grant. A smarter shop front can attract more customers and contribute to a more pleasant high street for the whole community.

Sounds good, how do businesses apply?

For any eligible business owners in Normanton whose interest is piqued, the next step is simple. For more details about the grant scheme and the application process, they should contact the City and Town Team at Wakefield Council. The team's project officers can provide all the information needed, talk through the specifics of the scheme, and guide applicants through the process. It's a fantastic chance to give a local business a fresh new look.