Accessibility and shop front improvement grant
This grant is to help new and existing businesses on our high streets make improvements to their premises.
You can apply for up to £4,000 for:
- external and internal work to make your premises more accessible
- specific equipment that improves accessibility
- external shop front improvements, including new signage
The grant will help you make sure your premises is compliant under The Equality Act 2010, which requires reasonable adjustments so people with disabilities are not disadvantaged.
It will also support the wider visual appeal of our high streets by improving shop fronts.
This grant is funded through the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Who can apply
The grant is open to freehold owners and leaseholders whose premises are within the qualifying boundaries in the following locations:
- Chipping Sodbury
- Downend
- Filton
- Hanham
- Kingswood
- Patchway, Rodway Road
- Staple Hill
- Thornbury
- Yate, Station Road
To check if your premises location is eligible, view the maps in the guidance document.
For leaseholders you must have at least 2 years left on your lease.
It is your responsibility to make sure appropriate planning and/or advertisement consent is in place for the work you intend to carry out.
Planning permission is required for a material change to the external appearance of a premises.
Some alterations to shop fronts may also need permission under advertisement regulations.
How to apply
Before applying make sure you have read the guidance document to check eligibility, exclusions and further information on the payment process.
Send your expression of interest to highstreets@southglos.gov.uk and include:
- the name and address of your business
- a short description of the work you want funded
Once you have made sure all the necessary permissions are in place, you will need to download, save and complete the application form. Email it to us with any additional information or evidence required.
The closing date for applications is Friday 9 January 2026.
Any applications received after this date will not be considered.
What happens next
We aim to make a decision and notify applicants by Friday 16 January 2026.
The work will need to be completed and invoices submitted to us by Friday 13 March 2026. We will not pay for any work or invoices received after this date.
Advice and support
To help you think about the improvements you can make, we are offering free accessibility training (online) for businesses on Wednesday 1 October 2025, 8am to 9am. To book a place email highstreets@southglos.gov.uk