New Wave of Grant Applications Open for Brackley Businesses

Posted 1 hour ago in West Northamptonshire Council

The second round of applications is now open for the Brackley Town Centre Grants scheme, offering funding to help town centre businesses invest in improvements to their premises and services.

Launched by West Northamptonshire Council in partnership with Brackley Town Council, these grants provide an excellent opportunity for local businesses to access funding and make meaningful improvements that can help attract customers and support future growth.

Funding can be used for a wide range of projects, including:

• Shopfront and exterior upgrades
• Internal refurbishments and modernisation
• Accessibility improvements
• Essential equipment to support services
• Introducing new products or services that help increase footfall

Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to £10,000 on a match-funded basis, and the scheme has seen some exciting improvements for this second round of funding.

Exterior and shopfront improvements can now receive funding of up to 80% of the total project cost, meaning businesses only need to contribute 20%. So a £10,000 + vat shopfront improvement project could receive £8,000 + vat in grant funding, leaving the business to contribute just £2,000 + vat. Interior and service  improvements are match funded at 50%, meaning the grant will cover half the cost of eligible works and improvements.

Excitingly, the scheme is now open to new businesses as well as existing businesses, offering valuable support to those just getting started.

To make the opportunity even more attractive, West Northamptonshire Council has agreed to waive the charge for pre-application planning permission advice for projects being delivered through the grant scheme. That means businesses can save money not only on the improvements themselves, but also on the application process.

These grants are designed to make it easier and more affordable for small and medium-sized independent businesses in Brackley town centre to improve their shopfronts, interiors and services without facing the full cost of the investment. 

All applicants should read the FAQs, full eligibility criteria and application guidance before applying. Full eligibility criteria, guidance notes and FAQs can be found on the Brackley Town Centre Grants page on the West Northamptonshire Council website.

The closing date for this round of applications is Monday 24 August 2026.

How to Apply

To apply, simply email brackleygrant@westnorthants.gov.uk to register your expression of interest.

If your business meets the eligibility criteria, you'll be sent an application form along with a helpful guidance pack explaining the process step-by-step.

Once you've received your application pack, and if you need any help completing the form, simply call or visit the Brackley Town Council office between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. A member of the team will be happy to help you complete and submit the application.

If you miss this deadline, don't worry. Funding is expected to continue through future quarterly application rounds. Applications are discretionary and will be assessed by a grant panel made up of representatives from West Northamptonshire Council and Brackley Town Council.

Brackley Town Centre Grants page (website)