Brackley Businesses to benefit from new town centre improvement grants

Independent businesses in Brackley are set to benefit from a new funding opportunity, as a fresh grant scheme is launched to support existing small and medium-sized enterprises in the town centre.

Developed by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership with Brackley Town Council, the scheme aims to enhance the visual appeal and historic character of the town centre while helping independent businesses grow and thrive. In the longer term, the initiative seeks to increase footfall, strengthen the local economy, and create a more welcoming and attractive high street for both residents and visitors.

Funded through the Section 106 Brackley Town Fund, the scheme offers grants of up to £10,000, match funded at 50%, to eligible independent businesses with a shop front located within Brackley town centre and high street.

Businesses can apply for funding towards projects that will help improve their premises, expand their offer or enhance customer experience, including:

• Shop front improvements and exterior upgrades
• Internal refurbishments or modernisation
• Improvements to accessibility
• New equipment essential to delivering services
• Introducing new products or services that will drive footfall and sales

Brackley has a strong independent business community and a proud town centre that plays a vital role in the life of the town and wider West Northants. This new grant scheme is about investing in that future and giving local businesses the support they need to enhance their premises, expand their offer and attract more customers.
Importantly, this programme is funded through ringfenced Section 106 monies specifically secured to support local businesses and strengthen the local economy. By reinvesting these funds back into Brackley town centre, we are ensuring that development in the area directly contributes to a more welcoming, resilient and thriving high street.Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC

Franchise businesses and certain types of premises are not eligible. Funding is discretionary and subject to availability. Applications will be assessed quarterly by a Grant Decision Panel made up of representatives from WNC and Brackley Town Council. Further details, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, are available on the WNC website.