Shop sign grant scheme expanded again

The scheme was initially launched to encourage new businesses to open in empty premises but was recently expanded so that existing shops can apply.

Now traders in Sandiacre, Borrowash, Draycott, Breaston, Little Eaton, West Hallam and New Sawley are being invited to benefit from grants of up to £2,000 toward signage. Shops in newly designated growth zones such as Cotmanhay, Kirk Hallam and College Street in Long Eaton are also eligible.

Up to £200,000 of government money for the scheme and other projects to boost local high streets has been secured via the East Midlands Mayor.

Councillor Curtis Howard, Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: "We’ve already extended our big shop signs grant twice – first by covering more of our town centres in Ilkeston and Long Eaton, then by opening up the funding so long-established local businesses could benefit too. 

“Now, we're going even further – doubling the scheme’s budget and expanding it out to Borrowash, Sandiacre, Breaston, Draycott, Little Eaton, West Hallam, Cotmanhay, Kirk Hallam, Sawley, and along College Street in Long Eaton. This is about us doing what we can to make our towns, villages and the hearts of our communities thrive." 

Businesses can check if they qualify for a Shop Signage Grant page.

There are also details of a separate Shopfront Improvement Grant scheme that is open to owners and tenants of rundown premises in the town centres of Ilkeston and Long Eaton. This offers sums of between £1,000 and £10,000 towards repairing eyesore buildings.

Another way for traders to check their eligibility for grants is to email regeneration@erewash.gov.uk.

Two stores that have already benefited from signage grants are a community pantry and a shop selling health supplements. They stand side-by-side on Ilkeston’s Bath Street.

Local business champion Joe Cahill, who is behind a crusade to keep the town centre bustling, posted a Facebook snap of them with the message: “A good sign makes all the difference.”