Business Paint Scheme for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon

Grant to help local businesses and property owners improve the appearance of their shopfronts

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has launched the ABC Business Paint Scheme.

The scheme is designed to support town and village centre regeneration, helping create more attractive and vibrant places to live, work and visit.

Grants up to £1,500 are available to eligible businesses and property owners to support repainting shopfronts or signage and the repair or cleaning of external stonework and brickwork.

The scheme can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a minimum grant of £500.

Eligibility criteria

The ABC Business Paint Scheme is open to owners or leaseholders of eligible properties in the town centre and villages of Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dromore, Lurgan, Portadown, Aghagallon, Bleary, Dollingstown, Donaghcloney, Gilford, Keady, Laurelvale/Mullavilly, Magheralin, Markethill, Rathfriland, Richhill, Tandragee, Waringstown, Drumnacanvy, Hamiltonsbawn, Kinallen, Poyntzpass, Blackwatertown, Loughgall, Derrymacash, Loughbrickland (and any other dwelling with a streetscape within the ABC Borough).

The following types of business units, with shop fronts onto the street or outdoor public footway, from these areas are eligible to apply:

• Independent retailers (engaged in the retail sale of goods).
• Independent private coffee shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
• Independent hair and beauty businesses.
• Independent health and fitness-related businesses.
• Independent service providers such as estate agents, financial advisors, mortgage and insurance.
• Property owners whose premises front onto public streets - residential properties above shop fronts will also be accepted.
• The applicant must be the owner/tenant of the premises and must provide proof (for example, the most recent bank statement and rates bill).
• Vacant commercial properties are also eligible.
• Applicants who have not received funding since January 2021 from Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for shop front improvements.

Find out more and apply for the ABC Business Paint Scheme.

First published 18 May 2026