£22,000 funding pot available, with up to £2,000 per eligible businesses to improve shopfronts, accessibility and visual appeal
Luton BID, in partnership with The Culture Trust Luton, has launched the Shopfront Grant Scheme 2026/27, a new initiative designed to help town centre businesses enhance the appearance, accessibility and overall quality of their premises.
The scheme offers grants of up to £2,000 to eligible businesses, covering up to 50% of project costs, with applicants providing the remaining match funding. The initiative is open to fully paid-up Luton BID levy payers and current voluntary members operating within the town centre.
The funding aims to support improvements that contribute to a more vibrant, welcoming and attractive town centre environment. Eligible projects include repairing and repainting existing shopfronts, installing new or enhanced signage, making accessibility improvements, and introducing creative features such as window art, vinyls and murals. Funding may also be available for improvements to eligible commercial properties that have been continuously vacant for at least 12 months, helping to bring empty premises back into productive use and enhance the overall appearance of the town centre.
As part of the scheme, businesses are encouraged to explore creative enhancements that celebrate Luton’s culture and identity. Those interested in incorporating artwork, creative design or locally inspired features can submit an early expression of interest before completing a full grant application.
Applicants do not need to have an artist selected or a final design prepared at this stage. Luton BID and The Culture Trust Luton will provide support in developing project briefs, promoting opportunities through the local creative network and, where possible, connecting businesses with suitable local artists and designers.
Julia Horsman, Manager of Luton BID, said:
“Our town centre businesses play a vital role in shaping people’s experience of Luton. The Shopfront Grant Scheme is an opportunity for businesses to invest in their premises, improve accessibility and create a more welcoming environment for customers. By supporting improvements to shopfronts and encouraging creative collaboration with local artists and designers, we hope to enhance the overall appeal of the town centre while celebrating the character and identity that make Luton unique.”
Amy Belson, Chief Executive of The Culture Trust Luton, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Luton BID on the Shopfront Grant Scheme. This will be a real opportunity to invest in the visual appeal of town centre businesses.
At The Culture Trust Luton, we believe passionately in the power of culture and in celebrating Luton’s heritage. We look forward to supporting participating businesses by connecting them with local artists and creatives, and we’re really excited to see the ideas put forward.”
Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee funding and all proposed works and associated costs must be included within a full application for assessment and approval.
Tenant applicants must have a minimum of two years remaining on their lease and secure written permission from their landlord before undertaking any funded works.
Applications for the Shopfront Grant Scheme are open now and will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited. The application deadline is 12 noon on 31 December 2026.
Businesses are advised not to begin work, order materials or enter into contractual commitments before receiving and formally accepting a written grant offer from Luton BID.
Businesses interested in applying can find full details, including eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and the application form, by visiting:
www.lutonbid.org/shopfrontgrantscheme
For questions about the scheme or to submit an early creative expression of interest, contact Luton BID:
Email: info@lutonbid.org
Telephone: 01582 510657