We Make Kilmarnock Shop Development Grants
We Make Kilmarnock is driven by those who live, work, learn, and play in the town – led by the Kilmarnock Neighbourhood Board, it is setting out the town’s long-term vision in close partnership with the community. The board will drive investment priorities and manage this vision over the next decade. We are investing up to £50,000 of UK Government funding in 2026/27 to help strengthen and revitalise our shared town centre and shopfront developments in Hurlford and Crookedholm. This grant scheme supports local businesses to improve their shop (internally and externally) enhance the look and feel of our streets, and create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and the wider community.
Local businesses within the designated areas detailed within figure 1 can apply for up to £10,000 inclusive of VAT to make improvements that benefit both their premises and the community around them.
Applications close 30th November 2026
Why this matters for our community
This scheme is designed to support projects that:
- Lift the appearance of our high streets, making them more attractive and enjoyable for everyone.
- Bring vacant units back into use, helping reduce empty shopfront and strengthen the local economy
- Improve access, safety and visitor experience, including measures that help reduce anti-social behaviour.
- Encourage more footfall, supporting a thriving, lively town centre where people want to spend time.
Every improvement contributes to a stronger, more vibrant Kilmarnock – one where local businesses and the community grow together.
Who can apply?
The grant is open to local independent businesses—owners or leaseholders with at least three years left on their lease located within the eligible areas.
Eligible businesses include:
- Local retailers (grocery, butcher, bakery, etc.)
- Personal and community services (hairdressers, salons, launderettes, dry cleaners)
- Professional services (accountants, estate agents, solicitors)
- Hospitality (restaurants, cafés, independent pubs that serve food and takeaways).
This scheme is for local independents, so national chains, national charities, betting shops, pawnbrokers, adult entertainment venues are ineligible to apply.
What the grant supports
Funding can be used for improvements that make a visible, positive difference to the community, such as:
- New or improved shopfronts
- Better signage
- Repairs and refurbishment
- Accessibility improvements
- Measures that enhance safety or reduce anti‑social behaviour
Please note that the grant cannot be used for salaries, stock, rent, utilities, or debt repayment . Further information is contained within our guidance note on what we will support through this scheme.
📅 Key dates for the community
- 12th October 2026
Scheme open and expressions of interest invited - 26th October 2026
Closing date for expressions of interest - 29th October 2026
Webinar (1) morning or afternoon - 29th October 2026
Webinar (2) Evening - 30th November 2026
Scheme closes – Please note that applications will not be accepted after this date. - 1st-21st December 2026
Panel assessment - 27th January 2027
WMK Board approval - 31st January 2027
Notification to grant recipients - 1st – 15th February 2027
Acceptance and signing of grant agreements - March 2027 onwards
Works begin
How to apply
Submit an Expression of Interest by Monday 26th October. You will be encouraged to attend a webinar on 29th October in the afternoon or evening as this will assist you in completing the online application form. If eligible for the scheme you will be sent an information pack and asked to provide:
- 3 months of recent business bank statements
- A schedule of proposed works
- 3 quotes for the works that must reflect the schedule of works
- Any required planning/licensing/environmental permissions or in the event of no planning consents required confirmation from the planning department
- Lease agreement and landlord consent (if applicable)
- Visuals of proposed changes
Successful applicants will need to provide before and after photos including annual monitoring photos to show the impact of the improvements.
Planning considerations
Any changes requiring planning or listed building consent must be approved before final grant payment.
Grant conditions
To ensure public money benefits the community, businesses must:
- Hold a business bank account
- Have all necessary permissions
- Maintain improvements for at least three years
- Have no outstanding debts (or issues with) to the Council
- Agree to participate in community‑focused publicity (photos, press releases)
Grants are discretionary and may be withheld or reclaimed if conditions are breached or if the business closes or relocates within six months.
Payment
- Payment subject to satisfactory progress and compliance.
Payments are made via BACS to the business bank account.