A successful Trafford Council scheme to help traders give their premises the wow factor is being enhanced and extended.

The Government-funded Trafford Town Centre Shop Improvement Grant Scheme is now open to applications from businesses in town and district centres across the borough.

A total of £220,000 is available from Greater Manchester Combined Authority which manages the city-region’s Government Funding allocation.

The funds will be available to boost the improvement of ground floor retail properties. New and established businesses can apply for up to £10,000 on the condition that they match the amount from their own funds.

The initiative builds on the success of grant giving to town centre premises in Altrincham, Sale, Stretford and Urmston last year. This time traders in Hale, Sale Moor, and Timperley are also eligible to apply.

Money can be spent on building and renovation works, measures to help meet low carbon targets and work to make premises more accessible to people with disabilities.

The aim is to support new start-up businesses and help existing ones thrive – which in turn will create new jobs and improve the economic growth and wellbeing of Trafford.

Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “This is a great opportunity for traders to invest in their shop fronts, make their businesses more accessible, more sustainable and help our high streets look and feel fantastic.

“We have great town and district centres and we want them to get better and better. This funding is one way that together we can achieve our ambitions to ensure Trafford is a great place to live, work and visit and meet our Council objective to foster a thriving local economy.”

In its first two years, the scheme has helped 41 businesses create 28 new full time equivalent jobs, improved 2,206 square metres of commercial floorspace and saved 45,000kg of carbon.

Claire Blezard of bar and venue for hire, Y Not, in Flixton Road, Urmston, said: “We’ve been in business nine months now and we received £10,000 for new double glazed bifold doors, a complete new floor and heating.

“This massively improved our premises, creating more customer space and for both colder and warmer weather. We saw the measures up our energy performance certificate (EPC) rating from E to B and we’re booked up for parties, for months ahead.”

The Northern Light Cinema in Stanley Square at Sale received £10,000 to spend on furnishings and decoration. Owner Tony Mundin said: “We were delighted to receive a grant which enabled us to fit out our interior to a very high standard.

“Local designers produced bespoke wall coverings and fabrics which really set the cinema apart. They are all sourced ethically and sustainably – the fabrics are made from recycled plastic and the papers are FSC-accredited.”

Ashworth Holme estate agents on Washway Road, Sale, was also granted £10,000 for refurbishments. Owner Andrew Holme said: “Our building was dilapidated but with this help we were able to bring it back to life.”

Interested parties can find out more and complete an expression of interest form. The application process has been streamlined and simplified since the last round of funding.

Potential recipients are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for applications is 30 June, or when all funding is awarded, whichever is sooner. For further information contact business@trafford.gov.uk.