GO FORTH Stirling is providing Stirling’s traders with a £50K cash injection to transform the city’s shopfronts.
Following approval of funding from Stirling Council, ten grants of £5K each are available to business owners with ambitious plans to revitalise their shop entrances and enhance Stirling’s overall appearance.
Any levy-paying business in Stirling can apply now for the funding which has been secured by the BID from the Council’s Place Based Investment Programme.
Grant applications will be assessed by the Go Forth Stirling team and the successful businesses will receive their funding in early 2022.
Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director at Go Forth Stirling, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding for BID members and are now looking forward to seeing what exciting ideas they will put forward to improve their shopfronts.
“We are looking for applications from business owners which will have a real impact on the city’s streetscape – perhaps that may mean repairing the marble or granite around their shop to enhance both their building and Stirling’s reputation for history and heritage.
“Or there may be a business which has big ideas for an eye-catching redesign which will improve their shopfront but has been struggling to find the funds needed to carry out their plans.
“We welcome all ideas for the grants and each will be assessed on what will work for the city and how the finished project will enhance Stirling’s look and appearance.”
Go Forth Stirling already has a limited shopfront grant scheme in place which was introduced in 2019 and has so far helped 20 businesses improve their look via a £500 match-funded grant.
This grant scheme remains open and is ideal for businesses whose premises need small repairs such as missing signage letters or chipped paint.
Meanwhile, applications for the Place Based Investment Programme Shopfront Scheme will run until Friday December 17 and give the BID the chance to make a larger contribution to improving the appearance of Stirling’s city centre.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Councillor Margaret Brisley said: “This investment from our Place Based Investment Programme is part of a package of measures to help reinvigorate Stirling’s historic and vibrant city centre and support the area’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
“The shopfront improvements will make the city centre a more welcoming place to visitors and will support our businesses and traders during this challenging time.”
Applicants must consider conservation area requirements and Go Forth Stirling will consult with Stirling Council planning officials prior to making any award.
Ms McRorie-Smith added: “Improving the city centre environment and tackling maintenance work was one of the key issues identified by Stirling businesses during surveys carried out in the run up to the establishment of the BID four years ago.
“This funding will help us achieve that aim and will not only assist business owners but provide a better environment and experience for visitors coming into Stirling city centre.”
Go Forth Stirling BID was set up in 2017 and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve Stirling’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.
The company will go to ballot next Spring in the hope of securing a further five-year term.
More details and an application form are available here – www.goforthstirling.co.uk/shop-front-improvement-scheme.
