New grant scheme aims to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire

Local businesses are being offered grant funding to support them to move into empty commercial premises in Erskine, Johnstone, Linwood, Paisley and Renfrew town centres.

The Town Centre Premises Grant has been created by Renfrewshire Council and invests £250,000 as part of a drive to reduce the number of vacant premises in its town centres, while supporting new business start-ups, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable inclusive economic growth.

Small and medium-sized businesses will be able to access up to 50% of their project costs, up to a maximum of £25,000, to support them to move into ground-floor properties in the town centre.

The grant can be spent flexibly to suit the individual business’ needs and could include costs such as premises improvements, rent payments, advertising and marketing costs, fees and insurance.

The council’s Business Development team can support potential applicants to identify potential premises and work with them to ensure they meet the criteria for the grant award.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “We want all of our town centre premises to be open and for our communities and visitors to be able to access a varied range of products and services locally, as we strive to give people new reasons to visit the town centre.

“We have units that are ready for new businesses, or businesses looking to move, to go straight into and this new grant scheme will be a vital boost to them in their first year as we strive to help them succeed.

“I would encourage all start-ups or small to medium-sized businesses to get in touch with the team to discuss what might be possible for their business as it’s incredibly important that we do all we can to have thriving, vibrant town centres in Renfrewshire.”

The grant scheme is now open for businesses to apply and will remain open until the funding has been fully allocated, and businesses should get in touch with the council’s Business Development team in the first instance.

For more information, visit https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/business-grants-and-loans