Funded through the UK Government's Local Growth Fund, the grant helps businesses invest in capital equipment and premises improvements that will increase turnover and create jobs.

Grants available from £1,000 to £25,000.

Projects up to £5,000 can receive up to 75% of eligible costs.

Projects over £5,000 can receive up to 50% of eligible costs.

Examples of eligible capital investment include:

• Plant and machinery
• Production and manufacturing equipment
• Commercial kitchen equipment
• Warehouse and storage equipment
• Premises improvements and refurbishment
• Heating and ventilation systems
• Accessibility improvements
• Energy efficiency measures
• Renewable energy technologies, including solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps

Please note: grant funding can only be used for capital expenditure. 

The grant cannot support: 

• Computers, IT hardware and software
• CCTV and security systems
• Website development or redevelopment
• EV charging infrastructure
• Vehicles and vehicle-mounted equipment
• Stock, raw materials or consumables
• Rent, utilities, insurance or salaries
• Routine maintenance and repairs
• Debt repayments
• Purchases made before grant approval

A full list of eligible and ineligible costs is available in the guidance notes. 

To apply, your business must: 

• Be located in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk or Stirling
• Be an MSME with fewer than 250 employees and turnover below £45 million
• Have been trading for at least 12 months
• Employ at least one full-time employee in addition to owner / partners/ directors
• Have a dedicated business bank account
• Be financially solvent with no local authority debt or business rates arrears
• Demonstrate how the investment will support business growth through increased turnover and jobs
• Have rates registered commercial premises either fully owned or leased

The following sectors are not eligible to apply:

• Professional services such as lawyers, dentists, vets, doctors, accountants etc.
• Personal services for example beauticians, hairdressers etc.
• Business that are required by statute to be regulated by the FCA such as credit unions, money lenders etc.
• Business involved in the gambling, religion or sex industry
• Third sector businesses - community groups, not for profit organisations, voluntary or charitable organisations (except trading social enterprises with employees and a growth plan can apply)
• Any business that may be deemed to bring the council into disrepute
• Retail - applications from the retail sector can only be considered if the business can demonstrate that they are servicing more than a local market. This means they are attracting customers from out with the Forth Vally Area and are providing something that is unique and not available from any other local retailers. For example - a specialist skateboarding shop or servicing an online customer market. Where a retailer's sales only serve the local market, providing grant support can cause displacement ie if one local business receives support but this leads to another local business in the area losing customers then this has no added value to the Forth Valley economy.
• Licensed premises that only operate as a public house are not eligible. Licensed premises that do provide food can be considered if they can demonstrate food sales account for at least 50% of turnover (this must be evidenced in their accounts)

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest

Email a brief outline of your proposed project to your local authority, stating what the investment is for and what benefits it will bring:

• Clackmannanshire: employerengagement@clacks.gov.uk
• Falkirk: bsgrant@falkirk.gov.uk
• Stirling: supportfund@stirling.gov.uk

Step 2: Eligibility Assessment

Your proposal will be reviewed and may be followed by a discussion or site visit with a Business Advisor. If eligible, you will be invited to complete a full application through the online portal. 

Step 3: Funding Decision

Applications are assessed by a funding panel. Applications are considered in the order received. 
Due to anticipated demand, it may take up to 4 weeks to receive an update. 

Successful applicants must:

• Complete their project within 3 months of approval
• Submit all required evidence, invoices and completion paperwork
• Claim grant funding after project completion
• Grant payments are based on verified project costs and final invoices.

Funding will also be available during:

• 2027/28
• 2028/29

This may be suitable for projects requiring longer lead-in times, such as those needing planning permission, building warrants or listed building consent. 

Please read the FVGG Guidance and Eligibility Criteria document before submitting an Expression of Interest email.

To discuss your project, contact your local authority using the email addresses above.