New Growth Grant Opens to Support Business Expansion Across Forth Valley
Businesses across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling can now apply for grants of up to £25,000 to support growth, investment and job creation.
The new Forth Valley Growth Grant (FVGG) has launched to help local businesses invest in equipment, premises improvements and other capital projects that will support expansion and increase economic activity across the region.
Funded through the UK Government's £9.8m Local Growth Fund award to Forth Valley, the grants will be delivered in partnership with Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils. The programme is designed to help established businesses unlock growth and strengthen the local economy.
Create employment
Grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 are available to support a wide range of capital investment projects. For grants of up to £5,000, funding can cover up to 75% of eligible costs. For larger projects, grants of up to 50% of eligible costs are available.
The fund can support investment in areas including:
- Plant and machinery
- Manufacturing and production equipment
- Commercial kitchen and catering equipment
- Warehouse and storage systems
- Premises improvements and refurbishment
- Accessibility adaptations
- Energy efficiency measures
- Renewable energy technologies such as solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps
The programme is aimed at helping businesses grow turnover, improve productivity and create employment opportunities within the Forth Valley area.
To be eligible, businesses must be located within Clackmannanshire, Falkirk or Stirling, have been trading for at least 12 months and employ at least one full-time member of staff.
Acting Leader of Falkirk Council, Councillor Paul Garner, said::
Local businesses create jobs, support communities and help drive our economy. This grant offers practical help for firms ready to invest in new equipment and improve their premises. By working with our partners across Forth Valley, we can help businesses turn their plans into growth and create new opportunities for local people.
Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, Councillor Ellen Forson, said::
The Forth Valley Growth Grant is a really welcome opportunity for businesses across Clackmannanshire to invest in their future and take that next step in their growth. Whether that means investing in new equipment, improving premises, increasing productivity or creating new jobs, this funding can make a real difference to businesses with ambitions to grow.
"Supporting our local businesses is also about supporting our local communities - I would encourage any eligible business with plans to grow to have a look at what support is available
Leader of Stirling Council, Councillor Susan McGill, said::
We know many of our businesses are looking to invest in equipment, premises and new technologies but can face challenges accessing the funding they need.
“These grants will offer businesses practical support to take the next step so they can invest, expand and seize new opportunities. This will support job creation, attract investment and drive growth, delivering benefits to communities across Forth Valley.
Initial assessment
Businesses interested in applying should first submit an Expression of Interest to their local authority:
- Falkirk Council: bsgrant@falkirk.gov.uk
- Clackmannanshire Council: employerengagement@clacks.gov.uk
- Stirling Council: supportfund@stirling.gov.uk
Following an initial assessment, eligible applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
Further information, including the full guidance and eligibility criteria, is available from the participating councils at the links below:
Falkirk: Grants and funds available for businesses: Forth Valley Growth Grant (FVGG)
Stirling: Forth Valley Growth Grant FVGG
Clacks: Forth Valley Growth Grant (FVGG)