Stirling Council’s Premises Improvement Grant supports the growth of local businesses by improving the local environment and energy efficiency, as well raising the profile of the area’s city, towns and villages.
From a total funding pot of £200,000, eligible businesses can apply for grants between £2,000 and £20,000. The closing date for applications is Friday 8 August 2025.
The grants aim to deliver a wide range of benefits. These include: additional footfall to key commercial areas, improvements to buildings and public spaces; a boost to civic pride and community wellbeing; reduced carbon emissions; and enhanced commercial confidence leading to increased inward investment.
Last year, The Book Nook, an independent bookshop and coffee shop on Upper Craigs in Stirling was awarded £20,000 from the scheme for a project to improve its frontage and ventilation.
Incredibly happy
Leanne Brown, co-owner of the Book Nook, said: "I’m super grateful that we were awarded the premises improvement grant. We definitely would not have been able to get a new shop front without the funding, and most other avenues of funding don’t stretch to the £20k that we needed to replace everything.
"We have had a million compliments on it, and I just know that our winters are going to be a lot more cosy and a lot less damp and chilly!
“With the grant we were also able to install some much-needed ventilation in our kitchen and behind the coffee bar, which has drastically improved our temperature control in the shop this summer.
“Business Energy Scotland were also helpful in providing us with information on where our energy efficiency could be improved, which helped us plan and ask for what we really needed.
"We have also definitely seen an uptick in interest for the shop and people who would normally have walked by have finally come in to have a nosy to see what we’re all about. All in all, a very positive experience with a result that we are incredibly happy with!"
The scheme is being funded through Stirling Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation – the UK Government’s funding package to support communities and businesses across the UK.
Fantastic opportunity
Cllr Gerry McGarvey, Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee, said: “These grants are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to improve their premises and make them more attractive for customers, supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“The investment will also enhance the vibrancy and vitality of our urban and rural communities and make them more welcoming places for residents and visitors alike.
"There are a number of organisations who can advise businesses about funding applications while our staff can be contacted by email at supportfund@stirling.gov.uk with any specific questions.”
Priority will be given to projects which can demonstrate alignment with the following five statements (please note that statements 1 and 2 must be true of your project in to be considered for funding through this scheme):
- The funding requested is for capital expenditure
- The project can be completed by 31 March 2026
- The funding will improve the external appearance of the local business, raising the profile of the local area supporting economic growth
- The funding will improve the business’ carbon emissions through energy efficiency measures, reducing energy costs and supporting business resilience (for example: upgrades to windows, insulation, draft proofing).
- The need for the project can be evidenced with photos of the current façade, energy bills, carbon saving calculations, accounts, and a business plan that highlights how the predicted savings will support business growth.
Additional resources and help to support businesses with applications are listed below:
- STEP Business Gateway – can offer support and advice to businesses wishing to strengthen and develop clear growth business plans.
- Business Energy Scotland – can offer free advice on energy assessments of the business highlighting carbon savings and capital enhancements option appraisal to maximise energy efficiency in the buildings.
- Stirling’s International Environment Centre offers net zero advice looking at a whole business approach to net zero plans for businesses and can potentially offer support from interns.
- Stirling City Heritage Trust – can offer businesses in the city centre of Stirling, advice on Energy Performance Certificates and Traditional Shop front advice and Traditional Building Survey’s to help identify historic building issues and heritage solutions to maximise building performance. While much of this is directed to the city centre it has useful publications and guides if you have a historic property outside the city centre.
For more information, visit: https://www.stirling.gov.uk/business-and-licences/stirling-council-ukspf-premises-improvement-grant-2025-2026
Applications must be submitted by Friday 8 August 2025 and the spend must be achieved by the end of March 2026. Before you apply, download and read the criteria and conditions in full.
If you require any further information contact supportfund@stirling.gov.uk.
Capital expenditure is the money spent on providing or improving non-current assets. This can include land, buildings and/or equipment which will be of use or benefit in providing services for more than one financial year.
