Scotland launches fund to encourage local business

Projects aiming to transform towns and neighbourhoods could apply to a new £10m multi-year fund, announced by the Scottish government.

The Scotland Loves Local Fund aims to encourage people to shop local and support businesses within their community.

It will provide match funding of between £5,000 and £25,000 for projects run by groups including town centre partnerships, chambers of commerce and community and charity trusts, aiming to bring new creative schemes and activity to towns to build local wealth and increase footfall.

The Scottish government has committed £2m of funding for the first year of the scheme, which is expected to help around 100 projects.

Community wealth minister, Tom Arthur, said: ‘To support Scotland’s towns and neighbourhoods recover from the pandemic we are launching a new £10 million Scotland Loves Local Fund. This will provide 50% match funding for local projects between £5,000 and £25,000.

‘Whether it be funding for small-scale improvements or adaptations, climate or active travel programmes, home delivery digital schemes, pop up shops and markets, or the direct funding or expansion of Scotland Loves Local loyalty card schemes – communities will be able to decide how best to improve their local area.

‘This 100 day Scottish Government commitment reinforces our determination to support all our communities as they recover from the pandemic and will help strengthen the vital support being provided through the Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign and loyalty card scheme.’

The Fund will be administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, with eligible projects including community shops, marketing and digital schemes, or enabling the delivery of larger construction projects.

Scotland’s Town Partnership chief officer, Phil Prentice, said: ‘Over the coming years, this significant commitment from the Scottish Government will make a real difference – empowering communities to take action that will make their areas fairer, greener and more successful. We are delighted to be working with ministers to deliver this.

‘This funding will unlock the great potential of our towns and neighbourhoods, allowing them not just to recover from the impact of Covid-19, but to create a stronger, more sustainable future which has localism at its heart. I would encourage interested organisations across Scotland to get their applications in.’

Applications are now open and will close on 1 October.

In related news, young people looking to enter the workforce will benefit from £70m of investment from the Scottish government.

Photo by Gary Ellis