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STEP, in collaboration with Stirling Council and supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, (UKSPF) has awarded over £10,000 in start-up grants to help 14 new businesses in Stirling get off the ground. These grants have been crucial in enabling local entrepreneurs to invest in the tools, equipment, and training needed to drive early growth and development.
As part of the grant process, each business attended a start-up workshop with Business Gateway and met with an adviser to develop a tailored business plan. This support ensured the businesses had strategic guidance and a solid foundation to operate and expand successfully.
Here’s a look at the diverse range of businesses that received funding, what they used the money for and how it is helping them grow:
· Go To Pressure Washing Services Ltd: A professional pressure washing company that invested in essential equipment – a pressure washer, safety gear, and a chemical sprayer. This funding allowed owner Thomas to get started and handle larger jobs, improving the overall quality of service.
· JMB Signature Nails: A bespoke nail salon that used the grant to purchase essential sterilisation units and dust collectors, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for clients. This investment will enhance service quality and increase customer satisfaction for this new salon.
Carina Rose Designs: An independent Scottish fashion brand based in the rural village of Doune, used the grant funding to secure their own tartan design and· copyright, along with purchasing 10 metres of tartan fabric. This investment has allowed Carina to develop a unique product offering and expand her brand.
· Loch Lomond Laundry: A business and domestic laundry service that used the grant to purchase a washing machine, allowing the business to scale its operations and offer quicker turnaround times for customers.
· Quirky and Beautiful: Artist, author and illustrator of Amara the Albino goldfish and more used the grant to invest in an Apple Mac Mini and Magic Keyboard, enabling the owner to run essential design software. This will allow Beth to streamline operations and improve the efficiency of the business.
· Carpe Diem Doune: A companionship and befriending service based in Doune, helping individuals maintain independence by offering support with daily tasks, outings, and appointments. Suzanne used the grant to purchase essential mobility and tech equipment, improving her ability to serve clients more effectively.
· Paw.lina: A pet care business that invested in tools and equipment to provide better services to pets and their owners. This funding helps Paulina improve the quality and range of services she can offer.
· Grow to Mow: A professional gardening service that invested in Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 horticultural training, enabling David to improve his expertise and offer specialist services to his clients.
· SRTD Vintage Clothing: A vintage clothing business that used the grant to purchase initial stock for a retail unit. This will help owner Sophie build inventory and attract more customers.
· Deborah Lyon Natural Therapies: A holistic therapy business that invested in professional courses like Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork and an integrated approach to lymphoedema. These qualifications will enable Deborah to expand her service offering and cater to a wider range of clients.
· Caledonian Forest Therapy: A nature-based therapy service that used the grant to pay the remainder of a Forest Therapy Practitioner training course. This qualification will allow owner Lisa to provide certified therapeutic services to her clients.
· Relaks Stirling: A mobile massage therapy service that purchased a portable massage table. This will allow owner Jill to offer treatments in clients’ homes, making her services more accessible and convenient.
· The Play Therapy Haven: A therapy service for children, which used the grant to purchase sensory resources like a colour-changing LED light bubble lamp and a tunnel infinity mirror. These tools will enhance the therapeutic environment and improve children’s engagement during sessions.
· Lunar Eclipse EFL Therapy Horses CIC: A business offering equine-assisted therapy that invested in a laptop for administration, invoicing, and correspondence. This will allow the team to improve operational efficiency and focus more on providing therapy.
Mike Barclay, Director of Business Support at STEP, said: “These start-up grants are a testament to the strong entrepreneurial spirit we have here in Stirling. Our goal is to provide practical support to help local businesses overcome some of the early financial hurdles and equip them with the tools they need to grow. It’s great to see such diverse businesses making an impact, and we’re proud to support their journey.”
The grants provided by STEP, with the support from Stirling Council and UKSPF, are an investment not just in individual businesses but in the wider Stirling economy. The funding and business planning assistance from Business Gateway has empowered entrepreneurs to confidently take the next steps in their business journey, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.
Dan Sharp, Thriving Stirling Lead (Inward Investment and Public Relations) at Stirling Council, also expressed his enthusiasm for the programme: “Stirling is brimming with talented and driven entrepreneurs and through initiatives like these grants, we’re able to help turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. The success of these new ventures contributes not only to individual business owners but also to the wider local economy. We’re excited to see what these businesses will achieve in the future.”
STEP plays a pivotal role in fostering local entrepreneurs, enhancing a vibrant and prosperous economy in Stirling. Through start-up grants, business advice and ongoing support for both new and established ventures, STEP is dedicated to making Stirling the top destination for business.
