Natalie Don MSP has welcomed a new Scottish Government scheme which has been launched to help town centres to recover from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage people to support local businesses.
The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is encouraging local organisations to apply to the Scotland Loves Local Fund which is administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and will provide eligible projects with match funding of between £5,000 and £25,000.
Applications are invited from constituted groups with bank accounts and suitable governance controls, and where there is a local council co-signatory, until 5pm on Friday 1st October.
Constituted groups may include a collaboration involving two or more of: charitable community groups, community or development trusts, housing associations, town centre partnerships, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, Renfrewshire Council, business/trader associations cooperatives, social enterprises and other third sector organisations.
Eligible projects could include community shops, marketing and digital schemes, refurbishment of vacant or derelict sites, making minor adaptations to improve the local environment or creating events and performance spaces.
Natalie Don MSP is encouraging organisations in Renfrewshire North and West to apply to the Scotland Loves Local Fund.
Natalie Don MSP said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been very challenging for many businesses across Renfrewshire North and West which were not able to operate or required to implement restrictions to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
“As we recover with protective restrictions having further eased on Monday, I am pleased that the SNP Government is making money available via the Scotland Loves Local Fund to invest in our communities to encourage greater footfall into our town and village centres and help stimulate growth in the local economy.
“I strongly encourage eligible projects to apply for funding and urge people in Renfrewshire to continue supporting our local businesses at every opportunity.”
For more information, go to www.lovelocal.scot or email Scotland’s Towns Partnership at alison@scotlandstowns.org