STIRLING'S shopfronts are set for a facelift following a £20K cash injection from the city’s Business Improvement District (BID). 

Go Forth Stirling, which runs the BID, has announced a city centre improvement initiative for shop owners who want to revitalise their properties. 

The move aims to help small businesses increase footfall by attracting more customers into local shops and cafes as well as providing a better experience for Stirling shoppers. 

Go Forth Stirling Chairman Andrew Mitchell said: “This is a great opportunity for Stirling businesses to improve the appearance of their premises. 

“We all appreciate that we live in challenging times for business owners who often don’t have a lot of money to spare - so we’re introducing this initiative to provide direct and timely assistance to them. 

“We’re inviting them to apply for a cash grant to spruce up their premises and enhance shop frontages. 

“This is a scheme which will not only help our business owners but also provide a better environment and shopping experience for visitors to Stirling City Centre.” 

Go Forth Stirling will provide eligible businesses with up to £500 towards improving shop exteriors which would then be match-funded by the company owner. 

Applications for grants are now open and the improvement works are expected to be carried out over the summer. 

The initiative has been welcomed by Veena Bodane who plans to give her shop, Silver Gems Jewellery, in Murray Place a facelift. 

She said: “The shopfront improvement scheme set up by the BID is a great boost for city centre traders.  

“This will improve the look and feel of my shop and the scheme in general will assist in keeping the city centre retail areas looking fresh and clean.  

“I am looking forward to seeing the works commence and want to thank Go Forth Stirling for helping me achieve the required refurbishment.  

“For small traders like me a cash injection of this nature is a massive boost to my business." 

Improving the city centre environment and tackling maintenance work was one of the key issues identified by Stirling businesses during surveys carried out in the run up to the establishment of the BID. 

The BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote among the city’s traders and represents 394 local businesses. 

Any business owners who wish to apply for an improvement grant should contact Go Forth Stirling’s Administration Officer Peta Alexander at the BID office for more information. 

All necessary permissions and a quote for the works should be in place at the time of application.