Forth Valley Growth Grant (FVGG)
The Forth Valley Growth Grant supports business growth projects across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.
Funded through the UK Government's Local Growth Fund, the grant helps businesses invest in capital equipment and premises improvements that will increase turnover, create jobs, or support business expansion.
Grant value
- Grants available from £1,000 to £25,000
- Projects up to £5,000 can receive up to 75% of eligible costs
- Projects over £5,000 can receive up to 50% of eligible costs
What the grant can fund
Examples of eligible capital investment include:
- Plant and machinery
- Production and manufacturing equipment
- Commercial kitchen equipment
- Warehouse and storage equipment
- Premises improvements and refurbishment
- Heating and ventilation systems
- Accessibility improvements
- Energy efficiency measures
- Renewable energy technologies, including solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps
Please note: grant funding can only be used for capital expenditure.
What the grant cannot fund
The grant cannot support:
- Computers, IT hardware and software
- CCTV and security systems
- Website development or redevelopment
- EV charging infrastructure
- Vehicles and vehicle-mounted equipment
- Stock, raw materials or consumables
- Rent, utilities, insurance or salaries
- Routine maintenance and repairs
- Debt repayments
- Purchases made before grant approval
A full list of eligible and ineligible costs is available in the guidance notes.
Eligibility
To apply, your business must:
- Be located in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk or Stirling
- Be an Micro, Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) or social enterprise with fewer than 250 employees and turnover below £45 million
- Have been trading for at least 12 months
- Employ at least one full-time employee
- Have a dedicated business bank account
- Be financially solvent with no local authority debt or business rates arrears
- Demonstrate how the investment will support business growth through increased turnover and/or jobs
How to apply
Step 1: Submit an expression of interest
Email a brief outline of your proposed project to the Council, stating what the investment is for and what benefits it will bring:
Step 2: Eligibility assessment
Your proposal will be reviewed and may be followed by a discussion or site visit with a business advisor. If eligible, you will be invited to complete a full application through the online portal.
Step 3: Funding decision
Applications are assessed by a funding panel. Applications are considered in the order received.
Due to anticipated demand, it may take up to 4 weeks to receive an update.
Successful applications
Successful applicants must:
- Complete their project within 3 months of approval
- Submit all required evidence, invoices and completion paperwork
- Claim grant funding after project completion
- Grant payments are based on verified project costs and final invoices.
Future funding rounds
Funding will also be available during 2027/28 and 2028/29.
This may be suitable for projects requiring longer lead in times, such as those needing planning permission, building warrants or listed building consent.
Further information
Please read the FVGG guidance document before submitting an expression of interest email.
To discuss your project, contact your local authority using the email addresses above.