Rural Enterprises

Rural companies and aspiring entrepreneurs in Stirlingshire can access funding and advice from an experienced Rural Business Adviser at STEP. Advisers give tips on starting and growing a business, employing, exporting, marketing and finding potential funding sources. They can also signpost you to a specialist for advice on renewable energy, training support and more.

Roadshows and Business Clinics

Travelling throughout Stirlingshire, our professional advisors organise events to meet businesses in their day-to-day surroundings. Free to attend, the events also give you the opportunity to discuss potential funding and accessing products and services of our partner agencies.

Meet our rural business adviser

Funding

Rural businesses in Scotland can receive funding support from the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and Leader funding. As funding is granted under specific criteria, STEP can help identify the most suitable award and build a strong application.

Even if you’re not eligible for these grants it’s worth contacting a STEP business adviser to see if any other support funding is available.

Contact STEP to talk about funding

Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP)

Rural organisations and individuals can receive funding if their project or business helps the Scottish Government to achieve their objectives, particularly for renewable energy, health, education and business targets.

Grants are awarded under a number of programmes, each with their own set of criteria, but successful organisations are likely to be from the following sectors: farming, forestry and primary processing sectors, rural enterprise and business development, diversification and rural tourism.

As the SRDP application process is detailed and requires supporting documentation, it is most suitable for projects worth over £50,000. STEP can help you prepare your application for funding, contact us to see if you’re eligible.

Scotland Rural Development Programme

Leader Small Tourism Business Grant Scheme

The Leader Small Tourism Business Grant Scheme gives up to £10,000 to business development projects in rural areas. If your business or idea brings a wider benefit to local communities and their environment, you could be eligible for support.

STEP worked with Forth Valley and Lomond Leader to develop the project so we’re well positioned to help you write a strong application.

Contact STEP to see if you’re eligible for the Leader Small Tourism Business Grant Scheme

More on the Forth Valley and Lomond Leader programme