E-commerce cash support for traders

A new grant scheme will help businesses revamp their online shop as part of Go Forth Stirling’s ongoing Covid-19 business support package.

The team at Go Forth is launching an e-commerce grant offering matchfunded contributions of up to £1000 to help Stirling businesses either start trading online or develop their existing online activity.

The scheme will offer support to the selfemployed, sole-traders plus micro and small businesses who are members of the city’s Business Improvement District (BID).

It will give Stirling’s shops the chance to showcase their goods and increase sales both on the high street and online.

Go Forth Stirling BID project director Danielle Mcrorie-smith said:“with more and more people shopping online due to the lockdown, the new Stirling e-commerce grant scheme offers businesses the chance to develop an extra dimension to the services they currently provide by either creating an online presence or revitalising the appearance of their current online platform.

“Online shopping is not only part of the future, it is very much the present and the support we are offering through this initiative will help local businesses navigate the huge challenges the coronavirus pandemic has presented.

“It will also help preserve their presence on the high street by improving online platforms and giving shoppers more of an insight into what’s on offer both on and offline.”

Applications for the e-commerce grants opened this week and are being assessed on a first come-first served basis.

The application form can be downloaded from the Go Forth Stirling website – www.goforthstirling.co. uk/virtual-high-street - and any queries should be emailed via admin@ goforthstirling.co.uk.

Go Forth is also partnering with Stirling business support organisation STEP to assist the application process via an online event aimed at providing a better understanding of e-commerce and helping business owners with the grant application process and supplier selection.

Business owners who are successful in applying for a grant will be able to access a framework of Stirling-based providers who can provide e-commerce support specific to their company.

Ms Mcrorie-smith added:“we’ve contacted BID members to find out who would benefit from the initiative and have had a huge response. Stirling Council is also backing the project which is open to all Stirling companies within the BID district.

“This is a scheme which will help our business owners create a sustainable future and help us show that Stirling is open for business with a unique shopping experience both online and on the high street.”