Business Improvement Grants keep Oban looking good

Businesses across Oban are looking good thanks to thousands of pounds of funding to keep up appearances

Over the last year thanks to BID4Oban members’ levy payments and extra funding from the Scottish Government, businesses have been able to invest more than £50,000 in how their properties look by using Business Improvement Grants to improve signs or redecorate their shop fronts.

In just under a decade BID4oban has awarded significant funds to many businesses to successfully achieve one of its key objectives - to keep the town looking good and Business Improvement Grants have played a successful part of that.

‘First impressions count and last so making sure the front of business premises look bright and well cared for can have a major impact on the town’s appeal ‘and support the cost to the business,’ says BID4Oban chief executive Andrew Spence.

Many businesses have used the grants to support them throughout the COVID pandemic with funding being awarded to help cafes and similar trade.

‘Businesses have also used grants to enable COVID mitigation enhancements to be made.

‘Some businesses have used the grants to improve external signage at their premises. It is not just for town centre businesses and any BID4Oban Levy payer can apply for a grant.

‘We are always keen to support any business and encourage them wherever possible to use local contractors to undertake any improvement works. This ensures that any funds invested benefit all local businesses and trades.

‘We have fixed annual budget and funding is awarded on a first come first served basis,’ added Mr Spence.

Full details on how a business can apply for a grant can be found by visiting www.bid4oban. co.uk or contacting the BID4Oban office in Stevenson Street.