Deadline: 22-Jun-2026
The Aberdeenshire Council is offering funding through the Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Fund to help businesses, charities, social enterprises, and community groups bring vacant town centre premises back into active public use. The programme supports projects that increase footfall, reduce empty properties, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen the local economy in Fraserburgh town centre.
Programme Overview
The Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Fund aims to revitalise Fraserburgh town centre by supporting new and existing organisations that want to occupy vacant commercial premises and provide services or activities for the public.
The fund encourages:
- Reducing vacancy levels
- Increasing town centre footfall
- Supporting local entrepreneurship
- Encouraging innovative use of empty spaces
- Strengthening community ownership
- Supporting long-term economic activity
- Improving the attractiveness of the town centre
The programme also promotes non-retail uses such as:
- Health and wellbeing services
- Shared-use spaces
- Co-working hubs
- Community-focused activities
Funding Details
- Total grant budget available: £25,000
- No minimum or maximum grant amount
- Applicants should request only the amount required
- Match funding is welcomed but not compulsory
- In-kind contributions can also support applications
Examples of in-kind support include:
- Donated labour
- Equipment
- Services
- Free premises use
Payment Structure
The grant will be paid in two stages:
- 50% paid after grant approval
- Remaining 50% released after proof of initial expenditure is submitted
Applicants must provide:
- Invoices
- Receipts
- Bank statements
- Proof of expenditure
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Sole traders
- Small businesses
- Charities
- Community groups
- Social enterprises
Applicants must intend to:
- Occupy a vacant town centre premises
- Open the premises for public use
Property owners cannot apply to redevelop their own buildings under this scheme.
Eligible Costs
Funding may be used for:
- Initial rent costs
- Stock purchases
- Marketing and promotion
- Equipment purchase or hire
- Public liability insurance
- Fixtures and fittings
- Window displays
- Decoration and setup costs
Why This Fund Matters
The Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Fund is designed to support local economic regeneration by activating empty commercial units and encouraging sustainable community investment.
The initiative aims to:
- Increase visitor numbers
- Improve local business activity
- Encourage long-term town centre investment
- Create more vibrant public spaces
- Support community-led regeneration
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Identify a vacant town centre premises
- Develop a business or community-use proposal
- Estimate project costs realistically
- Prepare supporting documents and expenditure plans
- Submit the funding application through programme guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for property redevelopment as a landlord
- Requesting unrealistic funding amounts
- Failing to explain public benefit
- Providing unclear expenditure plans
- Submitting incomplete supporting documents
FAQ
Who can apply for the Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Fund?
Businesses, charities, social enterprises, sole traders, and community groups.
Is match funding required?
No, but it is encouraged.
Can landlords apply?
No. Property owners cannot apply to redevelop their own premises.
What can the funding be used for?
Rent, stock, marketing, insurance, equipment, fittings, decoration, and setup costs.
How much funding is available?
A total programme budget of £25,000 is available across multiple projects.
Conclusion
The Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Fund, delivered by Aberdeenshire Council, provides valuable support for businesses and community organisations looking to transform vacant town centre properties into active public spaces. The initiative aims to improve footfall, strengthen the local economy, and encourage sustainable regeneration across Fraserburgh town centre.
For more information, visit Aberdeenshire Council.
