Firms in two north-east towns will get the chance to work with leading retail experts as part of ongoing regeneration efforts.
The Retail Plus Scheme, a new initiative from Aberdeenshire Council and business development project The Retailer Group, will be launched at an event in Banff and Macduff next week.
Local businesses will be able to get expert advice as well as how to apply for up to £2,000 of grant funding from the local authority.
The initiative has been praised by local business leaders. Des Cheyne, managing director of Banff’s Spotty Bag Shop, said: “As far as I can see it would be good for the business community to embrace this.
“It’s about the community as a whole, not just the Spotty Bag Shop. If we can pull together in the same direction it will hopefully be enough to entice more people into our towns.
“I’m delighted Aberdeenshire Council are now identifying the problem and working to bring the communities together.”
The Retailer Group managing director, Gordon Bell, said: “This is a great opportunity for both retailers and for the high street as a whole.
“We are delighted to be associated with this project and look forward to working with the businesses in Banff and Macduff to make a real difference both for the shops and local customers.”
Efforts to regenerate ailing town centres across the north-east have dominated council agendas over the past 12 months.
The Aberdeenshire 4 Towns Report, presented to councillors from Banff, Macduff, Peterhead and Fraserburgh earlier this year, stressed the need to support local traders.
Aberdeenshire Council’s regeneration boss Christine Webster said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses aimed at equipping retailers with the necessary skills to meet the needs of local shoppers.
“Aberdeenshire Council’s regeneration strategy recognises investing in independent retailers to sustain the vitality of the local economy and is a key element to the successful regeneration of the area and we are delighted to support this exciting project.”
As well as advice, firms which take part will be able to access the Improvement and Enhancement Scheme and apply for up to £2,000 funding from the local authority. Grants would be matched with 50% funding from applicants.
The Retail Plus Scheme will be officially unveiled at a launch event in Banff Castle at 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 9.