Start Up Street Update Jan 26 - AM reviewed
Renfrewshire Council · 20 January 2026
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 20 January 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 January 2026 Report by: Chief Executive Heading: Start Up Street Update 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an update to the Board on the progress of the Councils Start- Up Street initiative based in Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew town centres. 1.2 Initially approved by the Leadership Board in December 2018 the Start-Up Street proposal responded to the local need for low-cost business space with ongoing business advice and support. It aimed to encourage business growth and support the leap into commercial premises. 1.3 The project has now been operational for 5 years and the report updates the board on its outcomes. 2. Recommendations 2.1 Board members are asked to: (i) Note the contents of the report. 3. Background 3.1 Renfrewshire Council’s Start-Up Street is an innovative business support initiative tackling low business start-up rates (particularly amongst under-represented groups) across Renfrewshire. The initiative transforms underused town centre properties into thriving community enterprise hubs offering affordable, flexible workspaces for early-stage businesses. 3.2 The three Start-Up Street facilities were opened between 2020-2023, first Paisley, then Johnstone and then Renfrew. A 4-step programme of subsidised rents, wraparound business and transition support allows local entrepreneurs to build
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PUBLIC sustainable enterprises. 3.3 Since launch, Start-Up Street has supported fifty nine (59) new and early-stage businesses, creating jobs, revitalising town centres, and building an inclusive local economy. The project has helped unlock entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups, including women and young people, by reducing financial and structural barriers. 4. The Start Up Street Model 4.1 Start-Up Street is designed to empower entrepreneurs with not just a workspace, but a collaborative environment fuelled by creativity, mentorship, and opportunity. It is an innovative model designed to support the innovators of the future. 4.2 Start-Up Street has a joined-up, place-based approach to economic regeneration - blending affordable workspace, wraparound enterprise support, and creative reuse of Council-owned (or partner organisation-owned) town centre properties. Rather than delivering traditional business support in isolation, the project integrates economic development with community planning, regeneration, and inclusive growth strategies. 4.3 The Start-Up Street model consists of: 1. Affordable, high-quality workspace • Vacant council-owned (or partner organisation-owned) units in Paisley, Renfrew, and Johnstone were converted into modern, digitally connected office and studio spaces—with utilities and Wi-Fi included— on a subsidised lease for up to two years. 2. Staged rent progression to ease scaling • Start-ups begin paying a low subsidised rent, which gradually increases over time, giving businesses breathing room to grow before moving to commercial premises. 3. On-site expert support and mentoring • Business Gateway advisers are available at all sites; plus, Paisley and Renfrew feature on-site enterprise managers from social enterprise business development partners Launch It and Inspirent respectively. • They provide one-on-one guidance, workshops, masterclasses, and peer networking opportunities. 4. Community-building among entrepreneurs • The model intentionally clusters small ventures, so founders naturally share learnings, collaborate, and support each other. • This mix of tenants enriches the co-working environment, allowing cross- fertilisation of ideas, group work and activities. 5. Repurposing empty streets for economic impact
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PUBLIC • Rather than letting commercial units sit idle, the programme breathes life into town centres, benefiting both entrepreneurs and the broader local economy. • The community also experiences fewer instances of vandalism and antisocial behaviour, along with a greater sense of pride in public spaces. 6. Focus on Under-represented Groups • Especially in Paisley, Launch It runs a dedicated programme supporting young people—helping them turn ideas into sustainable businesses, backed by tailored mentoring and resources. Inspirent in Renfrew have a strong track record of supporting female businesses and add value by delivering women network events and training across the area. 5. Start Up Street Outcomes 5.1 Each of the three sites were at 100% capacity within months of launching and any vacancies from graduating businesses are taken quickly by others. The centres house a diverse mix of small businesses from podcast producers to ear- care specialists. Business is booming at Start-Up Street Renfrew | Scottish Financial News 5.2 Specific outcomes and successes include: • High survival and growth rates of participating businesses (86% compared to national average 67% at 2 years). 7 of the 59 businesses have ceased to trade. 3 have done so for positive reasons e.g. the owners have decided to return to full time employment (at a more senior level and for more money) than before they started their business. • Significant focus on underrepresented groups (women and young people). ▪ In Renfrewshire less than 30% of self-employed people are women (2,000 out of 6,800) representing one of the lowest rates in Scotland. 59% of the businesses supported through Start Up Street to date have been female led. ▪ Under-30s have been receptive to the support provided through George Street, Paisley – through targeted support, mentoring, having an advisor who relates to the age group. 22 of the 35 businesses so far at George St have been young people. • Supporting town centre regeneration and reducing vacancy rates: 12 commercial units and 4 former police station garages were redeveloped for Start-Up Street use and 29 graduating businesses have now moved to larger premises, mostly in Renfrewshire. • Participant satisfaction and progression is very high. • Replicable model – Renfrewshire now has 3 Start-Up Streets and other local authorities are looking at creating similar developments. 5.3 Impact is measured through ongoing monitoring and evaluation in partnership with the delivery partners. This includes regular business health checks, participant
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PUBLIC feedback surveys, case studies, and tracking of business outcomes such as revenue growth, job creation, and transition into independent premises. 5.4 Partners, staff, and participants are actively involved in measuring success. Feedback loops are built into programme delivery, and regular review sessions with stakeholders ensure the model remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with wider community and regeneration goals. This collaborative approach strengthens impact and ensures continued relevance and sustainability. 5.5 Founders like Grant Fraser (SweetPunkz) and Jayne Lasley (fashion) credit the programme with removing overhead worries so they can focus fully on growing their businesses Renfrewshire lockdown businesses booming thanks to Start-Up Street | The Gazette 5.6 In addition to moving into their first commercial premises at Start-Up Street Johnstone, Trail Grazers (Gillian McIntyre and Laura Calvert) were also able to access the professional kitchen at Active Communities Johnstone (the host social enterprise) to scale up their business production https://www.paisley.org.uk/2022/12/new-business-centre-launches-at-former- johnstone-police-station/ 6. Key Stats Per Area 2020-2025 6.1 Start Up Street Paisley - opened in 2020 (16 business units) • 35 businesses accommodated to date (mix of start-up and early stage) • 3 CIC, 8 Ltd, 24 sole traders • 3 businesses no longer trading • 20 Female and 15 male businesses • 22 youth businesses • 13 still trading from George Street • 1 getting ready to move in shortly • 21 moved to commercial premises 6.2 Start Up Street Johnstone - opened in 2022 (4 business units) • Accommodated 7 businesses (all startups) from 2022-25 • 1 partnership, 2 sole traders, 4 Ltd • All female businesses • 2 ceased trading in 2024 • 2 business quickly outgrew space and were supported to move to larger premises (before the end of their 2-year period) • 1 Business moved to new premises within Johnstone after completing their 2- year incubation period • 2 businesses are currently trading from startup street premises however 1 of them has signed a lease with Renfrewshire Council for a property in Abercorn Street and will relocate in January • Leases are currently being finalised for 2 new tenants to move in mid- December • Applications are being developed by 3 potential tenants for January entry when 1 unit becomes available
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PUBLIC 6.3 Start Up Street Renfrew - opened in 2023 (10 business units) • Accommodated 17 businesses (a mix of startups and early stage) from 2023- 25 • 7 Ltd and 10 sole traders • 9 male and 8 female businesses • 3 youth businesses • 2 ceased trading • 5 have already moved to larger premises • 9 still trading from Start Up Street Renfrew • 3 businesses are preparing to move on following their 2-year incubation period and are being supported with their exit strategy to find suitable premises locally • Applications have been received from 2 potential tenant businesses 7 Final Points 7.1. All three Start-Up Street centres now work as a network, supporting each other in the development of the centres and the support to those interested in starting a business. 7.2. As well as providing incubation / workspaces each centre also acts as a business hub for start-up and wider business enquiries which can be referred to the Council’s Business Team. They each host the Council’s Business Gateway ‘meet the advisor’ sessions and monthly peer group meet up sessions for businesses to network and share best practice. 7.3. A number of Start-Up Street businesses have employed people from the local area through the Invest in Renfrewshire employability service. In particular, parents returning to work through the parental employability support programme have accessed work experience and employment opportunities. 7.4. Start-Up Street is a replicable, place-based model and a number of other local authorities have expressed an interest in replicating the model following visits to the Renfrewshire centres. 7.5. A number of Start Up Street businesses have made the final of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce ROCCO awards over the past 2 years with a win in this year’s event in November 2025 for Tots United for Outstanding Performing Business with 5 or less employees. 7.6. Tots United are a provider of football classes designed for children from 18 months up to 8 years old. With the support of Start Up Street and Business Gateway in preparing them for franchising, the business has successfully launched a franchise model and welcomed its first franchisee based in Stirling. Building on this achievement, the business is now seeking to establish itself as a Community Sports Hub, having expanded its services to include gymnastics. 7.7. During Global Entrepreneurship Week (17th - 21st November 2025), all 3 Start Up Streets took part in a Business Fair at Abbey Mill Business Centre. The event allowed aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with start-up advisors, enabling them to refine and advance their business ideas. The fair also facilitated opportunities for Start Up Street businesses to present their products and services and foster connections with potential investors, strategic partners, and customers. In addition to networking, the fair functioned as a concentrated hub for knowledge exchange and business pitching, offering participants a professional
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PUBLIC environment to learn, collaborate, and showcase innovation. Over 150 people attended on the day with: • 6 people requesting an appointment to meet with a startup advisor to progress their business idea. • 3 enquiries for Start Up Street support. • 7 enquiries seeking loan investment. • Increased leads and sales for those Start Up Street businesses showcasing their products and services. 7.8. Since entering Start Up Street Johnstone, in August 2024, Rebecca Corsetti of It’s Alive has successfully outgrown her unit and has advanced to securing a lease for larger premises with Renfrewshire Council. The new industrial unit is currently being upgraded to meet required food-safety standards. Specialising in the manufacture of natural, live fermented food and drink, the business supplies directly to retail outlets from Paisley to Edinburgh, while also serving wholesale clients. Having exceeded her initial financial projections, the business is now expanding its workforce by recruiting two part-time staff members to support operations in the new facility from January 2026. Rebecca featured in a recent edition of the Mill magazine – see Appendix 1 of this report. Implications of the Report 1. Financial - No additional finance sought. Resources are provided through the Council’s Economic Development Budget. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning • Jobs and the Economy – progresses the business startup and growth agenda. 4. Legal - None . 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights- The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 8. Health & Safety - None. 9. Procurement - None. 10. Risk - None. 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. Childrens Rights – None.
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PUBLIC 13. Cosla Policy Position - Not Applicable. 14. Climate Risk - Not Applicable. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers Economy and Regeneration Board: 29 September 2023; “Invest In Renfrewshire: Start- Up Street Update” Economy and Regeneration Board: 22 September 2022; “Invest In Renfrewshire: Start- Up Street” Economy and Regeneration Board: 23 August 2022; “Invest In Renfrewshire: Start-Up Street Leadership Board: 28 April 2021; “Start-Up Street” Leadership Board: 5 December 2018; “Invest in Renfrewshire Proposal: Start-Up Street” ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Ruth Cooper ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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PUBLIC Appendix 1