Supporting Growth in Fort William: BID Launches Property Improvement and Event Support Schemes

BID Fort William is here to support local business growth, improve our town centre and make Fort William a better place to live, work and visit. As part of that commitment, we’re investing in two new grant schemes designed to support our levy payers and drive meaningful change: the Property Improvement Scheme and the Event Support Scheme.

Both schemes are open now and offer practical, financial help to eligible businesses and event organisers across the BID area. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your shopfront or create an event that brings new footfall into town, we want to hear from you.

Property Improvement Scheme

First impressions matter—especially in a town that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The Property Improvement Scheme offers match funding to help businesses within the Fort William BID area improve the external appearance of their premises. The aim is simple: to enhance the visual appeal of our town centre, support business pride, and contribute to a more attractive and welcoming high street.

What can the funding be used for?

The scheme supports a wide range of upgrades, including:

• Repainting shopfronts
• Replacing or repairing signage
• Restoring architectural features
• Installing lighting or planters
• Removing dated or unused fixtures (e.g. old shutters or hanging signs)

The improvements must be visible from the street and make a positive impact on the overall look of the area.

How much can I apply for?

BID Fort William will fund up to 50% of the total cost, up to a maximum of £1,000 per property. This means if you plan to spend £1,200, you could receive £600 towards the project.

To be eligible, you must be a current levy payer within the BID area and have no outstanding payments due.

How do I apply?

The application process is straightforward. You’ll need to submit:

• A short application form
• Photographs of your current property frontage
• A description of the proposed improvements
• A quote for the works from a local contractor
• Confirmation that any required permissions (e.g. planning) are in place

Applications are open on a rolling basis until the funding is fully allocated, so we recommend applying early.

Event Support Scheme

Fort William has a proud tradition of community gatherings, sports events, and seasonal festivals—but we want to help take things to the next level. The Event Support Scheme is designed to encourage more year-round activity in town, particularly during the off-season, and to bring more people into the area to spend with local businesses.

We’re looking to support events that:

• Increase visitor numbers to Fort William
• Extend the duration of stay (e.g. overnight visits)
• Boost spending in shops, cafés, restaurants and accommodation
• Provide a positive profile for the town and its businesses

What can be funded?

Grants can be used for a wide variety of costs, including:

• Event infrastructure (e.g. staging, equipment, safety measures)
• Marketing and promotion (e.g. adverts, posters, digital campaigns)
• Performer or speaker fees
• Activities that improve the visitor experience
• New additions to established events (e.g. evening elements, children’s activities, or workshops)

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to businesses, charities, social enterprises, community groups and individuals organising non-profit-making events within the BID area. Private or invite-only events (like conferences) are eligible if they show a clear benefit to local businesses.

The BID will typically contribute up to 50% of event costs, with no fixed upper limit—although we expect other funding or income to be part of the overall budget.

How do I apply?

To apply, you’ll need:

• A completed application form
• An outline of your event plan and its expected benefits
• A budget, including other funding sources
• Confirmation of permissions, insurance and compliance with relevant regulations

Funds are paid after the event, once invoices and a post-event report are submitted. In exceptional cases, part-payment in advance may be considered.

Why These Schemes Matter

BID Fort William was established to make a real difference to the town—and these schemes are a direct way of delivering value back to our levy payers. By supporting the improvement of local properties and helping to develop more high-quality events, we’re working to make Fort William more vibrant, resilient and economically active.

These grants are part of a wider programme of support and investment that will continue throughout our first five-year term. We’ll also be reporting back regularly so you can see exactly how your BID is making an impact.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re interested in either the Property Improvement Scheme or the Event Support Scheme, please go to our Grant page.

Let’s work together to brighten up Fort William and bring more life into town.