Business is booming at Renfrewshire Start Up Street

A council scheme to help entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground has turned town centre units into thriving business hubs. 

Start-Up Street is a Renfrewshire Council initiative designed to provide affordable workspace and tailored support for new businesses. Since launching in 2020, the three centres in Paisley, Johnstone, and Renfrew have repurposed vacant council properties and police station garages into modern business hubs.

Businesses benefit from subsidised rent in high quality facilities, with essential utilities and free-Wi-Fi, helping keep overhead costs low. The programme also provides tailored support from advisers, peer networking, and workshops to support their growth and development.

The programme has seen all three centres reach full occupancy and has accommodated a diverse mix of businesses, including podcast producers and fashion designers.

So far, businesses have achieved high survival rates, with 86% still trading after two years, compared with the national average of 67%. Several businesses have upgraded to larger units or moved on to their own premises within Renfrewshire.

Rebecca Corsetti moved into Start-Up Street Johnstone in 2024. Since then, she has developed her business Gut Punch, which sells fermented foods and hot sauces to shops and restaurants across Scotland.

Rebecca said: “Being able to focus on developing our products without the worry of high overheads has been invaluable, and the guidance from on-site advisors has helped me plan and scale effectively. Moving to a bigger premises is a direct result of the support and opportunities I’ve had while in Start-Up Street.”

The programme has also focused on underrepresented groups, with 59% of participating businesses being female-led. At Paisley’s George Street hub, well over half of the businesses are run by entrepreneurs under 30.

Stephanie Cairns, who runs The Lash Lady beauty salon at the Paisley hub, said: “Thanks to Start-Up Street, I found the confidence to start my own journey into self-employment, going out on my own after working within the beauty industry for years. I started doing lash extensions and facials myself, and now I’m creating opportunities and affordable space for young entrepreneurs to begin theirs within my salon.

“I’ve been able to join networking events and take masterclasses on accounting and bookkeeping which I think is a massive subject we aren’t taught in school. Self-employment is an option and Start Up Street helps teach you how to do it and keep yourself right.”

The council initiative offers lower-cost premises, networking and wraparound support for up to two years for early stage and start-up businesses.

Scott McCaw runs his business Energy Saving Guru from the Renfrewshire Start Up Street hub. He said: “Beyond the excellent physical space, the on-site support and business guidance has made a real difference to our confidence, capability and strategic planning. Access to mentoring, workshops and tailored advice has enabled us to refine our offer, connect with fellow entrepreneurs and accelerate our business development.

“Start-Up Street has been more than just a location; it has been a catalyst for our progress, providing us with the tools, network and confidence to grow with purpose. We are so proud to be part of this thriving community.”

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “Start-Up Street is a fantastic example of Renfrewshire Council investing in our local entrepreneurs and town centres. We’re helping people turn ideas into sustainable businesses that create jobs and contribute to our local economy.

“The programme continues to deliver strong outcomes — businesses are growing and expanding, and we’ve supported people who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.

“Start-Up Street is now a proven model of inclusive growth, and we’re proud that it is not only benefiting our towns but inspiring similar initiatives across Scotland.”

For more information on Start-Up Street and its benefits for local businesses, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/Start-Up-Street