GLASGOW City Council has unveiled a raft of proposals to stimulate start-ups, small businesses and social enterprises in some of the city’s most economically-challenged areas.

Scotland’s biggest local authority is bidding to drive its inclusive growth agenda through a series of measures ranging from rent discounts worth a total of £375,000 to improving access to working spaces by bringing empty units back into use. The Space for Growth initiative, which will be presented to the council’s city administration committee next week, also proposes the creation of community growth hubs, allowing organisations such as community groups and social enterprises to share space.

Councillor Angus Millar, deputy city convenor for economic growth, said the measures are a response to concerns that a lack of access to affordable space is one of the biggest barriers to growth.

The £375,000 Community Business Boost supports up and coming businesses in the four most socially deprived wards in the city – Calton, Canal, East Centre and North East – by contributing to 50% of rental costs for a two-year period.

Investment will be made in vacant council premises to bring them back into use and boost local economic development. Some of these properties will be available for use temporarily while decisions are taken over longer term function. Eleven units have been identified in the High Street and Saltmarket area, which will be available to lease for one year with an annual rent of £1.

Cllr Millar said: “The purpose is to spread economic opportunity across the city to advance an inclusive economic growth agenda, so we don’t just see all these fantastic success stories that have gone on in Glasgow city centre, but [are] creating jobs and opportunities across Glasgow. There’s a number of different opportunities there, and it is really just about trying to maximise the breadth of support we can give businesses.”