A £9.8m Local Growth Fund programme for the Forth Valley has moved into delivery after the UK Government approved the region's Investment Plan, paving the way for projects to boost businesses, skills, housing and infrastructure across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

Following approval of the plan and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Falkirk Council, acting for the region, and the UK Government's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, £3.7m has been released to the Forth Valley Regional Partnership for 2026/27, the first year of a three-year programme.

Developed with Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils and wider partners, the plan details how the investment will help companies grow, strengthen workforce skills, unlock key infrastructure and deepen regional collaboration to drive long-term, inclusive economic growth.

Over the next three years, priorities include: a Forth Valley Housing Enablement Fund to bring vacant or stalled housing sites back into use; a Regional Infrastructure Enablement Fund for commercial property and transport improvements; expanded business adviser support; a new Expert Help Programme offering specialist advice on exporting, digitalisation, marketing, finance and strategy; a grant scheme for businesses and social enterprises to spur expansion, productivity, innovation and job creation; and regional skills and workforce initiatives to connect people with employment and meet employer needs.

By 2029, the programme aims to support 370 businesses, award 94 grants, create 500 jobs, help 380 people move towards employment, enable 160 people to gain qualifications, and unlock more than 19,000 square metres of development land.

The Investment Plan underpins Forth Valley's ambition to become Scotland's most inclusive, productive and sustainable economy, building on strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, tourism, logistics, digital industries and innovation. It complements major initiatives including the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, and opportunities linked to the Forth Green Freeport.

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Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, said: "Today the UK Government is releasing more than £3.66 million to Forth Valley partners who know their communities best.

"These funds will be crucial to delivering skills and employment services, specialist support for businesses and unlocking vacant or stalled housing sites.

"The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country. These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets."

Councillor Susan McGill, Stirling Council Leader, said: "We are committed to maximising the opportunities from this package of investment to support businesses, create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth across Stirling and the wider region.

"Forth Valley has significant strengths, including its central location, excellent transport connections, major inward investment programmes, as well as its innovative, diverse and dynamic businesses. The Local Growth Fund investment will help us to build on these strengths, break down barriers and unleash the region's full economic potential.

"We have worked closely with Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils and engaged with a range of key regional stakeholders and organisations to develop the investment plan. We look forward to continuing in this spirit of collaboration as we deliver these important projects across the region over the next three years."

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Falkirk Council Leader, said: "This investment represents a significant opportunity for Forth Valley as a region and demonstrates the strength of Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils working together to support businesses, invest in people and unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

"By investing in areas such as infrastructure, business growth, innovation and skills, we can help create new opportunities, support our communities and raise living standards across Forth Valley laying the foundations for longer-term regional collaboration and prosperity.

"We look forward to working with our partners in Stirling and Clackmannanshire to ensure this investment delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for people and businesses throughout the Region."

Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: "This funding gives us a further opportunity to collaborate and innovate with our Forth Valley partners to support local businesses, invest in people and create opportunities that directly benefit Clackmannanshire's communities and residents.

"I am keen to work closely with our partners in Falkirk and Stirling to ensure this investment builds on our region's strengths while delivering tangible improvements for the people of Clackmannanshire through better access to jobs, skills, business support and economic opportunities.

"By working together, we can help tackle inequalities, strengthen our communities, and deliver long-term sustainability, growth and prosperity both across Forth Valley and here in Clackmannanshire."