High Street enterprise hubs: Paisley InCube

Paisley InCube was Paisley’s business incubator and retail academy, with a focus on the local creative sector. It also acted as Renfrewshire’s hub for start-up, self-employment and enterprise. Its presence in the town centre was two-fold.

InCube Shop on Gilmour Street supported local designers and unemployed people, selling products which had been created by designers, makers and artists who had completed InCube’s Start-up Street business incubator programme. There was no cost to the designers. The range of goods available changed regularly. This included jewellery, home accessories, scarves, hats, childrenswear, original art and more! The shop also operated as a retail academy, offering guest trading slots for local creative designers or makers who were considering moving into retail, and learning and work placements to local unemployed people who are interested in developing a career in retail.

InCube Creative programme is based in separate premises on the High Street. It offered an intensive programme of advice, workshops and one-to-one sessions to aspiring creative entrepreneurs allowing them to learn how to brand, market and sell their products and services effectively.

The High Street premises were also home to InCube’s Start-up Street business incubator programme, a low-cost business incubator which provides accommodation and business support for up to 2 years for 20+ early stage and start-up businesses. At Start-Up Street, businesses could meet and connect with each other on a daily basis. If they needed a service, advice or inspiration, they could knock on their neighbour’s door, speak to a manager or mentor, or attend a networking event.

Business Gateway also offered services from the High Street premises, and Prince’s Trust Scotland use it as a meeting hub.

InCube was developed collaboratively by the local authority and Business Gateway.

For more information on Paisley town centre, check out the Inspiration section.