BUDDING fashion designers and entrepreneurs are to share a £30,000 funding pot to launch their own retail businesses in Glasgow.

Trade charity the retailTRUST and property owners Hammerson have agreed to help fund new talent, in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University.

Individuals can apply for grants and trial their business concept at pop-up stores.

Emma Russell, an International Fashion Branding graduate, was one of the first designers to benefit from the awards.

She received £5000 to develop her business Pplrstrange (CORR), which targets customers who are bored of mainstream brands and want something unique in their wardrobes.

Emma said: “The grant will in enable me to grow my business a lot quicker than anticipated.

“It will help me bring out a new collection and fund extra stock, which I will launch at a pop-up store at the Barras Art and Design Centre next year.

“The funding will also help me pay for a studio.”

Four entrepreneurs received backing in the initial batch of awards.

Jillian Watt, Director of the GCU Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to see our partnership with retailTRUST and Hammerson expand across both our Glasgow and London campuses supporting our talented students.”