Scottish Start-Up Month returns with free support for budding entrepreneurs
“Making the leap from an idea to a sustainable business takes confidence, support and the right connections” – Stuart Common, Mackie’s of Scotland
Scotland’s business community is backing Scottish Start-Up Month, as the event returns for a second year this September.
The first year of running coincided with 1,922 new businesses launching between September and November, 201 more than the same period the previous year, according to support service Business Gateway, which is leading the initiative.
Scottish Start-Up Month aims to inspire more people to explore self-employment and launch a business, while encouraging the country’s business community to pledge support and share advice with the next generation of business owners.
Alongside online tools, local business advisers are on hand to offer free one-to-one support in each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas. These advisers can help refine business ideas, develop plans, identify customers and access the support needed to launch and grow a business.
Stuart Common, managing director of ice cream business Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “We’re proud to support Scottish Start-Up Month and the ambition behind it to encourage more people to turn good ideas into growing businesses.
“Mackie’s has always believed in the value of building for the long term, investing in Scotland and being prepared to innovate, and we know how important that same ambition is for the next generation of businesses.
“Scotland has no shortage of people with great ideas, but making the leap from an idea to a sustainable business takes confidence, support and the right connections.”
Scottish Start-Up Month runs throughout September, with a programme of free resources, guidance and real-life business stories.
Gail Macgregor, chair of the Business Gateway board, said: “Business Gateway supports business owners year-round, but we felt it was important to create a milestone within the year to focus attention on those that might be out there considering an idea but just need to take the first step. Last year’s campaign showed the appetite is there when we demonstrate what support is available, with over 2,700 enquiries around Scotland.
“Whether you’re ready to launch or simply curious about self-employment, our advisers can help to make the first - often daunting - move.
“And if you already run a business, I’d encourage you to make a pledge this September and share what you've learned with the next generation of Scotland's business owners.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.