Business Advice Highland

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. In Scotland, 99% of all private sector businesses are small to medium size enterprises – and they provide an estimated 1.1 million jobs*. What could you add to that mix?

Scottish tourism businesses and the fantastic work they do make up the lifeblood of our industry. The world-class standards of our accommodation providers, visitor attractions, visitor/experiences, restaurants and other businesses are why Scotland attracts so many new and returning visitors year after year.

There are plenty of examples of successful entrepreneurs and ideas. You may find reading them sparks your own imagination and inspires you to seek out and build your own enterprise – whatever its size! Students have great ideas for ventures and with a bit of perseverance and support, turn them into successful ventures.

Our vision is to make the Highlands and Islands a highly successful and competitive region where increasing numbers of people choose to live, work, study and invest.

Whether it is just an idea, a small enterprise or still in its early stages, CREATE is geared up to support any new business start-up. The CREATE team houses entrepreneurial experience of starting up both businesses and charities and, with the added support of our Entrepreneurs in Residence; our legal partners, Harper Macleod; and accounting partners, Johnston Carmichael, we can provide the right support to help you turn an enterprising idea into a business.

Business Gateway Highland is your gateway to expert local business advice and practical guidance. We have business advisers based in offices all over the Highland area. 81 Castle Street, Inverness IV2 3EA. Tel: 01463 896 736

We invest in research and innovation to enrich lives, drive economic growth, and create jobs and high-quality public services across the UK. We are transforming tomorrow together.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the economic and community development agency for the north and west of Scotland. Our purpose is to support regional development and increase the numbers of people who choose to live, work, study and invest here. We work in a diverse region which extends from Shetland to Argyll, and from the Outer Hebrides to Moray, covering more than half of Scotland’s land mass. We have offices across the region helping communities and businesses to develop and grow. An Lochran 10 Inverness Campus Inverness IV2 5NA Scotland

The Department for Business & Trade helps businesses export and grow into global markets. We also help overseas companies locate and grow in the UK. Our services are provided in over 100 markets throughout the world. We are passionate about what we do. Thats why we constantly review our services in light of customer feedback and the impact they offer, which means theyll vary from time to time.

Prowess is the online hub for women-friendly business support, inspiration and information. Our vision is an environment where women in business can flourish. Be inspired Prowess is full of stories and shared experiences from women who’ve made their own way in business. Everyone has a story to tell. And women who are thinking of starting a business – and those looking to grow – say there aren’t enough stories of real women in business out there. In our recent survey 43% said they wanted to read more experiences and case studies from ‘real’ women in business! Read them here, or submit your own here.

Business Gateway (external link) helps new and existing businesses grow and prosper through a combination of one-to-one support, local workshops, and specialist advice. All services are free of charge. A core team of business advisers, supported by industry specialist advisers, can help with: - Starting your business (external link) - Growing your business (external link) - Taking on staff (external link) - Accessing finance - Winning contracts (external link) - Resources (external link) - Graduate placement programme Your local Business Gateway office is your one stop shop for all small and medium sized businesses to access advice and support. Business Gateway is a national business support service developed in partnership with local authorities. It is delivered in the Highlands by The Highland Council.

Would you like you to know how your business could benefit from digital upskilling? Training, guides, tutorials, workshops, 1:1 advice and consultancy – all for free.

The region's highly experienced and knowledgeable business support agencies can provide help and advice on a wide range of business support related issues and matters.

f you’re a social enterprise there are lots of people and places you can go to for help – so many, in fact, that it can all start to get a bit confusing. The HISEZ website contains a quick and simple guide to who’s who, what they do and the kind of support they give.

The Scottish Rural Network website is your one-stop-shop for news, events and information about rural development. We can help you connect with other people, communities, organisations and businesses across rural Scotland and beyond.

mygov.scot contains a really useful section if you are thinking about setting up a social enterprise. It explains the various business structures and has links to many other related resources.

The Highland Council website includes dedicated pages covering: Help for your business, Trading standards, Business rates, Food safety, Health & safety, Economic development, Advice for contractors, Contract opportunities and their property work register.