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.

Details of funding schemes for rural businesses in Scotland including the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Grants and support for economic, environmental and social measures to benefit rural Scotland are available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

Fife Chamber takes a different approach to networking. We offer members monthly networking events across different locations within Fife. They are free to attend, with no speeches, formal introduction or sales pitches required. Simply meeting up with other companies and their staff and building relationships. Connecting Business We bring Fife businesses together to collaborate, share learning and trade with each other and with organisations outside Fife. Informing Business We tell members what is happening locally, nationally and internationally so they can plan and manage their business. Representing Business We campaign for investment in infrastructure, transport and skills, and promote the valuable work undertaken by DYW, Career Ready and the armed forces. Office 7A, Flexspace, Mitchelson Drive, Kircaldy, Fife, KY1 3NB

We are a business led partnership which brings together people from Fife’s business and public sector organisations. As part of the Fife Community Planning Partnership, we identify and take forward policies and activities that help economic development in Fife. Our main tasks are: * Setting the economic development priorities for Fife. * Overseeing the development and implementation of Fife’s Economic Strategy 2017-27. * Monitoring and reporting on progress towards implementing the Fife Economic Strategy Action Plan. * Promoting Fife’s case to the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. * Listening and engaging with businesses. * Acting as ambassadors for Fife in matters relating to economic development. * Making sure the public sector’s policies and activities support the growth of Fife’s economy.

In Fife there is support for businesses with start up and for existing businesses. We provide advice and help in a wide range of areas: Setting up programmes to help upskill your workforce. Community based programmes which can regenerate areas in Fife and create new jobs. Provide information on available land for development and properties for lease. Economic information to you make the right decisions. Giving access to grants and loans to help start or grow your business. The Business Gateway Fife website also offers you help and advice on starting and running a business. Who deliver a wide variety of free workshops where you can gain skills and knowledge. Support in the day to day running of your business is also available. Fife Economy Partnership - members of the partnership can get information and statistics relating to Fife's economy. The partnership is always seeking new ways to boost economic development in Fife. You can find out more by visiting our website.

Starting a business is exciting, and succeeding is rewarding, but what about the bit between? You know, that bit that’s full of self-doubt, endless repetition and feelings of being out of your comfort zone? We call it ‘The Lonely Middle’ and it’s one of the hardest parts of creating a successful business. We know, we’ve been there. So, we created The Lonely Middle Club to help you through it. Each month you get exclusive content to help give you the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. Plus, you get access to a private members-only Facebook group where you can get advice and network with small business owners who are going through similar challenges to you. If you want even more, you can download our 51 worksheets, guides, and journals all designed to do one thing, and one thing only… help you get through ‘The Lonely Middle’ and achieve your business goals. Visit our website today to join the club and benefit from our members price lock and full no questions asked money-back guarantee.

FSB West of Scotland is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Hisashi Kuboyama Development Manager Hisashi.Kuboyama@fsb.org.uk

SCC we are dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of our member companies and to helping them rise to the challenge, seize the opportunity and succeed in the marketplace. By joining a Chamber of Commerce your company automatically becomes part of Scotlands largest business organisation, with access to an unrivalled range of services, support and advice to aid your development as a thriving member of the business community. Address: Scottish Chambers of Commerce, 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ

At Fife Chamber we provide a first class service to our members which is regularly evaluated and enables us to develop and sustain relationships with all our stakeholders. Address: Evans Business Centre, 1 Begg Road, John Smith Business Park, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY2 6HD

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 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.

Small business grants in Scotland tend to either be funded by the Scottish or UK Government, as well as the European Union (EU). Generally, the funding is either available for any business across Scotland (or for businesses intending to be based in Scotland). Alternatively, some grants are only available to businesses working in certain sectors or specific locations.