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).

The best time to talk to an accountant is when you first think about starting or buying your own business. The next best time is now. A little bit of time and money invested in timely advice could save you thousands of pounds and make the difference between success and failure, particularly if start-up funds are limited. We’d love to get to know you better & take some of the work off your plate. Call to book a FREE consultation or request a call back today!

I’m Jules Akel, designer of wonderful things that tell persuasive stories. Brand design that is influential, effective and typographically delicious. This includes all that is needed to promote the brand—identity, advertising, packaging, brochures, books, websites, maps, tickets, posters, whatever is needed to communicate to the brand’s allure to its different audiences. You can look at all this creativity if you visit www.akel.co.uk; it is worth the visit, promise. After seeing all this exciting work, why not telephone me for a thoughtful chat: 07 802 753 193. If you become one of my clients you could qualify for umpteen bottles of Dalwhinnie whisky—a truly worthwhile reward, don’t you think? You will soon discover that I am a very useful contributor to your prosperity.

When it comes to choosing the best location for your business investment in Scotland, Perth and the wider region offers a wealth of opportunity and development potential. As a driving force in the area, the Invest in Perth team is focused on ensuring businesses achieve their full potential, and realise their ambitions for growth. Knowledgeable and well-connected, the team offers a single point of contact for your enquiry, and can open the doors that will aid and influence your growth. Supporting them, is an exemplary private-public partnership in the shape of the City Development Board and together these industry-savvy professionals share a clear and purposeful vision for a vibrant future for all. Couple this ambitious support network with competitive land and commercial rates, a high quality of living, and one of the country’s most well-connected locations, and you will see why Perth is fast becoming the first-choice destination for national and international companies resolute in growing their business in the UK and Scotland.

Information and services for residents, businesses and visitors to Perth and Kinross. Check school holidays and find out about local business services including business rates, planning, environmental health and business support.

Serving our region for nearly 150 years, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce is the respected independent voice of local business. We are an independent, voluntary, non-profit making, non-political business membership organisation. Our focus is on championing the issues that matter to our members, helping promote and protect the interests of local businesses and the economic future and communities of Perthshire. Perthshire Chamber of Commerce represents local companies ranging from global operators and recognised household names to one person home-based businesses and urban and rural smaller and medium enterprises. If you want to be heard in the corridors of power, are looking for international growth or simply want to build your business to give flexibility over your lifestyle, membership of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce will support your goals. We offer an extensive list of member benefits, including: • Business and networking events to build your contacts • Training and support to increase the skills of you and your team • International and exporting assistance to help boost your sales in overseas markets • Tailored and increased support for start-up businesses. • Exclusive offers and marketing to our extensive list of members and partners • Campaigns on local and national policy issues that affect the bottom line of your business It all makes Perthshire Chamber of Commerce membership great value for money. Interested? You can join us online today or contact us on 01738 448325 or email: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk Saltire House, 3 Whitefriars Crescent, Perth, PH2 0PA

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

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.

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.

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.