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).

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the development agency for businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. We are here to help people and enterprises in the South to thrive, grow, and fulfil their best potential. Every enterprise is different, and SOSE support is tailored to your stage and situation. Services can include training, advice, specialist expertise, and funding (grants and loans).

Starting or growing your business If you want to start or grow your business, Business Gateway can help you achieve your goals by providing free, impartial advice on: - starting a new business - looking for business opportunities - developing business skills - becoming self employed Free workshops Business Gateway offer a range of free workshops for people looking to start or grow their business. Business information pack - download our business information pack which provides useful information including details of public and private sector contacts, planning support, licensing and environmental health.

The Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce is one of 26 in the Scottish Chamber network. Our job is to inform and facilitate sharing of information to help members’ businesses flourish. Networking also plays a major part in business relationships – including collaboration with our neighbouring Chambers. The Chamber also acts as a “voice” for members concerns and liaises closely with MPs, MSPs and local Councillors is this respect. Quarterly meetings are held between members of the Chamber Board and our local Political representatives, which is useful not only to the Chamber but also to the representatives themselves. Members can meet up on the last Friday of each month for lunch, a guest speaker and a bit of business “networking”. These events can be found on the events page of this website as well as within the regular eBulletins. Every week dozens of emails are received by the Chamber with the ones that appear to be of most interest to members forming the basis of these Members’ Bulletins. As with any business association, you get out what you put in. Make use of the Chamber’s events, read the bulletins and, most of all, feed back to us what your concerns are so that we can bring them to the attention of the policymakers themselves. 27 North Bridge Street, Hawick, TD9 9BD

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

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

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.