Business community backs the return of Scottish Start Up Month after first year sees 12% rise in new businesses
Scotland’s national campaign for aspiring business owners, Scottish Start-up Month, returns this September after its first year of running coincided with 1,922 new businesses launching between September and November, 201 more than the same period the previous year.
Led by Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business support service, Scottish Start-Up Month aims to inspire more people to explore self-employment and starting a business, whilst encouraging Scotland’s business community to pledge support and share advice with the next generation of business owners.
For those looking to take the first step, Business Gateway’s ‘Business Support Tool’ tool is the place to begin. By answering a few quick questions, users can assess how ready they are to start a business and access a start-up toolkit filled with resources, advice, webinars and support tailored to their idea.
The tool’s impact was clear during last year’s campaign. Completions rose 18% in September, with 1,092 people using it to test their business idea, up from 924 the year before. Business Gateway also received 2,750 enquiries during the month, an increase of more than 7% on the previous September.
Alongside the 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 successful business.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, chair of the Business Gateway Board and COSLA Economy and Environment Spokesperson 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.”
The campaign is backed by leading voices from across Scotland’s business community. cabinet secretary for the economy Stephen Flynn said: “It is vital that we encourage more people to consider starting and growing their own business – it’s important for economic growth, and for helping people realise their full potential.
“The Scottish government is committed to working with Business Gateway and a range of partners across the business community to make sure there is a growing network of support at every stage of the start-up journey. My plea to anyone who thinks they have even the tiniest seed of an idea for a business is to take the opportunity of Scottish Start-up Month to find out more and take the next step.”
Stuart Common, managing director of Mackie’s of Scotland, added: “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 is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate those taking that first step and to create an environment where more home-grown businesses can start, grow and ultimately become employers and success stories in their own right.”