Business Gateway

Running a business is exciting, challenging and everything in between.    It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and to feel overwhelmed, which is why we’re sharing some simple yet powerful hacks to bring more happiness into your routine 🧡    From celebrating small wins to setting boundaries and finding joy in the process, these tips will help you build a business that supports both your success and wellbeing.    #InternationalDayOfHappiness #BusinessTips #BusinessSupport #SmallBusiness

What’s going on? I often ask myself this about the economy. To answer that question, I immerse myself in data, research and interesting conversations. In doing this job at British Business Bank Scotland, I’ve concluded that the access to finance market is an undervalued and underappreciated tool in gauging the economic mood music. One overlooked economic indicator? Access to finance. Here’s my simple take: 📈 High demand for finance signals a strong economy—but it depends on the type (e.g., rising credit card use isn’t great). 📈 Strong supply is positive if finance is competitively priced and accessible to diverse SMEs (not just businesses turning over £3m p.a. or angel / VC backed firms). Of course, there’s more to the picture – just ask a second-year economics student. But supply and demand tell a compelling story—one we’ll explore at the upcoming launch of our upcoming report on Scotland’s access to finance market. 📅 Thursday, 27 March (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) 📍 Royal Bank Entrepreneur Hub, Edinburgh 🤝 In partnership with Business Gateway Like last year, this will be your only opportunity to discuss what’s happening *within* Scotland’s diverse market – whether you’re interested in debt, equity or regional trends. And guess what? We’re pretty confident that you’ll learn a thing or two. Grab your ticket: https://rb.gy/98zb5g

We are partnering with the British Business Bank on the 2025 Scotland SME Access to Finance Report and we are delighted to invite you to join us for the launch on Thursday 27th March at the Royal Bank Entrepreneur Hub, 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh. Following on from the year one report, the research will examine what’s happening within Scotland’s diverse access to finance market – as well as comparing and contrasting with the experiences of SMEs in Northern Ireland and Wales. You can view the year one report here: https://lnkd.in/en_WTxGY The event will include a presentation of the report’s key findings, followed by a panel session exploring the themes of the report and how this insight can help to shape our collective work in ensuring that smaller businesses across Scotland can access the finance they need. Registration is from 10:30am, with the event starting at 11:00am. There will also be time for a light networking lunch after the presentation from 12.30pm. If you would like to attend, you can book your spot by registering here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eYCGFcHN

Swipe to see what people are saying about our business support webinars 💙💚   Our sessions are designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to start and strengthen your business.   From bookkeeping to social media, Canva and AI - there's something for everyone.   Find out what's coming up and grab your free place ➡️ https://ow.ly/hwVR50Vj02b

In celebration of #InternationalWomensDay2025, we were thrilled to be joined by Nichola Henderson, Life Coach, Wellness Consultant and Founder of Coaching by Nic, for a 2-part session on how to build confidence as a woman in business.    Nic focused on new, fresh ways to look and think about confidence, and how to tap into that energy to fuel progression, enabling the ultimate mindset shift.    Filled with valuable tips and practical tools, the sessions covered a wealth of information and advice on a wide range of topics, like fear of failure, procrastination, and imposter syndrome.    We had over 400 attendees across both sessions, and it was incredible to see so many of you making new connections, sharing experiences, and offering positive encouragement and support.    We'd like to say a huge thanks to Nic for delivering such engaging, insightful and empowering sessions, and thanks to everyone that joined us.    Don't worry if you missed it, the sessions were recorded and you can watch them on our YouTube channel:    Part 1 - https://lnkd.in/eZkKe3vc   Part 2 - https://lnkd.in/et4VvnVh   #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025

We’re so proud to have supported tens of thousands of women founders in the last year. If you’re running a women-led business in Scotland, or looking to start one, we’re here to help. Whether you’re starting out, or scaling up, our experienced advisers are on hand to help you take your next step. Find out more & get free support at bgateway.com #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay2025 #AccelerateAction  Unbaggaged S’wheat Bottle Siabann Fairlie Curved Ltd

The Scottish Government is undertaking an evaluation of the Reaching 100% Programme (R100). #R100 is a Scottish Government Programme which aims to extend 'superfast' broadband (or quicker) to 100% of premises across Scotland. Evaluation of the programme will help the Scottish Government better understand its impact on businesses as well as help inform future policy development. ⏰ The closing date for the survey is 17th March, 2025. Have your say ➡️ https://lnkd.in/epRqjDub Digital Scotland

On Thursday, we had the pleasure of hosting BG Connected - the first Business Gateway in-person all staff day in several years 💚💙   Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway National Unit, kicked the day off by welcoming everyone and highlighting the importance of the conference - to build connections, share best practice across regions, and develop the skills of our teams.   Colin Cook, Director of Economic Development at The Scottish Government, then spoke about how we can achieve our common goal of making Scotland a great place to do business by ensuring businesses have access to the right support when they need it.   We then heard from Steven Heddle, Vice-President of COSLA, who reinforced the importance of local government support in creating the right conditions for businesses across Scotland.   Next, we were joined by Chunli Zhang 🫖 of WeeKett, Gemma Stuart 🍊 of Gut Wealth, and Gareth Claase 🪟 of Gecko Glazing, who shared their inspiring start-up stories, challenges faced, and goals for 2025. We then ran 4 CPD sessions, including:   🔹A fun, fast and furious session on AI with Gary Ennis of NSDesign Ltd, helping staff understand how AI is shaping businesses and enhancing day to day operations.   🔹An overview of neurodivergence and neurodiversity with Andrew Burnett of helleau®, exploring common challenges faced by neurodivergent people in the workplace and as service users. 🔹A session with Barry McCulloch of the British Business Bank, on how funders evaluate deals and gain insights, enabling staff to better support clients. 🔹An interactive session on the future of Business Gateway, allowing everyone the opportunity to have their say.   Richard Lochhead, MSP, Minister for Business, The Scottish Government, rounded off the day by recognising the vital part that Business Gateway plays in the business support ecosystem. He emphasised the need to focus on emerging sectors such as fintech, as well as the importance of support to help high-growth businesses scale internationally.   It was then time to celebrate as we kicked off our first ever Business Gateway Recognition Awards! ✨🍾   Thanks to everyone that took the time to vote. We were incredibly proud to see hundreds of nominations coming in, and all the heartwarming messages alongside each vote. Congratulations to the following members of the team that were highlighted for their dedication and support:   🌟 Lee Briggs, Edinburgh & Lothians 🌟 Kate Clark, Tayside 🌟 Lesley Pickles, Forth Valley 🌟 Michelle Maddox, Tayside 🌟 Irene Ramsay, Edinburgh & Lothians 🌟 Lorna Williamson, Moray 🌟 Steve Newlin, Edinburgh & Lothians 🌟 Mark Wright, Lanarkshire   We'd like to say a massive thank you to all the team members and speakers that joined us throughout the day and made it all possible. There was an incredible buzz around the conference centre, and we loved catching up face to face. Now we can't wait to put all we learned into practice - watch this space! #BGConnected

To celebrate International Women's Day (8th March), we're running a 2-part session on confidence for women in business with Nichola Henderson, Life Coach, Wellness Consultant and Founder of Coaching by Nic. ⏰ Part 1 - Wednesday, 5th March, 12pm - 1pm This session will help you gain a brand-new understanding of confidence - transforming the way you see yourself and your business. Find out more & sign up here ➡️ https://ow.ly/qGKV50V6M90 ⏰ Part 2 - Wednesday, 12th March, 12pm - 1pm This session will take a deeper dive into some powerful strategies that will help you grow your confidence. Find out more & sign up here ➡️ https://ow.ly/mxaV50V6M91 #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInBusiness

There's still time to get your #EDGE25 application in before Thursday's (27th Feb) deadline. Here's what's on offer for the up to 40 winners this round: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scottish EDGE - Up to £100k for registered businesses, social enterprises and charities 🎯 Mission EDGE - Up to £150k for businesses aligned with Scottish Enterprise's 'missions' 🤝 Social Enterprise EDGE - Up to £75k for Social Enterprises, supported by People's Postcode Lottery ⬆️ Scale EDGE - Up to £100k and scale-up programmes access, supported by Royal Bank of Scotland Business 🦸♀️ Pathways EDGE - Up to £100k for female-founded businesses, supported by The Scottish Government 🎬 Creative EDGE - Up to £100k for Creative Sector businesses, supported by Creative UK 📺 STV Growth EDGE - £75k Ad spend on STV on top of an EDGE win, supported by STV Group plc 🔂 Circular Economy EDGE - Up to £100k for circular-focused businesses, supported by Zero Waste Scotland 3️⃣0️⃣ Young EDGE - Up to £15k grant funding for businesses with founders under age 30, supported by Scottish Enterprise and Techscaler 🂡 Wild Card EDGE - Up to £15k grant funding for pre-trading businesses Apply before 2 pm on 27th February at: scottishedge.com