Council support for growing businesses
Argyll and Bute Council is encouraging growing businesses to make the most of its Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme, which will continue until the end of 2021 backed by European funding.
The programme gives growing businesses the chance to access specialist advice and grant funding to help them expand.
Successful businesses
Councillor Aileen Morton, Argyll and Bute Council leader, said: ‘We have a wide range of successful businesses across Argyll and Bute. This programme provides additional support to help with growth.
‘Since 2016 more than 130 business have registered for the programme and developed their growth plan with a Business Gateway adviser. A total of 72 of these businesses have already secured grant funding or specialist advice worth more than £450,000. I would urge any ambitious small or medium sized business based here to get in touch now and find out how they could also benefit.’
The programme – worth a total of £855,239 – is funded by Argyll and Bute Council and the European Regional Development Fund under the 2014-2020 Structural Funds Programmes.
The growth grant funding can cover 50 per cent of costs up to £5,000 for projects linked to business growth.
An employer/graduate placement grant can provide 50 per cent of basic salary costs up to £12,000 where an additional full-time permanent employee or a graduate placement of six to 12 months is required to support business growth.
In addition, businesses in key growth sectors or their supply chain – tourism, food and drink, forestry, the creative industries, energy, life sciences, financial services or defence – can also access grants of up to £1,500 to support training, accreditation or attendance at trade fairs.
‘Working with Business Gateway, we received the much-needed funding advice that we have been after, resulting in our business being able to grow rapidly, taking the next step forward with confidence,’ said Ian Cairns, director of Argyll Financial Services.
High Standard
‘The grant enabled us to refurbish our new, larger premises to a very high standard much quicker than I had ever anticipated. Business Gateway also supported us with a grant towards a stand at the Ideal Home Show, which gave us an excellent opportunity to reach a wider audience.’
To access support, businesses must first register for the programme. Anyone wanting to discuss their eligibility should visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/bglgap or talk to a Business Gateway adviser on 01546 604555.
A Business Gateway adviser will work with businesses registered for the programme to develop a growth plan and access relevant support.
Full terms and conditions for the programme are available from Business Gateway.
Business Gateway offices also provide a comprehensive programme of free events and workshops about starting, managing and growing a business.
Coronavirus contingency planning
In light of the current and fast-changing situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19), businesses looking for information are being encouraged to check the resources available at www.bgateway.com.
It includes guidance on home working, business continuity planning and links to the latest government advice for business owners in Scotland.
Online resources
The Business Gateway website also hosts a wide range of online resources available to businesses at all times, including online tutorials, podcasts and guides.
If anyone is booked on to a Business Gateway workshop taking place soon they will be contacted if there are any changes to the workshop. A Business Gateway spokesperson said: ‘We are working with our team of advisers and trainers to make sure that wherever possible we can provide support remotely by phone, Skype or webinar if needed.’