Business gateway service

"Our aim is to provide practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses in Argyll."

Want to know more about the Business Gateway Service?  Here you can find out who we are, what we do, view some frequently asked questions, find out about local courses and events, find out what's new, visit the Business Gateway website to access information, and find out how to contact us. Our Business Toolkit offers resources for start-up and existing businesses such as guides for writing a business plan and cashflow forecasting.

Who we are

We are part of Argyll and Bute Council's Development and Infrastructure team, and were established in June 2009 in response to the Government's decision to transfer responsibility for the provision of local business support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise to the Local Authority.

Business advice is provided via the Business Gateway website, the National Enquiry Service and by our local team of Business Advisors. Our local Business Advisors are experienced business mentors and have all spent time in the commercial world, either in management positions or running their own business, so can relate to the needs of your business. Why not get in touch today to find out how we can help your business?

You can Meet the Team and find out who we all are.

What we do

The Business Gateway offers free and impartial business advice to anyone wanting to start up or develop a business within Argyll. The Business Gateway website and Enquiry Service can provide you with a wealth of information tailored to your business needs, and the local office in Lochgilphead can provide one to one support from a Business Advisor and a range of locally run courses.

Whether you are looking for support with creating your first business plan, getting the most from your advertising, thinking of expanding into new markets or taking on staff, why not get in touch to see how we could help your business. Our regional Business Advisors cover the area and are happy to come and meet you locally. All you need to do is get in touch to arrange a convenient time.

What's New

Tell us what could help your business

Business Gateway is looking to introduce new workshops to our local programme of events, based on suggestions we have received from those of you who have already attended one of our workshops or met with an advisor. Can you spare a couple of minutes of your time to tell us what you would be interested in by completing our business workshop survey?

The Business Gateway Website

The Business Gateway Website provides access to a wide range of information to help start or develop your business, plus details of locally available courses.

Other websites that you might find useful are:

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust -
provides financial and professional support to young people in Scotland, aged 18 to 25, so they can set up and run their own business.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise -
the Scottish Government's economic and community development agency, whose area includes Argyll and Bute

How to Contact Us