Business Gateway Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions and answers about business support.

Q: What kind of business advice can you provide?

A: Business Gateway offers a wide range of advice that can be tailored to suit your needs. For instance if you are looking to start up in business we can offer advice on everything from financial planning to researching potential markets. Whatever stage you are at with your business plan – even if you don’t have one yet – you can speak to us. Similarly, we can offer ongoing support to help your business survive and grow. You can meet with one of our Business Advisors to discuss what support is right for you.

Q: Do you offer courses?

A: Yes, we do run training courses as well as offering one to one support from a Business Advisor. Currently we offer Start-Up Seminars, aimed at helping you decide whether self employment is right for you, as well as Business Start Up Workshops covering Marketing and Market Research, Personal and Business Planning, Resource Planning and Management and IT and E- business. Details of these courses are available on the Business Gateway website, via the Enquiry Service or from the Lochgilphead office.

Q: Do you offer funding?

A: No. Business Gateway is an advice service and does not provide funding but we do have a wide knowledge of the grant and loan funding available elsewhere. The team can signpost any relevant available sources of funding for your business. To help you find funding for your business in Argyll and Bute, the Council has a Grants and Funding section on the website that you may find useful. Also, the Business Gateway website has a Finance and Grants section with lots of useful information about finance and grants for businesses across the country.

Q: How do I use the service?

A: There are 3 ways you can access Business Gateway support: via the website, via the Enquiry Service, or via the local office in Lochgilphead. Your first point of call should be the Enquiry Service 0845 609 6611 as they can provide initial information, guide you round the website and pass your details to a local Business Advisor to arrange an appointment. You can contact the Lochgilphead office directly on 01546 604555, where one of our team will help with your enquiry. You can also email the Lochgilphead office at business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

Q: Do I need to come to the Lochgilphead office to meet an advisor?

A: No. We can arrange for the Business Advisor covering your area to meet you locally.

Q: What type of businesses can use the service?

A: Primarily the service is aimed at small businesses at start up or in the early years as they grow. However, any business in any sector can access the Business Gateway resources. Businesses which are providing goods and services outwith the local Highlands and Islands area and which are capable of growth, should contact Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE), who may be able to provide additional support. Visit www.hie.co.uk or call 01546 602281.

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