Design-Led Innovation: Big Ideas for Small Businesses

Running a small business means constantly juggling challenges—finding customers, standing out, adapting to change, and making the most of limited time and resources. Design-led innovation isn’t just for big organisations with big budgets. It’s a powerful, practical approach that helps small business owners and freelancers make smarter decisions, create better products and services, and unlock new opportunities.

Join us for a full-day, hands-on workshop designed specifically for SMEs, sole traders, and one-person businesses.

You’ll learn how to:

• See your business through your customers’ eyes, uncovering what they really need
• Spot new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and differentiation
• Test ideas quickly—without wasting time or money
• Boost creativity and problem-solving, even if you don’t think of yourself as “creative”
• Apply easy, repeatable tools you can use immediately in your business

This isn’t theory. It’s practical, step-by-step, and tailored to real everyday challenges faced by small Edinburgh businesses.

Whether you're looking to refresh your offering, improve your customer experience, or simply find new ways to work smarter, this workshop will give you the confidence, structure, and inspiration to innovate—on your scale.

You'll be:

• Have a trading business based in City of Edinburgh
• Open minded
• Looking to grow your business

Please let us know of any dietary requirements in the accessibility section of the booking form.