Have you ever imagined running your own business?
Perhaps you’ve got an idea for the next big podcast? Maybe you're a future cafe owner, nail artist extraordinaire, or a tradesperson ready to go solo with your skills.
If you’ve already taken the leap, could you use a little expert guidance to get your business off the ground, or turn your exciting side hustle into something even bigger?
Business Gateway, Scotland's publicly-funded national business support service, is declaring September Scottish Start-Up Month, a first-of-its-kind celebration of the Scottish entrepreneurial spirit.
As part of this, the service is encouraging budding entrepreneurs and business owners to utilise its Planning To Start tool and take the first steps towards success, as well as providing free advice, resources and support.
Business Gateway’s free services are delivered locally right across Scotland, and include one-to-one business support, webinars, online resources and help with routes to funding.
Last year, it advised more than 50,000 customers, around half of which were pre-start individuals. And it helped nearly 7,000 start-ups, of whom more than half were female led.
Among the business owners who have already benefited from Business Gateway’s support services is Edinburgh-based Gemma Stuart.
After battling the crippling effects of irritable bowel syndrome for 15 years and struggling to find effective relief for the painful bloating caused by the condition, Gemma decided to turn her frustration into innovation.
Having studied for a degree in IBS management at university, she went on to launch Gut Wealth, a liquid health supplement that now helps thousands of people suffering from digestive ill health.
Gemma sought the help of Business Gateway to get Gut Wealth off the ground, receiving one-to-one support from a dedicated business adviser, as well as digital support when creating her website.
In December 2024, Gemma won a £100,000 prize after pitching at the Scottish EDGE competition, specifically winning the Scottish Government Pathways award.
She’s been using the prize money to help scale her business further, developing two more wellness products and taking on her first full-time member of staff.
"I thought when I became a founder that I’d be on my own, figuring everything out," says Gemma. "But Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has loads of support and, better yet, every founder is always willing to help other founders out.
"If you’ve got that idea, you can make it a reality."
Business Gateway’s easy-to-use Planning To Start tool will give you instant access to a toolkit with tailored resources and information, as well as connecting you with your local office.
Along with one-on-one advice and online resources, business owners can find connections to other support organisations, plus free access to events, workshops, podcasts and video tutorials to learn new skills.
Upcoming webinars include advice on social media marketing, business strategy, building a business plan and how to start a business.
Scottish Start-Up Month is here and if you’re ready to take the first step to getting your business off the ground, Business Gateway is here to help.
To find out more, visit bgateway.com/start-up-month.
This article appeared in the Daily Record.