Business Development Programmes

To find out more information on our business programmes, contact your Business Gateway office today. Your adviser can let you know about the availability of places and if any specific criteria apply.

Scottish Enterprise

If you operate in the Scottish Enterprise area, these programmes are for you:

Innovation

Their innovation specialist can provide 1:1 support to help you introduce new products, services, processes and business models. They can help you improve your creativity, communicate and commercialise your ideas. Specialists will work with you to develop a roadmap for your innovation journey and support you to scope projects, develop your business case and identify and access the skills, connections and finance to ensure project success.

Internationalisation

Access a wide range of support to get ready to sell internationally. Workshops focus on market research skills, financial requirements, using e-commerce platforms for export, and where to find help to enter new international markets.

Leadership & Workplace Innovation Support

1-2-1 support from their Workplace Innovation team across all aspects of people-related topics, including; leadership and management; organisational structure & job design; recruitment & retention, innovative workplace practice and fair work. They'll help you build current and future capacity and realise the benefits of the talent within your organisation to improve productivity, efficiency, resilience, and innovation. The specialists can undertake a strategic review of your organisation and provide feedback on the people related actions which will support achievement of the business strategy, fair work and identify support available through our networks.

IT review

A specialist consultant will review your current digital status and future growth plans and how digital technology can support those plans. Together you’ll develop an action plan based on the findings.

Digital Transformation Support

1-2-1 support from a Digital Transformation Specialist who can advise on how to scope, plan and implement your digital project. Including the introduction of new digital technologies to your business practices and processes. By helping you to accelerate delivery, avoid common pitfalls and undertake the right change management approach. The specialist can also help review or create your company's Digital & IT strategy. To help you better achieve you business objectives through effective use of digital solutions.

Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grants

RSA grants fund projects that will create or protect jobs in Scotland. The amount offered depends on your business size, project location and project criticality.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area? Then these programmes are for you:

Innovation

Get access to expert advisers, and grants of up to £15,000, to put in place innovation projects.

Internationalisation

Access a wide range of support to get ready to sell internationally. Workshops focus on market research skills, financial requirements, using e-commerce platforms for export, and where to find help to enter new international markets.

Entrepreneurship

HIE can provide access to innovative and world class entrepreneurship support including executive education, masterclasses delivered by globally renowned experts, skills workshops, help to accelerate new product development and open doors to world leading research and networking events in the UK and overseas.

Northern Innovation Hub

From one-day workshops to intensive support lasting up to a year, there are a range of fantastic opportunities that have been designed around the needs and aspirations of local businesses. Projects will take place across the Highland Council area and digital delivery will be used to enable participation and reduce time and travel commitments.

Graduate and Student Placements

ScotGrad is a Scotland-wide programme operated by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise. It introduces fresh talent, skills and knowledge into businesses, focusing on growth through innovation, internationalisation, process improvement, product development.

Improving Productivity

In collaboration with the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS), HIE can help businesses to grow through the development of new products, services, processes and new ways of working. SMAS services are delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise for businesses across Scotland.

Help for community groups

Find more information on how Highlands and Islands Enterprise can help local community groups with issues ranging from assets and energy, to culture and crofting.

Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grants

RSA grants fund projects that will create or protect jobs in Scotland. The amount offered depends on your business size, project location and how critical it is your project goes ahead.

South of Scotland Enterprise

South of Scotland Enterprise is the one-stop shop for businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. SOSE is here to help people and enterprises in the South to thrive, grow and fulfil their best potential.

Every enterprise is different, and SOSE support is tailored to your stage and situation. Services can include training, advice, specialist expertise, and funding (grants and loans).