New Gaelic language business launches following support

About the business

Astar Media was founded by Murdo MacSween in late 2021 after he spotted a gap in the market for project management services to be delivered by Gaelic professionals for Gaelic organisations. Astar Media provides project delivery, project support and event management, as well as marketing, digital and media communications support.  

How Business Gateway has helped

Murdo was introduced to Business Gateway by local representatives from Highlands & Islands Enterprise early in 2022, and with support from a dedicated adviser, he developed a business plan and received guidance on funding options.  

Through this direction, Murdo applied for a grant and was subsequently awarded funding from the Outer Hebrides Young Enterprise Support Scheme (OHYESS) which is fully funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway.  

Murdo used the funding for his initial start-up costs, allowing him to purchase laptops and other office equipment to aid the sustainable growth of Astar Media. Additional equipment, including banner stands, lighting options and a 360 video camera, was also purchased to help deliver projects more effectively.    

Less than one year since launching, the business already employs four members of staff, with a fifth joining in October, and has secured several high value projects including the delivery of the long-running Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, the public consultation of the national Gaelic language plan, and the publication of this year’s Mòd programme. 

Murdo MacSween, Founder of Astar Media, said: “Business Gateway offered me professional, organised and straightforward advice and I would recommend them to anyone seeking support. As well as helping to set my business plans in place with consultation, I received guidance on funding which was a vital step in getting Astar off the ground.”