Start your own business

We provide tailored support to those individuals who are starting a new business which they must control and operate themselves, this may include:

• free start-up pack
• free business advice
• free attendance on a 3 day business starts workshop
• grant funding
• access to subsidised business skills courses

Business starts criteria

We can help you if:

• you are a resident in the HIE Argyll and the Islands area
• you start a new business over which you have control and you operate on a full time (minimum 37 hours per week) or part time basis (minimum 16 hours per week)
• you prepare a written business plan/cash flow
• you attend our three day business starts workshop and meet one of our business advisers

Funding

• this is dependant on each application
• payments will be made directly into your business bank account

Conditions

• one application approval per business
• the scheme is not open to undischarged bankrupts
• all applications are at the discretion of HIE Argyll and the Islands
• applications will not be considered if the business starts prior to our written approval

Your business must be able to demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success, and must not compete with existing local businesses.

Please note that you will not receive business starts support more than once from the HIE Network.

If you are thinking of starting in business please contact us.

You will need to submit a business plan in the format provided in the downloadable files in the right hand panel. These consist of:

An electronic copy of the above in Microsoft Word format along with a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which can be downloaded filled in and emailed back to us (both files) at aie@hient.co.uk.*

* If you do not have this Microsoft Office software but would like these files in another format please contact us and we will do our best to supply the documents in your chosen format. 

Other start-up assistance

PSYBT (Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust)
This organisation helps people aged 18-25 years old (where the applicant is disabled or live on an island this eligibility can sometimes be extended up to 30 years old). PSYBT provide basic finance and professional support and, if you've already shown the initiative to go it alone, they can even help you expand your existing business. Contact Kate Norman for more information.
Telephone:  01546 606584 or e-mail: argyll@psybt.org.uk

Shell LiveWIRE
Shell Livewire helps thousands of people under 30 to start and develop their own business with a comprehensive range of FREE information, advice and support for people aged 16-30 years old. If you have an idea and would like to discuss it with someone who knows business please call
Telephone:  0845 7573252

The DTI
The Department for Trade and Industry's web site, Best Practice, also has a wealth of information for anyone thinking of starting up their own business. Use the link in the right hand panel to visit this online resource.