Start a new business

We recognise that new ideas benefit the area, so we try to support as many young businesses as we can. To turn an idea into reality you will be faced with a number of decisions covering every aspect of business.

HIE Lochaber will help you with:

• free start-up pack
  
• free business advice
  
• free attendance on a 3-day business start-up workshop
  
• grants in the region of £2,000 for part-time and £3,000 for full-time.
  
• access to subsidised business skills courses

Who can we help?

Anyone thinking about starting a business in Lochaber should contact us, even just for an initial discussion.  We can help you if:

• you are a resident in the Lochaber area or looking to start your business here.
  
• you start a new business over which you have control and you operate on a full time (minimum 36 hours per week) or part time basis (minimum 16 hours per week).
  
• you prepare a written business plan / cash flow.

How can an adviser help?

An adviser will listen to your ideas, provide impartial information, analyse problems, suggest innovative ideas, problem solve, signpost you to funding sources, help you to develop action plans, challenge you and find you specialist help if necessary.

Top tips to get the most from a business adviser:

• before your first meeting, speak to as many people as possible, such as people in a similar business, banks, potential customers even informal contacts such as ‘your friend or relative who is in marketing ’.
• write down all the questions you want to ask and bring them to the meeting.
• bring along information about your proposed business, samples of your work (if possible), a list of potential customers, start-up costs and any relevant material.
• even if you are looking for specific advice, be open to ideas. You never know what a fresh pair of eyes on your project might find.

What financial help can I get?

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

Businesses can get financial help for the first 6 months of operation.  The amount of money you get depends on the circumstances of your business. We can assist businesses that will be run on a part time or full time basis. While our advisory services are available to all potential business start-up clients, we will not normally provide financial assistance to the retail and service sector.

Conditions

• one application approval per business
  
• the scheme is not open to un-discharged bankrupts
  
• all applications are at the discretion of HIE Lochaber.
  
• applications will not be considered if the business is started prior to our written approval.

Other sources of assistance

• Highland Opportunity
  Highland Opportunity Limited is the Enterprise Trust for the Highlands providing discretionary financial assistance, professionals business support, youth enterprise services and European consultancy to small and medium-sized enterprises.
  Contact Alistair Danter, Highland Council - 01478 613 819.
  
• PSYBT (Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust)
  This organisation helps people aged 18-25 years old (where the applicant is disabled 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 Alistair Danter, Highland Council - 01478 613 819.
  
• 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 & 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 08457 573252
  
  What do I do now?
  Contact us with details of your project.