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 Shetland will help you with:
- free start-up pack
- free business advice, including help with preparing your business plan
- free attendance on a 2½-day First Steps into Business workshop, a 1-day First Steps into Marketing and Promotion workshop, a 1-day First Steps into Selling workshop, and a 1-day Basic Book Keeping workshop, details available on the Train Shetland website. To book a place or by contact them on 01595 744744 or Development Partners on freephone 0800 838321
- grants in the region of £3,000
- access to free business skills courses
Who can we help?
Anyone thinking about starting a business in Shetland should contact us, even just for an initial discussion. We can help you if:
- you are a resident in the Shetland area
- 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).
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 the business requirements.
- payments will be made directly into your bank account
Businesses can get financial help for the first 12 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 seasonal basis (although not businesses that, are both part time and seasonal).
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