Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Scotland

If you are thinking about starting a business in Scotland or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Scotland contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Scotland but where can it be found?

Select classification:

Advice & Support

Accountancy

Bookkeeping

Co-Working

Funding

Grants

Mentoring

Networking

Office Services

Online Marketing

Web Design

Workplaces

Business in Scotland

Scotland is a fantastic place to set up and run a business... as long as it is the right business!

We have been working with start-ups in Scotland for the past 20 years and while it is true that the economy has changed dramatically during that time, many of the key considerations have remained the same. The sad truth is that too many new businesses fail in the early stages and our hope is that we can play in a small part in reducing that number and help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls.

Find local help including business support organisations, local business networking groups and grants which are available in your area.

Scotland

Important Considerations:

1. Research and Planning

Before diving into starting a new business, thorough research and planning are essential. Consider the following steps:

Identify your business idea: Determine the products or services you wish to offer and assess their viability in the Scottish market.
Market research: Conduct market research to identify your target audience, understand competitors, and assess the demand for your offerings.
Business plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, financial projections, and marketing approaches.

2. Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Understanding the legal and regulatory requirements is crucial to ensure compliance. Here are some important considerations:

Business structure: Decide on the most suitable legal structure for your business, such as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company.
Register your business: Register your business with Companies House if you choose a limited company structure. Visit their website: Companies House
Licenses and permits: Determine if your business requires any specific licenses or permits. The Scottish Business Portal provides information on licenses and permits: Scottish Business Portal
Taxes and VAT: Understand your tax obligations and register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds the threshold. The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website offers guidance: HMRC

3. Funding and Support

Access to funding and support can significantly boost your chances of success. Explore the following resources:

Business Gateway: Business Gateway offers free advice, support, and resources for starting and growing businesses in Scotland. Visit their website: Business Gateway
Scottish Enterprise: Scottish Enterprise provides funding and support for businesses in Scotland. Their website offers valuable resources and access to funding opportunities: Scottish Enterprise
Prince's Trust Scotland: The Prince's Trust Scotland offers support, training, and funding options for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30. Learn more on their website: Prince's Trust Scotland

4. Business Networking

Building a strong network can open doors to valuable opportunities and collaborations. Consider the following networking avenues:

Chambers of Commerce: Join your local Chamber of Commerce to connect with other businesses, attend events, and access networking opportunities. Find your local chamber: Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): FSB offers networking events, resources, and support for small businesses across Scotland. Explore their website: FSB Scotland

5. Start-up Hints and Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you kick-start your business successfully:

Build a strong online presence: Create a professional website and utilise social media platforms to reach and engage with your target audience.
Seek mentorship: Connect with experienced entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Mentorsme.co.uk is a platform that can help you find a suitable mentor: Mentorsme.co.uk
Continuously learn and adapt: Stay updated with industry trends, seek learning opportunities, and be open to adapting your business strategies as needed.
Monitor finances: Keep a close eye on your finances, maintain accurate records, and seek professional advice when needed.

Conclusion

Starting a new business in Scotland requires careful planning, research, and compliance with legal requirements. By leveraging the resources and support available from organisations such as Business Gateway, Scottish Enterprise, and networking platforms like Chambers of Commerce and FSB, you can maximise your chances of success. Remember to continuously learn, adapt, and seek guidance throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Good luck!

Can you help start-ups in Scotland?

If so, your logo, company details and link to your site could be here!

If you are based in in Scotland or offer a product or service which could help existing local businesses and start-ups, we would love you to help you reach them. Our aim is to increase the chances of every new business's success by highlighting the help that is available in the area.

You are able to add a free listing or act as our recommended local partner for only £10 per year!

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

Latest articles

You don't know what you don't know!

The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.

90 days to plan your business

If you're already dreading Christmas and New Year because your new business is going to take up all your free time - don't panic, you've got 90 days to plan for it.

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4 Ways to Get Known Fast

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AI Made Simple: Practical Tips for Start-Ups

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Starting a Home Baking Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Getting Yourself Into a Business Mindset

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10 ways to cope with entrepreneurial stress

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Ever thought of taking the plunge?

In today's world, more and more people are not just thinking about setting up their own business, but are taking action.

Free Cashflow Template and Instructions

Download our free cashflow forecast template together with the instructions required to help you create and update an accurate guide to your business finances.

Free Business Plan Template and Instructions

Designed to make the task of compiling a business plan as painless as possible.

Starting a Business: A Guide for UK Service Leavers

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging, but starting your own business offers an exciting and rewarding path forward.

How to Start a Not-for-Profit Business in the UK

If you are thinking about starting a social enterprise but not sure of the correct legal status to adopt, we hope that this article will help you understand the advantagaes and disadvantages of your available options.

Starting a Business as a Young Person: Your Comprehensive Guide

The great news is that there is no minimum age requirement to set up your own business.

Show Me The Money!

How can my contracts ensure prompt payment from my customers?

Is it Really Artisan vs. Automation?

The Impact of Filling Machines on Artisanal Production

Starting a Business Over 50: Your Comprehensive Guide

Starting a business can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavour, regardless of age.

3 tips for taking holidays away as a small business owner

Will you ever have an undisturbed holiday again?! Yes, some advanced planning is all it takes.

Stress isn't always a bad thing - it can be positive too

Looking at the stressors in our work lives and finding the positives.

Top Tips to Get Your First Business Event Off the Ground

As a startup business owner or entrepreneur looking for their first venture, hosting your first business event can be equal parts nerve-wracking and exciting.

Unlocking the Potential of Unique Event Locations

If you’re looking to wow your guests and set your business apart when it comes to events, you need to look outside of the traditional realm of event spaces.

Things you ought to know but probably don't want to!

A brief description of the major new employment laws (UK, 2024).

Women and neurodiversity in business start ups

Recognising neurodiversity as a challenge, but celebrating it's positive force for women in new business.

Why Business Owners Should Consider AI in Their Marketing.

Let's look closer at Common Fears and Apprehensions.

Marketing through storytelling

Consider storytelling as part of your overall marketing strategy.

How To Establish And Nurture A Healthy Workplace Culture

For startups of any size and in any industry, creating a strong and positive workplace culture is a good foundation for growing a healthy business and team of staff.

The Most Important Section of Your Business Plan

The executive summary is potentially the most important part of your business plan.

Improve your marketing by hanging out with your ideal customers

A quick guide to improving your marketing tactics

Could a professional writer help your business?

To be successful as a small business you need to persuade your potential customers to buy your products or services and this can only be achieved if you give them all of the information they need to make an informed decision.

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles

Free Startup Guide

Download the 2024 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Key Contacts in Scotland

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Scotland is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Advice

My World of Work - Be Your Own Boss

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. In Scotland, 99% of all private sector businesses are small to medium size enterprises – and they provide an estimated 1.1 million jobs*. What could you add to that mix?

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Advice

Visit Scotland - Supporting Your Business

Scottish tourism businesses and the fantastic work they do make up the lifeblood of our industry. The world-class standards of our accommodation providers, visitor attractions, visitor/experiences, restaurants and other businesses are why Scotland attracts so many new and returning visitors year after year.

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Advice

University of St Andrews

There are plenty of examples of successful entrepreneurs and ideas. You may find reading them sparks your own imagination and inspires you to seek out and build your own enterprise – whatever its size! Students have great ideas for ventures and with a bit of perseverance and support, turn them into successful ventures.

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Funding

Scottish Rural Network - Funding

Details of funding schemes for rural businesses in Scotland including the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Grants and support for economic, environmental and social measures to benefit rural Scotland are available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

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Advice

Find Business Support in Scotland

We're here to help you find the business support you need. We have gathered together information and support for all company sizes and sectors across Scotland. What is FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot? This service was established to help Scottish businesses find the public sector support they need. Information is available for businesses of all sizes – from those thinking about starting a business to large, well established companies. This website is supported by an enquiries and referral service. You can contact us by submitting an enquiry or calling 0300 303 0660. Our lines are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Landline calls cost up to 10 pence per minute, mobile costs can vary from 3 pence per minute to 40 pence per minute depending on your operating provider (source: Gov.uk). Why was this website created? This site intends to help Scottish businesses find the right information, advice and support at the right time. We will continue to add information and develop FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot and the referral service. We aim to provide all businesses with quick and easy access to all business support services provided by public sector organisations in Scotland. Who runs FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot? This is a partnership service. It started as a collaboration between Business Gateway, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland. We will eventually include all organisations who receive public funding in Scotland. We currently include services from the following partners.

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Advice

The National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland is one of a number of organisations that are here to help you with your business. We can: Guide you through the COBRA resource. COBRA stands for Complete Business Reference Advisor, and it is an excellent way to find out the basics about running a business. You can even use this resource at home if you register with us, which is free to do and just takes a few minutes Introduce you to our other business information resources and explain what each one can offer, from company data and market size, to market research and trends analysis Guide you towards a very large collection of books and articles all about running a business, marketing and management, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Get in touch by emailing enquiries@nls.uk to find out more.

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Funding

Bute Enterprise Finance Fund

Bute Enterprise Finance Fund is a charity funded company which provides loans to businesses and organisations in Bute, Argyll, South and North Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire. Finance £10k-£200k is available with flexible repayment terms up to 10yrs. Specific emphasis is placed on businesses that will assist economic regeneration or generate and sustain employment. We can also help borrowers access other types of finance such as government funded start up loans, advise on business plans and support the growth of your business.

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Advice

Scottish Development International

When setting up a business in Scotland, you need to register as a private limited company or a UK branch of your foreign company. Find the professional advice you need around taxes, legal and insurance requirements in Scotland.

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Advice

Starting a business: first steps

myscot.gov has a section dedicated to starting a business which talks you through the first steps, stage by stage.

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Grants

Funding and Grants for Scottish Businesses

Looking for funding to grow your business or launch a new project? We can help you navigate the funding landscape in Scotland, offer support to help your business find and access the right funding, and, in some cases, offer our own funding.

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Advice

mygov.scot - Starting a Business

Information on business planning, registering a company and starting a new business. Setting up - Find information on setting up a business in Scotland. Tax and registering - Find information about registering your business with HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House. Marketing your business - Information on marketing and sales for your business. Intellectual property - Find out what intellectual property is and how to protect it in the UK and abroad. Further help to start a business - Information on organisations or services that can help you start a business or help your staff learn new skills.

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Funding

Government-backed start up loans

Government-backed start up loans are available to help people who want to start or grow a business that is less than 24 months old. The UK Government has already helped over 3,700 companies in Scotland with start up loans. The UK Government has already helped businesses in Scotland with more than £30 million in start up loans. Start up loans are a great opportunity for individuals in need of a personal loan for business purposes to fund their new business. In addition to the loan you can also receive free business support and mentoring to help with starting and growing your business.

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Advice

Scotland - Support and Funding

If youre considering doing business with Scotland or youre thinking about expanding your company in a new location, Scottish Development International (SDI) is here to help. SDI is the international arm of Scotlands enterprise agencies. Our network of global offices is staffed by industry experts dedicated to helping you make the most of all the opportunities Scotland has to offer.

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Advice

Business Gateway

Starting a business - you may be planning to start a business or perhaps you’ve already begun. Find advice on the essentials, from writing a business plan to intellectual property on the Business Gateway website. It has a section dedicated to business start-up and this includes the opportunity to download your business plan template and guidance on: starting up a business, business support and advice, forming a company or business, intellectual property, naming a business, buying a business or franchise, Create business plan.

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Advice

Scottish Enterprise - Starting a Business?

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's national economic development agency and a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. To deliver a significant, lasting effect on the Scottish economy, we work with partners in the public and private sectors to find and exploit the best opportunities. We support thousands of companies the length and breadth of Scotland, helping catalyse the changes in our economy that will have a long-term positive impact on Scotland's business competitiveness around the world. In doing so, we're creating significantly more, better jobs, helping people fulfil their potential. Starting a business? It can be both exhilarating and challenging getting your business off the ground. Having the confidence to take that next step is often all that’s needed. Access funding, a free business plan template, and guidance on legal requirements.

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Funding

Delivering for Scotland - Start Up Loans

Delivering for Scotland website has details of the Government backed Start UP Loan scheme as it apples to Scotland.

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Advice

Help for Start-Ups - Business Gateway

If you run a start-up business as an entrepreneur, there is a variety of help for start-ups available, and there may be extra support you can access if you come under certain categories. Much of this help takes the form of mentoring and networking - but you should also be able to access targeted advice, support and even apply for loans and grants. This guide will help explain about the sources of funding that might be available to you and where to get help, advice and training.

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Networking

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

SCC we are dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of our member companies and to helping them rise to the challenge, seize the opportunity and succeed in the marketplace. By joining a Chamber of Commerce your company automatically becomes part of Scotlands largest business organisation, with access to an unrivalled range of services, support and advice to aid your development as a thriving member of the business community. Address: Scottish Chambers of Commerce, 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ

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Networking

FSB West of Scotland

FSB West of Scotland is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Hisashi Kuboyama Development Manager Hisashi.Kuboyama@fsb.org.uk

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Advice

Scottish Rural Network

The Scottish Rural Network website is your one-stop-shop for news, events and information about rural development. We can help you connect with other people, communities, organisations and businesses across rural Scotland and beyond.

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Advice

Digital Boost

Would you like you to know how your business could benefit from digital upskilling? Training, guides, tutorials, workshops, 1:1 advice and consultancy – all for free.

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Funding

Business grants in Scotland: What do you need to know?

Small business grants in Scotland tend to either be funded by the Scottish or UK Government, as well as the European Union (EU). Generally, the funding is either available for any business across Scotland (or for businesses intending to be based in Scotland). Alternatively, some grants are only available to businesses working in certain sectors or specific locations.

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Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business

FREE Start-up Pack

This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

Start-up Guides

Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.

How to Start a Business in Scotland

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Scotland

Local help for startups

Business in Scotland

Scotland is a fantastic place to set up and run a business... as long as it is the right business!

Scotland

Important Considerations:

1. Research and Planning

2. Legal and Regulatory Considerations

3. Funding and Support

4. Business Networking

5. Start-up Hints and Tips

Conclusion

Can you help start-ups in Scotland?

Local partners

Free Startup Resources

Startup checklist

Startup map

Startup pack

Startup guide

Startup articles

Latest articles

90 days to plan your business

Strategies to Help Startups Scale Effectively

4 Ways to Get Known Fast

AI Made Simple: Practical Tips for Start-Ups

Starting a Home Baking Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Yourself Into a Business Mindset

10 ways to cope with entrepreneurial stress

5 Ways That New Businesses Are Losing Money (And What You Can Do About It)

11 Reasons to a Choose Cloud Accounting Solution

Ever thought of taking the plunge?

Free Cashflow Template and Instructions

Free Business Plan Template and Instructions

Starting a Business: A Guide for UK Service Leavers

How to Start a Not-for-Profit Business in the UK

Starting a Business as a Young Person: Your Comprehensive Guide

Show Me The Money!

Is it Really Artisan vs. Automation?

Starting a Business Over 50: Your Comprehensive Guide

3 tips for taking holidays away as a small business owner

Stress isn't always a bad thing - it can be positive too

Top Tips to Get Your First Business Event Off the Ground

Unlocking the Potential of Unique Event Locations

Things you ought to know but probably don't want to!

Women and neurodiversity in business start ups

Why Business Owners Should Consider AI in Their Marketing.

Marketing through storytelling

How To Establish And Nurture A Healthy Workplace Culture

The Most Important Section of Your Business Plan

Improve your marketing by hanging out with your ideal customers

Could a professional writer help your business?

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles

Free Startup Guide

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.

Key Contacts in Scotland

My World of Work - Be Your Own Boss

Visit Scotland - Supporting Your Business

University of St Andrews

Scottish Rural Network - Funding

Find Business Support in Scotland

The National Library of Scotland

Bute Enterprise Finance Fund

Scottish Development International

Starting a business: first steps

Funding and Grants for Scottish Businesses

mygov.scot - Starting a Business

Government-backed start up loans

Scotland - Support and Funding

Business Gateway

Scottish Enterprise - Starting a Business?

Delivering for Scotland - Start Up Loans

Help for Start-Ups - Business Gateway

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

FSB West of Scotland

Scottish Rural Network

Digital Boost

Business grants in Scotland: What do you need to know?

Start-up articles