Developing Businesses

Business Assistance

South Ayrshire Council offers a range of packages designed to assist local businesses.

· BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
· BUSINESS FORUMS
· TOURISM - GAIN A STAR
· LOAN FUND
· EXPORTING
· RURAL
· GRANTnet

The following comprises an overview of the activities and projects that may attract funding assistance. This information is not intended to be definitive of the business development assistance programmes operated by South Ayrshire Council. If any of the areas covered are of interest, or you have some queries about whether the Council could help you, contact the Business Development Team - busdev@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

South Ayrshire Council aims to provide business funding assistance in an inventive move away from the traditional small business funding grant. We aim to target business groups segmented, for example, by geographic area or business sector. Our goals are to assist businesses with improving performance, marketing new products, developing innovative ideas and business practices. We feel this can be achieved by co-working in partnership with groups of businesses.
The Council's business advisors will meet with businesses to offer help and advice. Only in exceptional circumstances will grants be available to individual businesses.
Further Information Website Links:-
Starting up your own business www.bgateway.com
Support for existing businesses www.scottish-enterprise.com
Wage subsidies www.newdeal.gov.uk

BUSINESS FORUMS

The Council continues to hold their popular Business Forums. These Forums provide a great networking opportunity, as well as having informative and topical speakers, relevant to local businesses. One major annual conference and 3 to 4 smaller events are currently being planned. Should your business wish to be included on the mailing list for these then please contact us.

GAIN A STAR

Financial assistance available to serviced and self-catering accommodation providers within South Ayrshire who wish to Gain A Star or retain their star when in threat of losing their current grading, and establishments not currently members of the system but who wish to become members, all in accordance with VisitScotland's Quality Assurance "Star Grading System".

For further information about VisitScotland's Quality Assurance Scheme select weblink - www.scotexchange.net

WEST OF SCOTLAND LOAN FUND

Do you wish to introduce new processes or equipment or expand your business? Have you raised all the cash you can from your own resources and the banks? Is there still a funding gap? Did you know that the Council might be able to help gap fund the project at competitive rates and with the possibility of a capital holiday?
South Ayrshire Council operates loan funding from the West of Scotland Loan Fund. The Business Loan Fund seeks to encourage the creation and growth of South Ayrshire businesses and can offer loans up to £50,000 to existing businesses trading for more than 2 years or up to £30,000 can be arranged for new or existing businesses trading for a shorter period of time. Loans must form part of a wider funding package. Capital holidays and flexible repayment terms can also be arranged. Please note that loans are not available towards the purchase of land and buildings.

Select link:- www.wslf.co.uk

EXPORTING

Tackling an export market for the first time can be both a costly exercise and a gamble. Did you know that either directly or indirectly South Ayrshire Council could help you meet the costs of penetrating new markets?
Through the Business Gateway International Ayrshire partnership, South Ayrshire businesses have access to a wide range of sector and market focused trade missions and exhibitions. Specialised professional support is available to both new and established exporters seeking to develop new markets. The partnership provides support to local businesses wishing to export or who are already exporting.

RURAL COMMUNITIES

Has your rural community identified a project or projects that would serve to address your unique problems? Have you raised finance from all the sources known but still have a funding gap? Did you know that South Ayrshire Council has funds available to specifically meet that gap? There is a limited budget of £60,000 available and individual projects could attract up to £10,000 in any one year. For further information please contact the Rural Development Officer william.mckissock@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

GRANTnet

The Council has negotiated access to a database which may help you find other sources of support.
GRANTnet is a user-friendly, on-line search tool by which small businesses and community organisations can look for funding sources that might assist their particular needs. By following a series of simple steps, the system will help you identify potential sources of funding and other support. The system will give you summaries of potential sources and, in many cases, information of where to obtain detailed information, often including the provider's website.

Select link:- GRANTnet