Business Support
South Ayrshire Council offers a range of support designed to help local businesses start and grow:
- AMBITION programme
- Business Gateway
- South Ayrshire Council Collaborate for Growth Fund
- Business Loans Scotland
- Supplier Development Programme
AMBITION Programme
Our AMBITION programme supports job creation in South Ayrshire. It's for anyone with the ambition to employ or become self-employed, and is for every type of business.
We can help you whatever stage you're at on your business journey, whether you've got an idea to start something new, are in the early stages of setting up or are already well established.
For more details visit the AMBITION programme website.
For the latest information, find us on Facebook at AMBITION programme or on Linked In at AMBITION programme
Business Gateway
Through Business Gateway, we have a team of Advisors on hand to offer practical information, help and advice to existing South Ayrshire businesses or people planning on starting a business in South Ayrshire, including details on business support funding.
To speak to an Adviser call 01292 616 349. Our Advisers are on hand: Monday - Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 4pm.
Or you can find out more at Business Gateway
If you're thinking about starting a business, visit www.bgateway.com/planning-to-start
South Ayrshire Collaborate for Growth Fund
This scheme helps businesses take advantage of the efficiencies created by working collaboratively. The aim of the scheme is to support the development of co-operative enterprises in South Ayrshire which can create enhanced economic impact through collective working.
All collaborative projects which can demonstrate increased sales revenues from outwith the South Ayrshire area, improve sector efficiency or increase local employment opportunities will be considered.
To find out more or to receive an application pack please contact: Rachel.McCallum@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
There are no deadlines for applications.
Business Loans Scotland
Are you looking to introduce new processes or equipment to your business? Or maybe planning an expansion? Have you raised all the cash you can from your own resources and the banks, but there's still a funding gap? South Ayrshire Council might be able to help gap fund your project through our partners at Business Loans Scotland. Our primary focus is on businesses engaged in the Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) categories.
We operate loan funding from Business Loans Scotland to encourage the creation and growth of South Ayrshire businesses to ensure that good, commercially viable proposals do not fail from a lack of access to finance. Additionally, we want to support and encourage the creation, development and growth of Scottish businesses, helping them to trade regionally, nationally and internationally.
Through BLS, we can offer loans from £25,000 to £250,000, with loans of up to £50,000 typically unsecured. The interest rate is currently fixed at 11% with no additional fees or charges and a repayment period of up to 5 years.
For more details, please see Business Loans Scotland.
Supplier Development Programme
Do you find tendering for contracts with the public sector confusing?
Would you like support and advice to assist your business in all aspects of procurement?
The Supplier Development Programme assists businesses to improve their performance in winning contracts with Public Sector Organisations. The programme offers information and support covering procurement issues and helps to unravel the tendering process.
Assistance is provided via:
- Workshops and Events
- B-link, quarterly newsletter
- Website
- In-depth training
To access the full range of support simply register your business details with the Supplier Development Programme.
Business Beat e-newsletter
Published every two months by our Economy & Regeneration team, Business Beat provides information on funding and support available for your business, along with a round-up of relevant news, procurement opportunities and upcoming events.
To subscribe to the mailing list, please email Economy.Regeneration@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
To see previous issues, please click below:
Find Business Support
FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot directs your business to Scotland's public sector support. It gives customers an overview of all funding and services offered by public sector organisations across Scotland. This makes it quicker and easier for businesses to find the information, advice and support they need, when they need it.
Information is available for businesses of all sizes - from start-ups to established companies, from sole traders to large enterprises, from commercial businesses to social enterprises.
Share this page
