Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month

Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

Article Source: Business Gateway
Last Updated: 2 September 2025 12:50

Running throughout September, the campaign is designed to inspire and support anyone with a business idea to take their first step.

Business Gateway is encouraging aspiring Scottish entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business, or take their side-hustle further, to explore the wide range of free support available. This support includes one-to-one guidance from experienced local business advisers, webinars, online resources, reviews of business plans as well as access to market research reports. Business Gateway’s services are available to businesses in Scotland at every stage in their journey.

One of Business Gateway’s key resources is its Planning To Start tool - an online questionnaire designed to help individuals assess their readiness to start a business. By answering a few quick questions, users can access a start-up toolkit filled with resources, advice, webinars and specific support for their business. It also connects them directly with relevant Business Gateway services and local advisers, making it easier to access tailored support from day one.

Scottish start-up month is backed by Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes and is supported by a group of hero ambassadors - Gemma Stuart, founder of Gut Wealth; Nicola Johnston, director of Island Larder; Gary Claase, co-founder of Gecko Glazing; Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, CEO of PG Paper and Coinneach MacLeod, Hebridean Baker.

Along with a number of other early pledgers, each of the hero ambassadors has pledged their backing for the campaign to inspire the next generation of Scottish business owners.

The campaign also features the support of small business owners from across Scotland who are lending their voices and experiences, including Louise McMahon of Edinburgh Dyslexic Services and Kasia McGavigan of Blue Bee Mike.

Business Gateway is now calling on other established businesses and organisations across Scotland to pledge their support by using their own platforms to encourage emerging start-up businesses.

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, said: “Scotland has no shortage of ambition, creativity and drive, but taking that first step can often feel overwhelming. With Scottish Start-Up Month, we want to show that help is not only available but easy to access.

“Whether you’re starting a side project or planning your next big idea, we’re here to help turn that into something real. This collective backing will help spotlight the power of local enterprise and build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem across the country.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Entrepreneurs and start-up companies are the backbone of our economy and it has been very encouraging to see a number of different sources indicating a significant increase in Scottish start-up companies being created. This indicates a confidence in the business environment and conditions being created to encourage any business-minded person who wants to start or develop their business idea to do so.

“Business founders of course need the right support at the right time to help ensure they can develop, grow and prosper. I would encourage anyone who is considering starting or scaling-up a business to get in touch with Business Gateway and the other organisations supporting Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent up and down the country to start a conversation, find out more and get the right help to ensure your business can start, scale and thrive.”

Hero ambassador and founder of Gut Wealth, Gemma Stuart, said: “Starting a business can be incredibly exciting, but it can also be isolating and overwhelming. Having access to advice, community and resources through Business Gateway made all the difference to me and my business and I’d encourage any small business owner to reach out for support. I’m proud to be part of a campaign that helps others see that they don’t have to do it alone.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit www.bgateway.com

Businesses interested in pledging support for Scottish Start-Up Month can visit www.bgateway.com/start-up-month for more information.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Winners of the 2025 Love Paisley Star Awards unveiled

The winners of this year's Love Paisley Star Awards have been announced.

Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month

Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

Young people bring colour to Paisley through new murals

Young people have created three vibrant new murals to transform an area of Seedhill, Paisley.

Iconic buildings across Renfrewshire set to welcome visitors for Doors Open Days 2025

Spectacular venues from across Renfrewshire will welcome visitors as part of this year's Doors Open Days.

Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland

Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.

From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!

The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025

The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.

GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile

itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!

Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage

People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.

Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.

Beat the Street is returning to Renfrewshire

An interactive game encouraging people of all ages to get active and explore their local surroundings is set to return to towns and villages across Renfrewshire this autumn.

Momentum builds at Braehead with surge in sales, footfall and leasing

SGS UK Retail has announced that Braehead Shopping Centre is going from strength to strength, headlining outstanding sales and footfall growth for the year to date.

Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today

Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.

Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities

Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.

Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled

The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.

Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025

Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.

Home town hero Callum Hawkins wins record breaking Paisley 10k

More than 5,500 people have taken part in the Paisley 10k and 3k Fun Run, setting a new record for the event.

Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies

From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!

Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now

One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!

Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.

The Abbey Inn in Paisley steps up for Off the Beatson Track

Staff and regulars from The Abbey Inn in Paisley are lacing up their trainers once again to take part in Beatson Cancer Charity's annual Off the Beatson Track walking event!

Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025

Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.

Contemporary Ritual Theatre makes Scotland debut with visceral folk tragedy

Contemporary Ritual Theatre is preparing to make its Scotland debut as it presents SALT, a new form of ritual theatre by Beau Hopkins, devised to unite and transform audiences.

Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools

Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.

Step into the ring: XSite Braehead hosts knockout wrestling event

Let's get ready to rumble! The heavyweight champion of entertainment and leisure, XSite Braehead, invites the local community to its big wrestling event!

Record number of runners sign up to Paisley 10k

A record-breaking number of runners have signed up for this year's Paisley 10k Road Race and Fun Run.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026

With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!