Access to Business Finance, 29th April, Inverness

Business Gateway in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses is hosting an Access to Business Finance event at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on the 29th April 2013.

• Do you have a business idea but don't know where or how to raise the finance to get it off the ground?  
   
• Do you want to expand or develop your existing business but haven't got the cash to do it?
   
• Or maybe you are treading water in this tight economy and need help to consolidate and plan for future growth?

Open to all small businesses, the day will bring together representatives from the major banks, alternative providers of business funding, accountants and lawyers and will be based on a series of talks, workshops and one-to-one conversations.

The event should be of interest to professionals who support small businesses and will be an excellent opportunity to network and influence funding bodies.

For the full programme and booking information, follow this link:

Real-Life Entrepreneurs Event, 29th November 2011

Here's an invite to a business event,  from David Richardson, Development Manager of the Federation of Small Business:

"I would like to invite you attend the North of Scotland launch of the FSB’s important new Real-Life Entrepreneur Campaign (Link)

Purpose: 

To launch the Campaign 

To stimulate interest in entrepreneurship 

To provide a range of relevant businesses information 

To provide a forum for networking between businesses and between businesses and public sector agencies and politicians

Venue: Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Stadium

Date:: Tuesday 29th November

Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm

Sustenance: Tea & coffee on arrival and departure and a buffet lunch

Cost: Free to all

Guest List: All FSB members in the Highlands & Islands and Moray

Non-members small businesses

People thinking about setting up in business for themselves

Representatives from business support agencies

Local and national politicians

At the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), we know that going into business can be the best thing a person can do. However, we also know that it is a daunting task at the best of times – and doubly so in the current economic climate.

In short, if we are to grow, broaden and strengthen our economy, we must make it as easy as possible for people with entrepreneurial flair to start up – and remain – in business. This is what the FSB’s new Real-Life Entrepreneurs Campaign is all about.

We have taken the six most common problems faced by today’s entrepreneurs and set out, clearly and concisely, what the FSB can do to assist and what we are asking Government to do to play its part. The Campaign also highlights examples of typical members who have received practical help in each of these areas.

I am therefore delighted to invite you to the launch of our Real Life Entrepreneurs Campaign in the North of Scotland.

The event will be led by Mike Southon, Financial Times columnist and author of “The Beer Mat Entrepreneur”.

R.S.V.P. David Richardson (email)  by Wednesday 23rd November

Please note: numbers are restricted so bookings will be accepted on a first-come basis

Business Gateway and other business agencies will be attending the event.

Assynt Enterprise Club

Just back from the inaugural meeting of the Assynt Enterprise Club which is building on the work of the now-defunct (but hopefully soon to be resurrected) "Learn 2 Be Enterprising project". 

Invited by Learning Centre Manager, Sharon Bartram, local businesses took the opportunity to meet Federation of Small Business Chair, Joan Campbell to hear about the benefits of FSB membership. It was also good to catch up with businesses which have started trading over the past year -  following support from L2BE and, naturally, Business Gateway.