Enterprise

A rural Perthshire-based enterprise support organisation has welcomed its 1000th client since October 2016.

GrowBiz's team of experienced facilitators have advised and supported people of all ages, from all walks of life and at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey. 

Next month, local tourism businesses around Loch Awe, and those interested in starting a business, can share ideas on new ways to promote the area at meetings run by the Argyll Isles Tourism Cooperative.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are supporting the Argyll Isles Tourism Cooperative (AITC) to review sustainable, nature-based tourism businesses around Loch Awe, encouraging exciting new enterprises, and marketing that encourages more people to explore the outstanding natural beauty of Loch Awe.

The third round of the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) is now open for applications.

Tourists sites in rural Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a share of £3 million funding. RTIF aims to help tourist attractions and their communities deal with the impact of increased visitor numbers on local infrastructure by helping with improvements like parking areas, visitor facilities and recycling points.

Stirlingshire businesses, from butchers and bakers to local food makers, are invited to share their ideas for a new local food network.

Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER and Stirling Council want to hear from local food businesses across the Stirling region that are interested in working together to promote local food.

Places are still available on some upcoming public information sessions being held by the Scottish Government's Transient Visitor Levy Bill.

The Scottish Government is consulting on the principles of a locally determined visitor levy (tourist tax). They're holding events in different parts of the country to provide an opportunity for everyone who has an interest to discuss and inform us on what a Scottish Visitor Levy might look like. ​

The line-up of speakers for the first-ever Scottish Highlands and Islands Rural Economy Conference -- the SHIREs Conference -- has been announced.

Scottish Ministers are meeting in Inverness today, 28 October, for a convention on how to tackle issues affecting the Highlands and Islands.

The main topics of discussion at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands include climate change and population growth as well as economic opportunities related to energy, marine and technologies, and the expected impact of Brexit on rural communities.   

This month's GrowBiz Xchange networking meeting will be a chance to find out more about the Rural Youth Project.

Rural enterprise support organisation GrowBiz holds its XChange networking events every month at various locations throughout rural Perthshire. Perthshire residents who are starting or growing their own business are invited to the October meeting on Thursday 31 October from 6 to 8:30pm at the Madoch Centre in St Madoes.