Resources

Tourism

Highlands and Islands Enterprise HIE produces a wealth of information to support tourism enterprises in the Highlands and Islands. Much of it is also useful for enterprises in other parts of Scotland. Check out the Tune into Tourism videos on their YouTube Channel, with playlists covering food and drink, accommodation, digital and sustainability.

Scottish Tourism Alliance Comprehensive online toolkit, case studies and information covering customer profiles, tourism marketing, websites and social media, costs, staffing, and regional contacts.

Scottish Community Tourism Provides a range of resources, cases studies and opportunities to connect on community led tourism initiatives.

VisitScotland Scotland’s national tourism organisation – your source for business support, events support, news and information. In recent years, VisitScotland’s resources have become more business-focused rather than destination planning. They have developed a range of useful marketing toolkits and an Inclusive Tourism Toolkit. Their EventScotland team can provide advice on events-related funding, resources and information.

For businesses

Business Gateway Professional resources and support to help anyone starting up or growing a business, including workshops, events, news and advice.

Federation of Small BusinessesThe national voice for small businesses, campaigning and working with politicians and policy-makers to help small businesses.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Events, business support, news and contacts for businesses and local Chambers of Commerce around Scotland.

Scotland’s Improvement Districts and Scotland’s Towns Partnership, provides information, guidance and practical support for businesses to drive inclusive growth locally, through the Business Improvement District model.

Scottish Government Tools and guidance on getting started, finance, premises and employing people.

Scottish Retail Consortium Supports and leads the retail industry in Scotland, provides information and events, and publishes data on Scottish retail sales, footfall and shop vacancies.

Zero Waste Scotland Provides specific support around waste, recycling and the circular economy.

For social enterprise

Just Enterprise -Business Support for Social Enterprises in Scotlandis a Scottish Government-funded programme for the Third Sector in Scotland.  Their expert network of advisers can provide the support, training and information you need to start, develop, grow and lead your social enterprise. What’s more, the majority of services are entirely free to access.  Whatever stage you are at, Just Enterprise can help!  Most support is free. Funded by the Scottish Government,Free Resources – Just Enterprise it is delivered with a range of partners including Firstport and Social Investment Scotland

Social Enterprise Scotland (SES)is the national membership body for social enterprises in Scotland.  SES empowers social enterprises to thrive and do what they do best: business that puts people and planet first.   SES provides support at every stage of the business journey, and collaborate with those looking to support, invest, and partner with social enterprises and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.  SES offers access to a network of like-minded people, opportunities, news and advice, and hosts a regular programme of webinars and networking events, an annual national awards programme, and Policy Campaigns.  SES actively raises the profile of social enterprises, advocating to key policymakers and stakeholders to highlight their vital contribution to a more prosperous and fairer Scotland.

Community Enterprise – Helping People Make Good Things Happen.  Do you have an amazing idea, but need some support to implement it?Community Enterprise provides development support to social enterprises, charities and voluntary groups to help make ideas a reality.

Support Map – Scotland – The Social Enterprise Support Map in Scotland, developed with the sector, assists community groups, third sector organisations, social enterprises, and social entrepreneurs.

This free tool offers a live database of support organisations across Scotland, helping you find the right support provider to move your idea or organisation to the next level.