Who wants to be an entrepreneur?

Fancy running your own business? Then get in touch with the Small Business 
Gateway.

Backed by Scottish Enterprise, Local Enterprise Companies, local councils 
and other bodies, the Gateway offers a range of impartial advice and 
assistance to new and developing businesses.

All you need to do is call the Small Business Gateway hotline on 0845 609 
6611 and you’ll be put in touch with an adviser. You can even log in for 
assistance at www.sbgateway.com 

Best of all, most of the services offered by the Gateway are FREE of charge.

The public bodies which support the Gateway have helped thousands of 
people realise their ambition to create their own businesses. Independent 
research shows that people who access this type of support have a much 
better chance of starting and building a successful business.

So why not get in touch and talk over your business idea?

A spokesperson said: “Like anything else, starting a successful business 
begins with a good idea. 

“First of all, think about what you really want to achieve. Remember that the 
more you fine tune your business idea, the more committed you will be to it.

“Next it’s down to the planning stage. Small Business Gateway advisers will 
encourage you to look at your potential market and put together that all-
important business plan.

“Then comes the real challenge, running your business.  Thankfully the Small 
Business Gateway can help you every step of the way.

“You’ll get access to a range of information from paper-based factsheets and 
CD-Roms, to help on the internet.

“You’ll be able to attend seminars to help you think about your business idea 
and how to take it forward. And you’ll be able to attend workshops that can 
give your firm a head start. They cover the day-to-day issues faced by 
entrepreneurs, from accessing finance to marketing.”

Business advisers are also on hand to offer one-to-one advice and support. 
They can even refer you to specialists, assess your training needs and, of 
course, give you lots of encouragement.

And there is much more. Firms started with the assistance of the Small 
Business Gateway may be eligible for an e-commerce award to cover the cost 
of buying hardware or software to run the business. The grant covers 50 per 
cent of the cost, up to a maximum of £500. Contact the Small Business 
Gateway for more information.

The Gateway will also give you the opportunity to talk to other business 
people – in turn giving you the opportunity to make your business really grow.

For more information, or to find out where the Small Business Gateway 
operates in your area, call 0845 609 6611 or log onto www.sbgateway.com



 
   

Small Business Gateway services are 
delivered by the Scottish Enterprise Network 
and local partner organisations. 

 

Elements of the Small Business Gateway have been part-
financed by the European Structural Funds during the 
1997-99 Programme period.

Click www.sbgateway.com
Call 0845 609 6611