West Lothian Start Smart Programme

EVENT DETAILS

Date: 8-week programme beginning January 2026, dates TBC

Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: In Person and Online

Improve your confidence, gain new skills, and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit at our fully funded programme.

The exciting new West Lothian Start Smart Programme has been designed to make entrepreneurship a viable, engaging and realistic career option for young people who may lack access, confidence or clear pathways into enterprise. 

Over 8-weeks, participants will take part in weekly 90-minute in person workshops supported by online videos, downloadable factsheets and interactive Google Classroom tasks. Completion of each module will unlock a £25 Amazon voucher, which can be used to purchase business equipment. Participants will be provided with a repurposed laptop that they can use to complete the online element of the programme, which they can keep after the programme. At the end of the programme, participants can also apply for up to £500 of funding towards eligible training and development.

The programme will be delivered by Business Gateway Advisers and expert business consultants, and will cover topics including idea generation, financial planning, marketing, AI, and personal branding. 

Here’s what attendees can look forward to from the weekly sessions – 

• Week 1 – The Seed of an Idea, delivered by Michelle Brown
• Week 2 – Plan Like a Pro, delivered by Michelle Brown
• Week 3 – Digital Marketing Essentials, delivered by NS Design
• Week 4 – Money Talks, delivered by Business Gateway West Lothian
• Week 5 – Wellbeing for Entrepreneurs, delivered by S.M.I.L.E Counselling
• Week 6 – Your Personal Brand, delivered by Michelle Brown
• Week 7 – AI for Business, delivered by NS Design
• Week 8  – Presenting Your Vision, delivered by Michelle Brown

This is a great opportunity for young people that are interested in self-employment, or are still considering options for their future.

Applicants must complete a questionnaire to confirm their spaces.

If you would like to be added to our waitlist and notified when the programme is available to book, please complete the form below: