Monthly Newsletter
Invest in West Lothian - September Newsletter
Welcome to the September edition of the Invest in West Lothian newsletter! In our newsletter, we will be sharing the latest news stories, funding opportunities, and events for businesses in West Lothian.
Here at Invest in West Lothian, we are committed to helping businesses in West Lothian grow by providing confidential and impartial advice, highlighting funding opportunities, and sharing helpful resources. We can help new and established businesses that are currently based in West Lothian, or are looking to relocate to the area. You can learn more about the support we offer by visiting www.investinwestlothian.com .
Celebrating Good News Stories in West Lothian
Inspiring Event Returns for New and Aspiring West Lothian Business Owners
The Business Gateway West Lothian team have announced the return of their popular ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event for local residents that are thinking of starting, or have recently started, a business in the area.
During the event on Thursday, the 25th of September, Business Advisers will be highlighting the wide range of support that is available to help aspiring entrepreneurs successfully launch their dream businesses. Topics discussed will include business planning, funding opportunities, support for self-employed parents, and business sustainability. Expert Michelle Brown will be joining to share valuable Marketing and Branding insights.
There will also be an exciting panel taking place with local business owners sharing their business journeys and any lessons they have learned along the way.
You can read the full story here.
Funding for Businesses in West Lothian
The Invest in West Lothian team have extensive experience of preparing funding packages for local businesses of all sizes. Each month, we will highlight a new funding opportunity that is currently available to eligible businesses in the area.
High Growth Start Up Grant
This exciting grant is exclusive to businesses within the first 18 months of trading. Eligible West Lothian businesses can receive funding of up to £4,000, which can be used to bring new products to market, attend trade events, and build capacity with the business.
The following eligibility criteria applies:
- The business must be VAT registered or have a turnover of £60,000+
- The business must be in commercial premises
- The business must employ a minimum of 1 member of staff, or have the potential to create an employment opportunity within 6 months.
To learn more or apply for the High Growth Start Up Grant, please email invest@westlothian.gov.uk
Upcoming Events
We are delighted to be hosting the following free events in September, alongside our Simplifying the Business Start Up Process event:
Photography for Business Practical Session
Join us on Wednesday, the 24th of September, to learn how to take great pictures to represent your business online with our expert Sabine Klaus-Carter. You are welcome to bring your camera/phone plus anything you'd like to photograph - yourself, products etc. as we'll be demonstrating how to get the most out of your own equipment. This is taking place from 9:30am – 12:30pm at the Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian office Bathgate.
1:1 Procurement Surgery Sessions
We are offering eligible West Lothian businesses the opportunity to book a free, 1:1 virtual surgery session with a procurement expert from Intend Business Development Ltd. These sessions have been created to help West Lothian business owners improve their understanding of the procurement process and improve their success rate with tender bids. Sessions last 1-hour and flexible appointments are available.
To learn more and book your space at the Photography for Business workshop, please click here.
To view our full calendar of events and book your free spaces, please click here.
If you have any questions about any of the topics covered, please email invest@westlothian.gov.uk .
We hope you have a brilliant month!