Business Gateway

22/10/2026

🌍 Interested in strengthening tourism in your community?

The new Islands Community Tourism Learning and Networking Programme from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is now open for registrations. The programme is designed to help island communities develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to support sustainable tourism that benefits local people, businesses and places.

✅ Free online workshops
✅ Learn about community-led tourism, visitor management and sustainability
✅ Connect with other island communities across Scotland
✅ Suitable for community organisations, tourism businesses, sole traders and anyone involved in local tourism development

As an added bonus, anyone attending the workshops can apply for a funded four-day learning journey to Orkney in March 2027 to explore successful community tourism initiatives and attend the Scottish Community Tourism Gathering.

The workshops run on Thursday mornings from 29 October 2026 to 25 February 2027, and participation is free. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

👉 Find out more and register here:

Free online training for island communities, tourism organisations and local businesses looking to develop sustainable, community-led tourism projects and visitor experiences.

20/10/2026

📢 Final reminder - REALISE applications close on 26 October

For women business owners, leaders and managers in Shetland, REALISE offers the chance to develop your leadership skills, build confidence and connect with other local women in leadership roles.

⏰ Applications close on Sunday 26 October.

📩 Find out more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4rri2wB

14/10/2026

Everyone's talking about AI. But what does it actually mean for your business?

That's exactly what we'll be exploring in our new AI webinar series, led by Gary Ennis, Managing Director of Digital Skills training company NSDesign, as part of AI Scotland's AI Adoption Programme.

Across a series of free sessions, we'll look at practical ways businesses can use AI, share useful tools and techniques, and discuss how to adopt it responsibly, effectively and with confidence.

Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or looking to build on what you're already doing, these sessions will provide practical insights to help you make the most of the opportunities AI presents.

Find out more and sign up today ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/about-us/ai-adoption-programme

12/10/2026

📢 AI & Innovation Opportunities Coming to Shetland

Interested in how AI could help your business save time, improve productivity or unlock new opportunities?

On Thursday 5 November, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is bringing two free events to Shetland Museum & Archives, Lerwick:

🤖 AI Scotland Roadshow – Shetland
🕤 9:30am – 1:30pm

Discover practical applications of AI, hear real-world examples, and learn how businesses and organisations are using AI responsibly and effectively.

👉 Book your place: https://www.hie.co.uk/events-and-training/ai-scotland-roadshow-shetland/

💡 Idea to Impact – Shetland
🕑 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Got an idea for a new product, service or digital solution? Find out about the support available through DaTE, HIE and Techscaler, hear from local businesses, and explore how to turn ideas into real opportunities.

👉 Book your place: https://www.hie.co.uk/events-and-training/idea-to-impact-shetland/

And if you can't wait until November, Business Gateway's free AI webinars are running now, covering AI tools, marketing, content creation, productivity and more.

👉 Browse upcoming AI webinars: https://www.bgateway.com/events?page=1®ion=national&topic=artificial-intelligence-ai&pageSize=12

09/10/2026

📣 Confession time...

The team here at Business Gateway Shetland have only just completed the Lerwick 28 survey ourselves. 😅

We're choosing to call it excellent deadline management rather than leaving it until the last minute...

If your survey is still sitting on today's to-do list, this is your gentle nudge! The survey closes tonight, so there's still time to have your say on the future of Lerwick.

Whether you live, work, run a business, study or spend time in Lerwick, your views can help shape the town's future.

📋 Complete the survey here: https://lerwick28.com/

And if you're one of those organised people who completed it weeks ago, please share this post and remind the rest of us! 😉

In 2028, one town will receive £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme – and Lerwick is one of...

08/10/2026

Whether you're starting out or already up and running, the right support can make all the difference to your business.

Our Business Support Tool takes just 10 minutes to complete and gives you a personalised dashboard with resources tailored to your needs.

We'll also connect you with your local team, so you can access expert one-to-one advice.

Complete the tool ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/personalised-support

01/10/2026

Looking to make some new business connections?

Our networking lunch with the Islands Entrepreneurial Network takes place tomorrow and there's still time to book your free place.

Whether you're running an established business, just getting started, freelancing or exploring a new venture, come along for an informal lunchtime session to meet other local businesspeople, share ideas and build new connections.

🥪 Free light lunch and refreshments
🤝 Friendly, informal networking
📅 Tomorrow (2 October)

Can't stay for the full session? Feel free to drop in for part of it.

Book your free place here: https://bit.ly/4gwgHzf

We look forward to seeing you there!

01/10/2026

Want to reduce costs, improve efficiency and future-proof your business?

Small changes can make a big difference.

This , we're sharing practical support, events and resources to help businesses turn sustainability ambitions into action.

🟢 Building business resilience: How to better adapt for Scotland's changing climate with Adaptation Scotland: bgateway.com/events/building-business-resilience-how-to-better-adapt-for-scotland-s-changing-climate-32273

🟢 Become a CPD-certified Green Champion with Business Energy Scotland: bgateway.com/events/become-a-cpd-certified-green-champion-32319

🟢 Climate action support guide: bgateway.com/resources/already-running-a-business/climate-action-support

🟢 Local support: bgateway.com/local-offices

Whether you're just getting started or building on existing activity, we're here to support your next steps.

01/10/2026

A reminder about this excellent free online session being delivered by the Islands Entrepreneurial Network RGU

Whether you sell from a shop, market stall, workshop, studio or online, your visual identity plays a key role in attracting customers and building trust. Join Amy Macleod on 7 October for practical advice on visual merchandising, branding and creating a memorable customer experience.

📅 Tuesday 7 October 🕛 12pm to 1pm 💻 Online

Register here: https://online.ien.scot/public/events/a3c147ca-a544-11f1-bdd0-0675cf5bbbb5

Your brand is more than your logo.

It’s how your business looks, feels and shows up - whether that’s online, at a market, In the high street, in a shop or even from your own front door.

Join us on 7 October, 12–1pm for our online Visual Merchandising for Retail Masterclass with brand specialist Amy Macleod.

Amy will share practical ways to help you:

✨ create a stronger visual identity
✨ present your products with more impact
✨ build a memorable brand experience
✨ make your shop, stall or online presence work harder for you

You don’t need a huge budget or a city-centre shop to create a brand people remember. You just need to be intentional about the story you’re telling.

📅 7 October
🕛 12–1pm
💻 Online

Sign up today! https://online.ien.scot/public/events/a3c147ca-a544-11f1-bdd0-0675cf5bbbb5

30/09/2026

As Scottish Start-Up Month 2026 comes to a close, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved.

Whether you've joined a webinar, attended an event, pledged your support, shared your experiences, or are simply thinking about taking the first steps towards starting a business, thank you for being part of it.

From hundreds of webinar attendees to 120 businesses and organisations pledging their support, Scottish Start-Up Month has shown just how strong, collaborative and encouraging Scotland's start-up community can be.

We received brilliant feedback on our events throughout the month, including this lovely comment from Deborah of Work Winning Studio:

"Absolutely brilliant session, I came away with some great tips and frameworks for challenging self-hindering thoughts. It was like having a friend, coach and mentor cheering us on while also providing a lot of substantial, practical advice. Thank you so much Coaching by Nic and the BG team. Definitely one of the best BG webinars I have been to."

It's also been inspiring to see businesses across Scotland come together to support people at the beginning of their business journey, sharing practical advice, honest lessons and words of encouragement.

One piece of advice that really resonated with us came from Steph of Steph Briggs Marketing Specialist:

"Start small, stay curious, ask for help when you need it, and keep going. You'll learn far more by doing than by waiting for the perfect moment."

If you're ready to take that next step, we're here to help. And while Scottish Start-Up Month may be coming to an end, our support is available all year round.

From free webinars and events to online resources, our Business Support Tool and one-to-one advice from your local Business Gateway team, we're here to support you every step of the way.

So if you've been waiting for a sign to start your business... this is it 🚀

Take the first step today ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month

And if you're already running a business, here's your final chance to pledge your support ➡️ bgateway.com/about-us/pledger-form

29/09/2026

Knowing what to charge can be one of the biggest challenges when starting a business.

Our brand-new webinar will help you understand the key factors that shape your pricing, explore common pricing models, and give you practical steps to develop a pricing approach that works for your business.

Grab your free place here ➡️ bgateway.com/events/a-beginners-guide-to-pricing-products-and-services-32166

28/09/2026

🚢 Have Your Say on Cruise Tourism in Shetland – Survey Closes Wednesday!

Time is running out to share your views on the impact of cruise tourism in Shetland, with the survey closing on Wednesday 30 September.

Whether cruise visitors are a big part of your business, a small part, or not part of it at all, your experience and perspective matter. The study aims to build a fuller picture of how cruise ship visits affect Shetland's economy, communities and businesses, helping to identify both the opportunities and challenges they bring.

Your feedback will help highlight where the benefits of cruise tourism are being felt locally, as well as any pressures that come with increased visitor numbers.

✅ Open to all local businesses and organisations
✅ Takes just 10-15 minutes to complete
✅ Closes Wednesday 30 September

Don't miss the chance to make your voice heard and help shape the future understanding of cruise tourism in Shetland.

Find out more and complete the survey via the link below 👇

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cruise60DN

28/09/2026

One of the biggest decisions when starting a business is choosing the right structure.

Sole trader? Partnership? Limited company? Social enterprise?

Our brand-new webinar will help you understand the options, compare the benefits and limitations of each, and leave you with a practical checklist to help plan your next steps.

Grab your free place here ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/events/different-business-structures-what-is-the-right-one-for-you-32165

28/09/2026

🎉 Employment Law Bingo is coming to Shetland!

Looking for practical HR and employment law advice without the legal jargon?

On Wednesday 7 October, employment law specialist Mandy Armstrong from Anderson Strathearn will be in Shetland to deliver Employment Law Bingo - a lively and informative session covering employment law updates, workplace scenarios and common management challenges.

There'll be plenty of useful takeaways, a chance to ask questions, and lunch is included too!

Katy will also be available for confidential one-to-one discussions if there's something specific you'd like to talk through.

📅 Wednesday 7 October
📍 Shetland
🎟️ Free to attend

Book your place here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTx3xYns

25/09/2026

What's one thing you wish you'd known before starting a business? 🤔

We asked Scottish business owners to share what they wish they'd known before starting up, and their answers cover everything from building relationships and growing your network to finding balance, seeking support and learning as you go.

Thinking about starting a business? Scottish Start-Up Month is packed with free webinars, practical tools and expert advice to help you take your next step.

Already running a business? Pledge your support and help inspire the next generation of Scottish businesses.

Find out more and get involved ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month



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25/09/2026

A huge thank you to Aidan from Interval Running, Mhairi from Wild Dook Sauna and Nicola from Collymooncraft for sharing their experiences yesterday as part of our StartSMART webinar during Scottish Start-Up Month 💙🩷

Their honesty, insights and advice made for a fantastic discussion, with plenty of valuable takeaways for anyone starting a business in Scotland.

Missed it? You can watch the recording here ➡️ https://youtu.be/2wtwi3-zaYE

With just six days of Scottish Start-Up Month left, there's still plenty of time to get involved and access free support, events and resources.

Find out more and get involved ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month

24/09/2026

Want to start a business?

Our local teams are here to help you get started and build confidence from day one.

This Scottish Start-Up Month, find the tools, guidance and expert support to help make your business idea happen.

And if you're already running a business, you can get behind the campaign by pledging your support.

Find out more and get involved ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month



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24/09/2026

🚀 The Wait Is Over... REALISE Is Back! 🚀

One of Shetland's most talked-about business development programmes for women is now open for applications.

If you're ready to make meaningful changes in your business, whether that's growth, profitability, resilience, sustainability, or simply achieving a better work-life balance, REALISE could be exactly what you need.

The Shetland REALISE Programme is a fully funded, peer-led development programme for women business owners, entrepreneurs and managers.

⭐ NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Alongside the popular peer coaching format, participants will benefit from two additional business-focused sessions, providing practical insights, tools and advice to help take their business to the next level.

✅ Time and space to focus on you and your business

✅ A supportive network of like-minded women

✅ Personal development tailored to your goals

✅ Fresh perspectives, ideas and practical solutions

👩‍💼 Open to Shetland-based female business owners, entrepreneurs and managers.

📅 Small groups of just 6-8 women

📅 A 3-month programme • 6 facilitated coaching sessions • 2 additional business-focused sessions

📅 Peer coaching sessions, business-focused workshops and facilitated support

🌟 Places are limited.

📩 Find out more and apply here:

23/09/2026

110+ businesses and organisations have already pledged their support for Scottish Start-Up Month 🥳

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign so far 💙🩷

Whether you’re a business owner sharing what you’ve learned, or an organisation supporting Scotland’s start-up community, we’re so grateful to have you involved.

And tomorrow at 12pm, we’re very excited to be hearing directly from three Scottish business owners as part of our StartSMART panel webinar, with 150 people already signed up!

Join host Danny Gallagher, Manager at Business Gateway Highland, alongside Nicola Finney, Founder & Owner of Collymooncraft, Mhairi Burnett, Founder of Wild Dook Sauna, and Aidan Thomson, Director of INTERVAL, as they share the highs, lows and lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Sign up here ➡️ bgateway.com/events/startsmart-navigating-the-first-steps-in-business-32167

And if you haven’t pledged your support yet, there’s still time to join the 110+ businesses and organisations backing Scottish Start-Up Month.

Pledge your support ➡️ bgateway.com/about-us/pledger-form

16/09/2026

💡 Got an idea for your rural business? Looking to grow, innovate or diversify?

We're pleased to share details of SRUC's Enhancing Rural Innovation & Entrepreneurship workshops, designed for rural businesses and entrepreneurs working in agriculture, animal health, food and drink, tourism, and hospitality.

Whether you're just starting out, looking to expand, or exploring new opportunities, these practical workshops will provide tools, insights and support to help move your business forward.

✅ Case study presentations
✅ Idea generation and problem solving
✅ Access to SRUC's innovation infrastructure
✅ Signposting to follow-on funding opportunities

📍 Inverness – 29 September 2026
📍 Lerwick (Isleburgh Community Centre) – 15 October 2026
📍 Western Isles – Date and venue TBC
📍 Dumfries & Galloway – Date and venue TBC

Travel and childcare support bursaries may be available if required.

🔗 Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/e6QatDT4
📧 Enquiries: [email protected]