How we can help?
Take a look at the ways we can support you and your business:
JumpStart Programme: Your Launchpad to Success in Food and Drink
Are you an ambitious food or drink start-up in Dumfries and Galloway?
Our annual JumpStart Programme is designed just for you! Over four exciting months, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to bring your product to market faster and more effectively.
Expert Help
Ignite Your Business Dreams Unlock your unique business potential with Expert Help 24! Our bespoke programme offers complimentary, personalized support from industry specialists dedicated to nurturing your business from the ground up in areas such as
- Investor-Ready Business Planning & Forecasting
- Digital Mastery
- Public Sector Tendering
- Accountancy Expertise
Develop Your Ecommerce Website
Dumfries and Galloway Council and Business Gateway would like to encourage retailers to develop Ecommerce sites to make their businesses more resilient and sustain the high streets of our local towns.
This Ecommerce Support Programme (ESP) will provide each successful applicant a 12 month free subscription to Shopify, which has 4 million Ecommerce websites around the world and 2 days of bespoke 1-2-1 set-up and training support. The applicant will also have access to online Ecommerce training via Business Gateway webinars.
Become a childminder with the help of a grant
The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) is leading a recruitment drive to train and support new childminders in Dumfries and Galloway where we have an urgent need for more childcare.
- childminding is a hugely rewarding career that offers the opportunity to:
- contribute to children’s development, learning and wellbeing
- provide a valuable, professional childcare service for your community
- develop new skills and qualifications
- be your own boss, from your own home
- earn money while working around your family’s needs
Thinking of starting a business?
Take 10 minutes to get a start-up toolkit packed with resources and advice.
We will be in touch within 5 working days to chat through your next steps.
Enterprise Seed Fund
Kickstart Your Vision with up to a £3,000 Start-Up Grant Are you ready to transform your innovative business idea into reality? The Enterprise Seed Fund 24 is here to propel start-ups and early-stage businesses towards success. With a grant of up to £3,000, we’re committed to helping you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
Ready to take your business to the next level?
Business Gateway goes beyond helping start-ups. We’re here to empower existing businesses to thrive!
Looking to:
- Weather challenging markets?
- Boost your resilience and sustainability?
- Fuel explosive growth?
We’ve got your back!
Food and Drink Mentoring
Sheena Horner, the D&G regional food group co-ordinator, working for Eat SW, will give each business up to 3 days (21 hours) of free one to one mentoring support over 12 weeks. She is passionate about food and drink and runs two food and drink businesses, Galloway Chillies and Food from Farming.
Aires Support Grant
Dumfries and Galloway Council are offering a grant to support the launch of new Aires across the region. The grant may pay up to 50% of costs associated with creating or improving an Aires site up to a maximum of £3,000 per site. The grant can contribute to expenses such as signage, site markings, site improvements, web design, black and grey water disposal, and lighting. Grant applications will be judged on the addition of new facilities and value for money.
Tourism Electrical Vehicle Charger Grant -CLOSED
100% funded grant of up to £3,000 to help you install electric vehicle (EV) charging points at your tourism and hospitality businesses. Part of the Cilmate Resilience Fund.
This is your chance to attract new customers by offering EV charging and play your part in the new Responsible Tourism Strategy.
Filming in Dumfries and Galloway?
We’re here to help you make your filming experience as smooth as possible.
You will need permission from Dumfries and Galloway council to film on any roads, buildings and public areas owned or managed by the council.
To apply Download the Filming Application Permission Form from the next page
AIMS Manufacturing and Engineering Grant
AIMS supports businesses to innovate, develop, prove, and introduce new products and services as well as providing vocational training courses from taster sessions at beginner level to bespoke courses aimed at businesses and individuals who want to develop their skill set.
Business Growth Grant – CLOSED
Are you a micro business or SME in Dumfries and Galloway looking to expand, innovate, and thrive? The Business Growth Grant is here to help you achieve your goals! 🚀
This discretionary grant fund is designed to support the growth of both new and existing businesses. Whether you’re aiming to create new jobs, reduce energy usage, or move towards net zero carbon emissions, this grant can provide the financial boost you need.
It is worth up to £20,000 and up to 50% of eligible project costs are covered
Climate Resilience CLOSED
Dumfries and Galloway Council is offering a grant of up to £3,000 to businesses and organisations to transition to Net Zero, or to become more Flood Resilient or to address Water Scarcity.