Business Gateway provides advice and support to anyone who wants to start a business or grow their existing company in the following ways:

• Huge online resources at

• Free business research through Scotland-wide Enquiry and Research service

• Free workshops on a wide variety of business topics including business planning, marketing, finance, IT and web issues, customer service and negotiating skills

• One to one advisory support from our 5 strong team of start-up advisers in Buchanan St outlet and growth advice from team of 4 based in Mercantile Chambers

• Access to regular drop-in sessions from partners such as Cultural Enterprise Office, HMRC, Legal advice from various city based lawyers

• Access to a specialist adviser for clients with ethnic minority background or refugee status

• Signposting to a range of partner organisations and programmes giving specialist help, depending on client need, such as the Supplier Development Programme, PSYBT, DHP Scotland, FSB, Smart Exporter programme etc

Specific help for women:

Women into Business is a networking programme which has been running for approximately 8 years. It was initially set up to address the particular challenges faced by women thinking about starting a business and now provides a popular, dynamic starter network for any woman in the early stages of planning or running her own business.
The Glasgow group meets monthly from September to May, eight meetings in all, regularly attracting a committed following of between 60 and 80. The format varies, but in general there are three critical elements:
 
Networking – every event offers a mix of networking opportunities and we encourage members to develop their skills in a supportive and constructive environment.

Inspiration and motivation – by inviting speakers with a relevant and interesting story to tell, we seek to raise members' expectations, confidence and aspirations for their own business.

Information - an important part of the night is the opportunity to engage with a range of support agencies such as BG advisers, HMRC, High Street banks, Mentoring Services, Cultural Enterprise Office and DSL Business Finance, Glasgow Chamber etc.

Through all of this we aim to provide a safe, supportive, business focussed environment where women can share experiences and learn from each other, gaining encouragement and confidence along the way.

Local Contact: Business Gateway 170 Buchanan Street Glasgow G1 2LW 0141 222 9555