Summary

Typically, start-up enterprises require more support in rural areas due to the unique challenges they face. This project aims to provide a comprehensive support service for new and existing enterprises in rural Perthshire in Scotland, leading to increased employment, improved skills and a stronger local economy.

GrowBizand the Enterprising Rural Perthshire project, provide community-based enterprise support in rural Perth & Kinross, through a combination of one-to-one support, peer learning & support sessions, a mentoring programme and networking events. It has worked with more than 500 individuals who were starting or growing businesses and social enterprises in a rural area in the period from October 2016 to November 2018. The project promoter is the SME Growbiz.

Results

Over 400 rural businesses and 500 individuals have taken advantage of the support provided by Growbiz.

2500 attendees across 200+ learning and networking events.

45 trained mentors with a particular interest in small businesses.

Three new women’s enterprise networks were set up and now meet every month.

Created more than 100 new businesses and over 200 jobs in the Eastern and Highland areas of Perthshire