Thriving Economy South Ayrshire

02/09/2026

Business Gateway Scottish Start-Up Month is here! Please see the below post for information about Scottish Start-Up Month.

28/08/2026

Defence Workshop – Connect with MOD & Understand About Accessing International Defence Sectors (07 Oct 26)



The Ministry of Defence’s National Armaments International team invites expressions of interest from SMEs in the defence, dual-use and aerospace sectors to attend an SME Surgery in Glasgow.



Date: 7th October 2026

Time: 10:30 - 15:00

Location: Glasgow (exact location to be announced)



What to expect

✔Practical guidance for SMEs looking to access international defence and security opportunities.

✔Insight from market-specific desk officers on priority regions, overseas opportunities and how SMEs can engage effectively.

✔Advice from capability experts on how products and services may align with MOD and international customer requirements.

✔Information from export finance providers on support available to help SMEs grow and deliver internationally.

✔Guidance from the Export Control Joint Unit on export licensing and compliance considerations.

✔Opportunities to connect with government stakeholders and other SMEs operating in the defence, dual-use and aerospace sectors.



This event will provide a practical opportunity to connect, learn and explore how your business can grow its international defence export potential. Please complete the form at the link to register your interest in attending:

REGISTER INTEREST Glasgow SME Surgery – 7th October 2026 – Fill in form - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5RRrOeo16TZKr1A0lqCNZc1UN08zQkxNRjU2OENESUhRWDk0VEcwMDhRUi4u



Places are limited. Confirmed attendees will receive joining instructions and further event information ahead of the surgery.



To hear about future SME Surgeries and National Armaments International initiatives, CLICK HERE to register as a member of the Export Faculty, free of charge. If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected]

27/08/2026

The deadline for entries is Friday 18th September 2026!

27/08/2026

New Support for Tourism Businesses Across Ayrshire & Arran

A new regional initiative has been launched to help tourism businesses across Ayrshire & Arran make the most of opportunities within the international visitor market.
Delivered by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council and VisitScotland, the Ayrshire & Arran International Tourism Project will support businesses over the coming year through a programme of practical activities designed to build knowledge, strengthen tourism products and increase engagement with the international travel trade.

The business development programme is being led by Yvonne Wagoun of White Stag Tourism alongside Gillian Longmuir (Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce), who are working closely with the project partners to engage with businesses across the region and deliver the programme of support.

Whether your business already welcomes international visitors or you are simply interested in exploring the opportunities, we would like to hear from you.

The programme will include a series of workshops, networking opportunities and practical guidance designed to support tourism businesses across Ayrshire & Arran. While we welcome expressions of interest from all businesses, participation in specific activities, including workshops and the tailored one-to-one mentoring programme, will be subject to availability and project criteria. Up to 20 businesses will be selected to receive bespoke mentoring support.

As part of the project, a programme of travel trade engagement will be delivered to raise the profile of Ayrshire & Arran and showcase the region's tourism offer to key travel trade partners, helping to create new opportunities for local businesses.
Businesses that register their interest will receive updates on project activities and opportunities as they develop.

To help us shape the programme, we invite you to complete a short registration form. Your responses will help us better understand your business, your current experience, and the areas where support would be most valuable.

Participation in the project is free of charge, and registering your interest does not commit you to taking part in any future activities. It simply ensures you receive information about opportunities as the project progresses.

Register your interest in the programme by completing our short online form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctPFl5x_SlPSRH386S33j8c4n-8WdaCzrMX7_0Fr2T1o8b4Q/viewform?usp=send_form (approximately five minutes).

26/08/2026

The Quarterly Economic Survey Q3 for 2026 is live! Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce

Make sure your business is part of the national picture.

Share your views and strengthen the business case for change.

By sharing your experience in the Ayrshire Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) you:
👉🏻 Highlight local business challenges and successes
👉🏻 Ensure Ayrshire’s voice is heard nationally
👉🏻 Shape policy, attract investment and guide strategy

📆 Survey closes Wednesday 9th September

🎟️ Plus, by completing the survey, you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 SimpsInns voucher, kindly donated by SimpsInns - Ayrshire.

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0xLYTb0

20/08/2026

The Business Desk

Had a big year of growth, change or progress?

Entries are now open for the Scottish Growth Awards, which celebrate the businesses, teams and individuals behind some of the most impressive growth stories.

Whether you’ve scaled quickly, turned things around, expanded internationally, grown through acquisition, or simply made a real difference through the hard work of your team, there’s a category waiting for your story.

It’s a chance to celebrate how far you’ve come, get your achievements noticed and put your business in front of the nation's business community.

And the best part? Entry is free and straightforward.

Don’t miss out. Find your category, share your story and put yourself in the running.

Take a look here:

19/08/2026

The Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF) is an Ayrshire Growth Deal project aiming to address skills gaps across the region. The fund will support skills development for priority groups to deliver regional, inclusive, economic growth, providing an opportunity to increase business productivity and develop skills to meet current and future requirements.

Please find link below to find out more information about ASIF.

🚀 Looking to invest in your workforce and future-proof your business? 🚀

The Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF) is offering employers the opportunity to apply for up to £1,800 worth of training to upskill an employee across a wide range of sectors 🎓💼

Whether you're looking to address skills gaps, increase productivity, develop your team's capabilities, or prepare for future business needs, ASIF can help you unlock the potential of your workforce. 🌟📈

As part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, the fund supports skills development that contributes to inclusive economic growth across the region, helping businesses and individuals gain the skills needed to succeed now and in the future. 🤝🌍

Don't miss this opportunity to develop your team and strengthen your business. Find out more and apply today: https://www.ayrshiregrowthdeal.co.uk/skillsfund/

05/08/2026

Ayrshire Independent Living Network - AILN are looking for joiners, painters, electricians, hairdressers, beauticians, podiatric, hoarder cleaners, personal care, social support and cleaners.

If you are interested in exploring becoming a micro enterprise, please contact Kirsti at AILN on 07951795337 or [email protected].

27/07/2026

https://www.enterprisenation.com/poweringlocalbusinesses/grant/

UK small businesses can apply for grants of £5,000 through the Powering Local Businesses Campaign to invest in sustainability improvements that reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions and improve business efficiency.

The funding can be used for a range of measures, including upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, installing renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or battery storage, replacing heating systems, fitting heat pumps and improving insulation. Businesses can also purchase energy-efficient appliances and use the funding towards electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure or the deposit on an electric vehicle or EV fleet.

In addition to the grants, five businesses will receive a workplace EV charger supplied and installed by Pod. Applicants may apply for the grant, the charger or both. Businesses receiving a charger must subscribe to the associated site management service.

The programme is open to UK-based small businesses with fewer than 50 employees that have been trading for at least 12 months and operate from premises they own or rent. Applicants must be registered with Companies House or be self-employed with a Unique Taxpayer Reference and have a UK business bank account.

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026 (24:00).

Apply for a £5,000 sustainability grant or free workplace electric vehicle (EV) charger to help your small business cut carbon and save money.

27/07/2026

📢 Your network starts with Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce!
Discover your local Chamber this August

Ayrshire Chamber are holding an informal information session on Friday 21st August, between 9.30am and 11am.

If you are not yet a member of Ayrshire Chamber, this a great way to see how the Chamber works, meet the team, and find out why Chamber membership is a great addition to your business.

🌍 Ayrshire Chamber’s office, within Prestwick Airport

To book your free space, please reach out to Ayrshire Chamber's friendly team via [email protected] or call 01292 678666

We encourage any local business that is looking to grow, and build their business network, to attend.