Business Gateway East Lothian

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

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

06/10/2026

The first Women in Business Growth Programme brought together seven ambitious female business owners, who each stepped away from the day-to-day to focus on the bigger picture.

Delivered by business growth specialist Michelle Brown PR in collaboration with Business Gateway East Lothian, the programme looked at growth planning, market positioning, pricing, marketing and new opportunities for sustainable growth. It also created a supportive network where participants could share experiences, challenges and ideas.

Each business owner came away with a tailored growth plan and greater clarity about where they want to go next.

Read the full story and meet the businesses involved 👉 https://investeastlothian.com/women-in-business-growth.../

Getoutoutdoorlearning Studio Creates The Cheese Lady Fower Adv Skin Therapy Rosemary Wild Fabrics thebonnieweebothy

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.

30/09/2026

Talking Heads time - our first revisited video. Irene and Steve went to visit Forge and Equip to see how the last couple of years have been going. Nice to see them doing well and upskilling more and more people 🤩

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

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

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



💙🩷

25/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Debbie and the team at Dunbar Private Nursery on being approved as a funded hours provider with East Lothian Council 🤩👏

East Lothian Works East Lothian Council Invest East Lothian
👇

🎉 THE NEWS WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! 🎉

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Dunbar Outdoor Learning is officially onboarded with East Lothian Council to provide funded childcare hours! 💛🌿

This is such a huge moment for us. The work, commitment and passion that our incredible team have put into getting us here has been phenomenal, and receiving this news today has made us VERY happy… as you can probably tell from the photo! 😂🙌

Most importantly, it means that families can now choose Dunbar Outdoor Learning for their funded hours and experience everything that makes our outdoor nursery so special. 🌳☀️

And even more exciting… we currently have spaces available for 3–5 year olds!

If you’d like to enrol your child and use your funded hours with us, please get in touch and contacts NAMs at:

[email protected]

We’d absolutely love to welcome some new little adventurers to our outdoor family. 💛

WE DID IT! 🌿🎉

Be curious. Have fun. Make a difference. ☀️

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



💙🩷

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

Irene enjoyed chatting business with Debbie Focus Together - hearing all about her new start up... 🤩

Invest East Lothian Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Business Gateway

16/09/2026

It was a pleasure to chat to Debbie McGregor Focus Together last week - watch Irene and Debbie discuss her new Start-Up.... 🤩🤩

Invest East LothianMidlothian & East Lothian Chamber of CommerceBusiness Gateway

14/09/2026

📢 Final few days to register!

Our FREE Talking to AI workshop takes place this Thursday in Haddington.

Join us to explore practical AI tools, learn smarter prompting techniques and discover how AI can support your business goals.

📅 Thursday 17 September
⏰ 1.30pm - 3.30pm
📍 John Muir House, Haddington

There's still time to secure your place:

🔗 https://ow.ly/nIVX50Zypaf

12/09/2026

⏳ Don't miss your chance to join our FREE Talking to AI workshop next week.

Learn how to: ✔ Get better results from AI tools ✔ Create effective prompts ✔ Save time on everyday business tasks ✔ Apply AI in practical ways within your business

If you're looking to boost productivity and make AI work for you, this workshop is a great place to start.

📅 Thursday 17 September
⏰ 1.30pm - 3.30pm
📍 John Muir House, Haddington

Book now before places fill up:

🔗 https://ow.ly/fpH650Zyp9K

Invest East Lothian

08/09/2026

🚀 Think AI is only for tech experts?

Think again.

Our Talking to AI workshop is aimed at business owners and entrepreneurs who want to understand how AI can support their business, regardless of their experience level.

If you've ever wondered: ❓ Where do I start with AI? ❓ How can AI help save time? ❓ What prompts actually work?

This session will answer those questions and more through practical examples and hands-on learning.

📅 Thursday 17 September
⏰ 1.30pm - 3.30pm
📍 John Muir House, Haddington

Secure your free place:

🔗 https://ow.ly/2Kh950Zyp4C

03/09/2026

01/09/2026

💡 AI is everywhere right now, but how can it actually help your business?

Our FREE Talking to AI workshop cuts through the hype and focuses on practical ways to use AI to save time, improve productivity and make day-to-day tasks easier.

You'll leave with: ✔ Practical prompts you can use immediately ✔ Time-saving shortcuts ✔ Real business examples ✔ A better understanding of AI's strengths and limitations

Whether you're completely new to AI or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, this session will help you get more from them.

📅 Thursday 17 September
⏰ 1.30pm - 3.30pm
📍 John Muir House, Haddington

Register now:

🔗 https://ow.ly/n04X50ZyoWk

Invest East Lothian