Business Gateway

12/06/2026

For Eshan and Suzy of OakHill Cafe & Deli, developing their digital skills has helped them grow their online presence and connect with customers in a meaningful way.

Looking to build your digital confidence and grow your business online? Find out more about the free digital skills support we offer ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/about-us/digital-skills

11/06/2026

The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, delivered by The King's Trust in partnership with Dechomai Ltd, is a new programme designed to support young people aged 18–30 in Scotland to turn business ideas into reality.

Participants can access a package of support, including:

🔴 £500 ‘Test Your Business’ grant to trial an idea

🔴 Opportunity to apply for a £5,000 start-up grant

🔴 Ongoing mentoring and business guidance

🔴A chance to win a £30,000 top award to develop the business full-time for a year

⏰ The closing date is the 24th June.

Find more information and details of how to apply here ⬇️

The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge is here to help young people aged 18 – 30 in Scotland turn ambition into action.

10/06/2026

Applications are open for the Women's Enterprise Scotland Awards 2026! 🌟

Do you know a woman-led business making an impact in Scotland? Or are you leading one yourself?

The WES Awards celebrate the innovation, ambition, leadership and success of women-led businesses across the country. With nine award categories covering everything from start-ups and innovation to digital transformation, rural enterprise and purpose-led business, there's an opportunity to showcase the incredible work being done by women entrepreneurs throughout Scotland.

⏰ The closing date for entries is midnight, Monday 15 June 2026.

Find out more & apply ➡️

Celebrate your business success with an award in 2026. Be part of the celebration of women's business success, inspire others and raise awareness of your achievements.

09/06/2026

The Youth Arts Open Fund is now open for applications!

Artists, youth organisations and community groups across Scotland are invited to apply to the fund, which supports youth-led arts projects for children and young people who face barriers to accessing creative opportunities.

ℹ️ Freelance artists can apply for up to £10k, and organisations can apply for up to £20k.

📆 Deadline 21 July

🔗 Find out more at the link in the comments

🤝 Administered by YouthLink Scotland, funded by The Scottish Government through Creative Scotland

09/06/2026

🌱 From Pathways to Progress

A lovely morning spent catching up with some of our Pathways clients and continuing to support them on their business journey ✨

Selkirk to meet with a lovely client, ready to launch 🚀 her tutoring business.

Followed by a visit to a local shop The Fabric Hub - Selkirk (spot the Common Riding Flags) that opened its doors earlier this year. It was great to hear how things are progressing and to discuss the fantastic community-focused workshops and activities they are delivering.

It’s always a pleasure to see businesses taking shape, growing in confidence, and making a positive impact in their communities ⭐️🙌

08/06/2026

⭐️We still have the last few remaining spaces available at our Peebles Drop In
👉 Book your slot via the link in the comments ⬇️

☕️ Drop into The Drill Hall - Peebles for an informal chat with one of our Advisors or Business Coaches, and hear about the FREE support available from Business Gateway Borders

📍 The Drill Hall Community Hub, Peebles
🗓️ Thursday 11th June
⏰ 10am – 2pm

04/06/2026

⭐️ F E E D B A C K ~ F R I D A Y ⭐️

This week’s feedback comes from a lovely client Caitlin recently met during one of our drop-in sessions.

Our fabulous Caitlin 🌟 is often the first point of contact at Business Gateway, and it’s great to see the impact those initial conversations can have for people starting or growing their business 💡 ⭐️

Our next drop-in session will be in PEEBLES on 11th June ✨

If you have a business idea 💡 or have already started, come along and meet with our advisors and coaches for a chat.

Well done Caitlin 👏

04/06/2026

⭐️ Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? Whether you’re pre‑start or in the early stages of trading, we’re here to help you grow
⭐️Have you taken part in the South of Scotland Enterprise Pathways Programme and ready for your next step?

☕️ Drop into The Drill Hall - Peebles for an informal chat with one of our Advisors or Business Coaches, and hear about the FREE support available from Business Gateway Borders

📍 The Drill Hall Community Hub, Peebles
🗓️ Thursday 11th June
⏰ 10am – 2pm
👉 Book your slot via the link in the comments ⬇️

03/06/2026

⭐️ Cake, tea, bread, bagel and lemon cheesecake - delicious 😋

A lovely morning spent with a wonderful client Lovely by Pandyk in Galashiels.

It’s been a crazy first 6 months - look forward to supporting you moving forward ⭐️

If you’ve not been yet - pop in a see Yullia her food is 👌

02/06/2026

The perfect setting 🌳 and the most wonderful creative clients - A perfect morning for Coach and Advisor Support 💡

02/06/2026

We're here to help business owners build confidence online.

Access free one-to-one advice, practical guides and webinars to improve your digital skills.

Visit: bgateway.com/about-us/digitalskills

01/06/2026

Wanted to share a wonderful clients pitch from the Galashiels Soup event. Fantastic Gilly 👏⭐️ very talented.

28/05/2026

⭐️ Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? Whether you’re pre‑start or in the early stages of trading, we’re here to help you grow

⭐️Have you taken part in the South of Scotland Enterprise Pathways Programme and ready for your next step?

☕️ Drop into The Drill Hall - Peebles for an informal chat with one of our Advisors or Business Coaches, and hear about the FREE support available from Business Gateway Borders

📍 The Drill Hall Community Hub, Peebles
🗓️ Thursday 11th June
⏰ 10am – 2pm

👉 Book your slot via the link in the comments ⬇️

27/05/2026

AI search is changing the game for small businesses 🚀

If your business isn’t showing up in ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews, you could be missing out on valuable customers.

This practical guide, written by Gary Ennis of NSDesign, breaks down:

✅ How AI search works

✅ How to earn mentions and citations in ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews

✅ What small businesses should do right now to stay visible online

Read here ➡️ bgateway.com/resources/marketing-and-sales/ai-search-optimisation-a-practical-guide-for-small-business-owners

26/05/2026

Mairi, founder of Slàinte Sauces, tapped into new sales opportunities by growing her digital skills.

We’re here to help you do the same with free one-to-one advice, webinars and practical guides.

Explore our resources ➡️ bgateway.com/about-us/digital-skills

25/05/2026

22/05/2026

Want to build your digital skills?

Access free one-to-one advice, webinars and practical guides to grow your business online.

Explore our resources ➡️ bgateway.com/about-us/digital-skills

20/05/2026

Huge well done to local business Fine Feathers 🌟👏 well deserved.

18/05/2026

Karen-Ann, founder of Highland School of Jewellery, used social media to reach new customers.

We offer free one-to-one advice, webinars and practical guides to help you grow your business online.

Explore our resources ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/about-us/digital-skills

15/05/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the importance of taking action for better mental wellbeing in business 💚

Running a business, leading others, and carrying responsibility can be challenging. That’s why we’re inviting business owners and leaders to join an upcoming panel webinar focused on supporting mental wellbeing in business and beyond.

“Small changes, big impact: Supporting mental wellbeing in your business” will bring together expert insights, practical advice, and honest conversations around the realities of mental health in business.

We’ll explore:

🟢 The most common mental health pressures facing business owners and those around them

🔵 How responsibility and decision-making can affect wellbeing

🟢 Why boundaries matter — and how to maintain them

🔵 Everyday habits that can support mental health

🟢 Creating open, stigma-free conversations about mental health in small teams or partnerships

⏰ Thursday 28th May, 12pm - 1pm

Grab your free place here ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/events/small-changes-big-impact-supporting-mental-wellbeing-in-your-business-31675