Enterprise

A new podcast dedicated to rural Scotland and it's various industries has launched today, Monday 13 January.

The OnFARM – Food, Agriculture and Rural Matters podcast has been launched by Scene & Herd PR and Marketing and is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and a new dedicated website.

Scene & Herd PR and Marketing are working with industry experts, successful business owners and key organisations to increase public and inter-industry awareness of Scottish rural enterprise and its stories.

Board members are being sought for the new enterprise agency, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

The vision for the agency is that it will take a fresh approach to economic development tailored to the distinct opportunities and challenges in the south of Scotland. SOSE will advance inclusive economic growth, increase competitiveness, and tackle inequality within the south of Scotland.

Rural businesses from across the country have been announced as finalists for the Scottish Rural Awards 2020.

The Scottish Rural Awards celebrate the enterprise, innovation and community spirit of those who live and work in Scotland’s countryside. Shortlists have been announced for 12 award categories including a new award for Best Countryside Digital Innovator.

A rural Perthshire-based enterprise support organisation has welcomed its 1000th client since October 2016.

GrowBiz's team of experienced facilitators have advised and supported people of all ages, from all walks of life and at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey. 

Next month, local tourism businesses around Loch Awe, and those interested in starting a business, can share ideas on new ways to promote the area at meetings run by the Argyll Isles Tourism Cooperative.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are supporting the Argyll Isles Tourism Cooperative (AITC) to review sustainable, nature-based tourism businesses around Loch Awe, encouraging exciting new enterprises, and marketing that encourages more people to explore the outstanding natural beauty of Loch Awe.

The third round of the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) is now open for applications.

Tourists sites in rural Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a share of £3 million funding. RTIF aims to help tourist attractions and their communities deal with the impact of increased visitor numbers on local infrastructure by helping with improvements like parking areas, visitor facilities and recycling points.

Stirlingshire businesses, from butchers and bakers to local food makers, are invited to share their ideas for a new local food network.

Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER and Stirling Council want to hear from local food businesses across the Stirling region that are interested in working together to promote local food.

Places are still available on some upcoming public information sessions being held by the Scottish Government's Transient Visitor Levy Bill.

The Scottish Government is consulting on the principles of a locally determined visitor levy (tourist tax). They're holding events in different parts of the country to provide an opportunity for everyone who has an interest to discuss and inform us on what a Scottish Visitor Levy might look like. ​

The line-up of speakers for the first-ever Scottish Highlands and Islands Rural Economy Conference -- the SHIREs Conference -- has been announced.