How to start a business: The basics
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Whatever your reasons may be for considering being your own boss, we are here to support you and help you decide if this is the right path for you.
We will cover:

Personal finance
Planning – how much do you need to earn?
Researching your market – who your customers are, understanding your competition and what the trends are within your chosen field
Business structure – what are the core business structures? How to decide which is right for you and how to register as a business
Creating your start-up action plan – an outline
Marketing
Pricing
Naming the business
Basic bookkeeping
Forecasting
Financing, banking, insurance, and VAT
Tax

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2025-10-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-22 10:00 - 12:00
New and established businesses will require a business plan for getting a loan, grant or just to consider the direction they wish to go in. This webinar will teach you what you need to include and how. We will walk you through what should be included within a business plan, how a business plan is used to improve your prospects for a loan or a grant, and how you can develop a business plan to meet your needs.
We will:

Provide a structure for a business plan
Review each section of what should be included within the business plan
Explain when and how to use a business plan
Explore the connections (and importance) between the words and the numbers
Look at how to identify and manage cashflow within the business planning process

Business For Good
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:30
This 90-minute interactive online session is your chance to explore how Inclusive Democratic Business Models are shaping the future of the Scottish economy — and how you can be part of it.
This session will be led by GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitator Jenny Lyall who heads up the Social Enterprise Network in Kinross. Jenny will also be joined by other GrowBiz team members across the country who all have a passion for this type of business model. Do please come along and meet the team where you will be made most welcome.
During the our time together you’ll:

Learn from experts about practical ways to put people and planet at the heart of your business.
Hear inspiring stories from Scottish social entrepreneurs who are already making it work.
Join the conversation in small facilitated breakout rooms — connect with peers, share experiences, and spark new ideas.
Discover opportunities to grow your rural business with purpose and resilience.

You’ll leave with fresh inspiration, actionable insights, and new connections that can help you build or grow a business that truly matters — to you, your community, and Scotland’s future.
Reserve your place now and be part of shaping a more purposeful business landscape in Scotland.

Accounting and tax advice for small businesses | Lunch and Learn
2025-12-01 12:00 - 12:30
Starting or running a business can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding your finances, taxes and compliance responsibilities.
In this practical webinar led by Reda Vaisvidiene, you’ll learn how to build a strong financial foundation for your business and avoid some of the most common mistakes new entrepreneurs make.
Topics covered in this session:

Why record-keeping is so important
Types of taxes – income, corporation, VAT, PAYE
Profit ≠ cash

How to find the right funding for your start-up | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-14 12:00 - 12:30
Funding your business can feel like a maze. With so many options available, how do you know which route to take?
In this session, funding specialist Rachel Hayward will demystify the funding landscape for start-ups and small businesses.
You’ll learn the difference between grants and loans, where to find them and how to position your business for success when applying.
Topics covered in this session:

Knowing your options: The key funding routes available to small businesses, including grants and loans
Finding the right fit: How to assess which type of funding best supports your business stage, size and ambitions
Getting application-ready: What funders are looking for and how to prepare a strong, credible application that stands out
