GrowBiz




Entrepreneurship

Free community-based enterprise support service providing a network of personal and business support for new enterprises in rural Perthshire. The service is personal, local and flexible. It works on a network of volunteers. Initially it was based on a volunteer board of up to 10 people from the community and a local enterprise coordinator who provides the first contact to help individuals in one-on-one meetings to identify what they need to get started with their business. The service developed peer-support meetings helping individuals meet others who are setting up or running their own businesses in a friendly informal session. The model expanded to include a wider network of volunteers called 'GrowBiz Xchange', a group from a range of professional backgrounds wishing to share their skills and help others achieve their goals.



Networking, Assistance & Advice, Volunteering, Mentoring, Support groups
Volunteers, Minority Communities Hub project, local entrepreneurs, Perth & Kinross Council, Scottish Enterprise, Perth and Kinross LEADER Programme, Women Enterprise Scotland

• It works with 10 clients, either establishing new businesses or growing existing ones, including outdoor activities, cleaning, interpreting, crafts, a biodynamic garden and photography. • It has helped over 500 individuals, small companies and social enterprises, creating more than 100 new businesses and over 200 jobs in the Eastern and Highland areas of Perthshire. Outcomes: • Boosting self-confidence and business planning skills, and increasing collaboration and volunteering initiatives within the community







* Information at the level of NUTS 3 or local regions.