Shetland Islands Council’s Economic Development Service is running a series of drop-in events from next week, to raise awareness of the support available to local businesses and community enterprises.
Officers will be on hand to explain the services on offer to new and existing organisations through the Council and Business Gateway, and how this can help people establish, sustain and grow their business.
The Council’s Economic Development Service has a range of tools and mechanisms to help guide and finance business, voluntary and community developments. This includes free advisory and information services through Business Gateway, alongside referrals and signposting to partner agencies. The service can also help get businesses funder ready for a range of grants, loans or other finance, be this through direct assistance from the council or other sources.
This is the fourth series of drop-in events since 2024, with previous visits to all rural community council areas and most of the islands with small populations, including Skerries, Fetlar, Foula and Papa Stour. Events have also previously taken place Scalloway as well as evening drop-in sessions in Lerwick.
Tommy Coutts, Executive Manager – Economic Development, said: “Delivering these events throughout Shetland has given us a greater understanding of the range of activities undertaken in the isles by local businesses, voluntary and community groups, and allowed local residents to find out more about our support services. The events have generated a wide range of requests for support from pre-start to established businesses, and feedback has been really positive. We look forward to finding out about more local projects and exploring ways we can offer support.”
Drop-in events will take place as follows, all from 11am - 4pm, except where marked:
- Monday 15 June: Burravoe Hall, Yell
- Tuesday 16 June: Baltasound Hall, Unst
- Wednesday 17 June: North Nesting Hall
- Thursday 18 June: Bigton Hall
- Tuesday 23 June: Ollaberry Hall
- Wednesday 24 June: Solarhus, 3 North Ness, Lerwick (6pm - 8pm)
- Thursday 25 June: Eid Hall
- Thursday 25 June: Solarhus, 3 North Ness, Lerwick (6pm - 8pm)
The service is also planning an event in Fair Isle later in the year.
More information on business advice and support can be found on the Council’s website at: www.shetland.gov.uk/business-advice-support.
You can also contact Economic Development at any time to discuss your business ideas, on 01595 744940 or economicdevelopment@shetland.gov.uk.