Business Gateway

Business Gateway Moray is your portal to expert local business advice and practical guidance. Whichever sector your business is in, or whatever stage it is at, our one-to-one support, specialist advice, business skills workshops and events are here to help.

We provide free and impartial advice and support to businesses looking to start up or grow in the Moray area. Our office in Elgin offers one-to-one advice from professional business advisers, helping you to take the next steps in business development and signpost you to other useful organisations and services. Visit the Business Gateway Moray website for information on business start-ups and growth and workshops on local business skills and digital technology.

Visit Business Gateway Moray

Pop into our office or call 01343 563634 to book an appointment.

Ignite Your Future Programme

The Ignite Your Future programme, fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund offers targeted support to young entrepreneurs, aged between 16-30, who have recently started or have an idea for a business over a series of four workshops.

WHEN & WHERE?

The programme will run in September 2025 on the following dates:

Tuesday 2nd
Wednesday 3rd
Tuesday 9th
Wednesday 10th

Starting at 9am and finishing at 4pm each day, based in Elgin.

ELIGIBILITY

You are eligible to apply for the Ignite Your Future Programme if you:

Have an idea for a business, product or service and are ready to take the next step to make it a reality or have a business in the start-up stage.
Are aged between 16-30
Are resident in Moray
Commit to attend all 4 workshops

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

Over a series of 4 informal workshops experienced mentors will cover topics including:

Introduction to entrepreneurship
Finding your target audience
Market research
Digital marketing
Brand identity
Business planning
Developing a product or service
Communication

Also incorporated into the programme are visits to local businesses to learn about their entrepreneurial journey.

APPLY

To be considered for a free place please contact Lorna Williamson at business.gateway@moray.gov.uk giving a short description of your business idea and to request an application form.

Places are limited and the deadline for applications is Tuesday 19th August.

Moray Business Growth Programme

The Moray Business Growth Programme is FULLY FUNDED and open to Moray based micro and small businesses who have the ambition to grow.

If you are ready to grow your business and don’t know where to start then this programme is for you. Over 6 weeks, you will receive advice and support from our expert mentors who have years of experience in supporting local businesses in Moray and understand the specific challenges faced in the current climate.

Delivered through a series of half-day in-person sessions to allow you to dedicate time to focus on the growth of your business.

Overview of sessions

Monday 25th August - Introduction, Financially Managing Growth & Growth Plan
Monday 1st September - Branding
Monday 8th September - Digital Marketing
Monday 15th September - HR and Leadership
Monday 22nd September - Opportunities to Achieve Growth
Monday 29th September – Growth Business Plan final overview and Local Entrepreneur presentation

On completion of the programme, you will have developed your business growth plan and, more importantly, will have become part of a business support network with the specialists and other attendees.

Eligibility Criteria

Business is based in Moray
Less than 10 employees
Have a strong ambition to grow your business
Trading for at least six months
Be able to attend all sessions highlighted above

The programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and is FREE to attend.

Apply Now

To be considered for a free place please contact Lorna Williamson at business.gateway@moray.gov.uk or call 01343 563634 to request an application form.

Deadline for applications 18th August 2025.