View the latest updates and improvements to Find Business Support.
Find out what's new
We regularly add new services and events to our website and make changes to improve how it works. You can read a list of these additions and improvements here, organised by year and date.
Find Business Support website moves from BETA to live
Release date: 1 June 2023
Release type: site improvement
Find Business Support was launched as a BETA website in December 2019. BETA banners are displayed on websites to inform customers that it's a new site and improvements are being made. Find Business Support will continue to review and improve the website as required.
We've updated the layout of the 'About us' page and removed out-of-date information.
Update to e-newsletter sign-up
Release date: 5 January 2023
Release type: new e-newsletter sign-up
We've moved to a new newsletter platform. Our subscribers have been informed and the new sign-up form has been added to the appropriate sections of the site.
Women's Enterprise Scotland creates a voice for women-owned businesses in Scotland and promotes policy and best practice that enable women to successfully start and grow their own businesses.
New 'related items' feature
Release date: 28 September 2022
Release type: new functionality
We've added a 'related items' function to all service descriptions. This will signpost to up to 3 services that might be of interest to you based on your original search.
Update to 'Cost of doing business' landing page
Release date: 22 September 2022
Release type: new content
The 'Cost of doing business' landing page has been updated with accordions that signpost to all relevant resources and support currently available on Find Business Support.
By categorising the available support, the accordions make it easier to find the information you are looking for.
'Coronavirus' and 'Net zero' landing pages unpublished
Release date: 14 September 2022
Release type: landing pages unpublished
The 'Coronavirus' and 'Net zero' landing pages have been unpublished. The information, advice and support services that were listed on these pages are still available on Find Business Support.
'Cost of doing business page' added
Release date: 26 August 2022
Release type: new landing page
We've created a landing page that lists information on reducing the cost of running your business, including useful resources and advice.
We've created a landing page that lists information on food security and supply chain issues for businesses in Scotland, including useful resources and guidance, services and events.
New partners added
Release date: 30 June 2022
Release type: new partners, new services
This week we have published services from 2 new partners:
The weekly e-newsletter has been updated to reflect the new Find Business Support branding. The database has also been cleared to remove any obsolete email addresses. To comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), users have also been asked to re-subscribe.
A logo has been designed for the Find Business Support website. The logo represents the website's purpose in directing businesses in Scotland to available public sector support.
In line with the logo colour, a new colour palette has been applied across the desktop and mobile sites.
An updated favicon has been released to reflect the new website logo.
Invest Fife is dedicated to creating good working relationships with key business investors, whether they're a new business or an established company in Fife.
New homepage image
Release date: 15 March 2021
Release type: new homepage image
We've changed the image on the homepage to an image from a joint partner marketing campaign that directs to the Find Business Support website.
New partners added
Release date: 11 March 2022
Release type: new partners, new services
This week we've published services from 2 new partners:
The Department for International Trade secures UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment and championing free trade.
'Russia sanctions' page added
Release date: 8 March 2022
Release type: new landing page
We've created a landing page that lists information on the Russia sanctions for businesses in Scotland, including useful resources and guidance, services and events.
IBioIC is a networking and support organisation that connects industry, academia and government to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market.
Updates to 'Coronavirus' landing page
Release date: 28 January 2022
Release type: new content
The 'Coronavirus' landing page has been updated to include an accordion that signposts to sources of funding for various industries and sectors affected by the Omicron COVID restrictions in December 2021 and January 2022.
This top-level summary of COVID funding was previously featured on a service description page, but has been moved here as a more convenient and appropriate location.
RGU support industry, government, non-profits and the wider community of learners directly in applying creativity, ideation, innovation, research, design thinking and entrepreneurship to impact society and business.
MSIP is a joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise, created to generate economic growth in Scotland and support a fair and just transition to a net zero economy.
Layout of homepage changed
Release date: 6 December 2021
Release type: new layout
We have removed the 'Contact us' page from the top navigation and added the 'About us' page. This will make it easier to access information about the website and its partners. The 'Contact us' page is still accessible through the homepage footer.
The 'Sign-up for email updates' banner now sits above the 'Coronavirus advice' banner on the homepage.
New homepage image
Release date: 29 November 2021
Release type: new homepage image
We've changed the homepage image to one of a windfarm in Scotland. This reflects Scotland's net zero ambitions.
New search filters added
Release date: 29 November 2021
Release type: new search filters
We've made improvements to the site's search functionality. We've added new topic filters and updated the list of sectors.
We've also added a location filter. These improvements will allow customers to get a more focused list of support options when using the search.
The SCQF is Scotland’s national qualifications framework. It provides a way to recognise, describe and compare the difficulty and time taken to complete a whole range of qualifications and learning programmes, including mainstream qualifications, vocational and skills-based qualifications, and learning programmes developed and delivered in the workplace or community.
'Net zero' page added
Release date: 20 October 2021
Release type: new landing page
We have created a landing page that lists information on net zero business support, including the latest updates, services and events.
New partner added
Release date: 2 September 2021
Release type: new partner, new service
CyberScotlandopens in a new window has been added to the site with one new service. CyberScotland is a partnership website which offers a variety of cyber security and resilience resources for businesses, organisations and individuals in Scotland.
New partners added
Release date: 21 July 2021
Release type: new partners, new services
This week, we've published services from 5 new partners:
We've published services from our new partner GrowBizopens in a new window, which supports micro-businesses, enterprises and the self-employed in rural Scotland.
Updates to 'About us' page
Release date: 11 May 2021
Release type: new content
The content on the 'About us' page has been updated to reflect the new key messages around Find Business Support. It now better explains the website's purpose, operation and how it helps businesses in Scotland.
Brexit support page added
Release date: 17 March 2021
Release type: new page
We added a page with links to useful resources and support to help businesses operate after Brexit.
This will help businesses find the information previously located on the Prepare for Brexit website, which has now been retired.
New partner added
Release date: 5 February 2021
Release type: new partner, new service
We've published details of one new service from CENSISopens in a new window, Scotland's innovation centre for sensing, imaging and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
The Scottish Growth Schemeopens in a new window is a package of financial support of up to £500 million for Scottish businesses. It's backed by the Scottish Government and aims to help businesses grow.
This funding will be provided through a series of initiatives which businesses can access for investment.
Redesigned homepage and new filters
Release date: 8 December 2020
Release type: new design and functionality
We've redesigned the homepage so you can start your search or filter by the most important topics right there.
We've also moved the coronavirus and Brexit filters to a new 'Topics' section. This should make the way they interact with other filters more intuitive. We'll expand the range of topics available over time.
Scottish Development International is Scotland’s trade and foreign direct investment agency. Their aim is to encourage and support more overseas businesses to set up a location in Scotland, invest in Scottish businesses or buy high quality Scottish products and services.
The Supplier Development Programme offers expert training, support and information on all aspects of tendering to help local companies win work and grow their business.
The Data Labopens in a new window has also been added to the site The Data Lab's mission is to help Scotland maximise value from data and lead the world to a data powered future.
Elevatoropens in a new window has now joined the site. Elevator help ambitious entrepreneurs accelerate their businesses through their delivery of Business Gateway services and a range of highly effective accelerator programmes.
Improvements and bug fixes
Release date: 3 August 2020
Release type: improvements and bug fixes
We've fixed a bug that meant some Business Gateway event pages showed a 'page not found' error. We have also resolved an issue with event dates.
Our research told us that some users were confused by the date filters for events, so we've made some changes that should improve things.
Two new partners added
Release date: 31 July 2020
Release type: new partners, new services
Zero Waste Scotland (7 services) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (2 services) have been added to the site.
Zero Waste Scotlandopens in a new window is a not-for-profit environmental organisation that encourages Scotland to use products and resources responsibly, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change.
Using evidence and insight, their goal is to inform policy and motivate individuals and businesses to embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.
As the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, they aim to protect the health of workers by preventing ill health in the workplace and by promoting the science and practice of occupational hygiene.
Industry filter
Release date: 14 July 2020
Release type: new filter
We've added a new type of filter for industries/sectors. This will help you quickly and easily find any services that are aimed at a particular sector.
We have also released some small updates to the services and events listings.
Search improvements
Release date: 6 July 2020
Release type: improved functionality
The service enquiry forms were using the wrong introductory content – we have now fixed this.
We added a predictive text (autocomplete) feature to the search function.
We've also deployed keyword search improvements for events to provide a consistent experience.
Finally, we made a small change to how the page title is updated when applying date filters for events. This should make it easier to access for people who use a screenreader.
New partners added
Release date: 6 July 2020
Release type: new partners, new services
Services from Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland have been added to the site.
Creative Scotlandopens in a new window is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across Scotland. They enable people and organisations to work in and experience these industries by helping others develop great ideas and bring them to life.
Screen Scotlandopens in a new window is the dedicated partnership for the screen industry in Scotland. It drives the cultural, social and economic development of all aspects of the sector through enhanced funding, services and support.
Improvements to search and enquiries
Release date: 27 May 2020
Release type: new functionality, new partners
We've updated our search function so it's a bit more forgiving if what you tap or type wasn't exactly what you intended. If you're looking for events, picking dates should be easier too.
We also fixed a problem with our address lookup. So, if the information we get back from it is incomplete, we might ask you to add a little more detail.
Some other improvements include:
improved email and telephone number validation
titles and headings that update when you search or filter services, to help people who use screenreaders
a new picture on the homepage
We've also added a load of new partners, and additional services will be published soon. We've also made a few improvements under the hood to make things slicker and more secure.
Maps removed and new features
Release date: 23 April 2020
Release type: new functionality
We've removed the map view of events. It didn't seem particularly useful right now. We'll bring it back in happier days.
There are still plenty of business events happening for Scottish businesses. For the time being, they'll come to you. Don't go to them.
We've also introduced a few new features:
If an event is fully booked but has a waitlist, we'll let you know. You can put your name down too.
On our home page, bullet points are visible.
We've updated a ton of stuff on our coronavirus advice pages. We'll be looking into bringing this content into our services soon.
We've also fixed some things under the hood that should make our services easier for you to find from your favourite search engine.
Default sort order changed
Release date: 23 March 2020
Release type: changed functionality
We've changed the default sort order when services are first loaded to newest first. This means the coronavirus advice service is the first one listed.
New partner added
Release date: 20 March
Release type: new partner
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)opens in a new window services have now been added to the site. They often share services with Scottish Enterprise, so you might see a page that has both logos on it. This means the service will be offered by Scottish Enterprise if you live in the central belt. If you live in the south of Scotland, this service will be offered by SOSE.
New coronavirus category
Release date: 19 March 2020
Release type: new functionality
We have added a new 'Support type' category for coronavirus, and will be adding more services to it in the coming days and weeks.
Other improvements include:
Colour-coding on map pins confused some people, so they are all now the same colour.
Where multiple events are being held at the same venue, this is now more obvious and it's easier to find them.
We've made improvements to our address lookup.
We've added the ability to reset the events map.
When filtering events in the list view, it is more obvious that your results are updating.
We've improved the way we inform screenreader users which organisation provides a service. We also improved the accessibility of the map for these users.
We've improved the skiplink functionality for keyboard users.
'Coronavirus advice' page added
Release date: 18 March 2020
Release type: new page
We've created a page that gives you the latest information on business support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Keep checking back – we'll update it regularly with the latest announcements and advice.
Events now available on a map
Release date: 18 February 2020
Release type: new functionality
As of today, you can view events on a map.
Right now, this includes all events run by Business Gateway, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Scottish Enterprise. We plan to include more organisations as time goes on.
Following usability testing with people with a range of accessibility needs, we have released a number of improvements to enhance their experience on this website, including:
removing overly verbose text from navigation links
improving how alternative text is provided on service descriptions
improving the way we present link text to screenreaders
changing button styles to use sentence case
improved site behaviour when you go back to your search results
changing the tab labelled 'All support' to 'Services', so it's less likely to confuse customers
New services to help tourism businesses increase their reach
Release date: 13 November 2019
Release type: new services
We've published details of 3 services provided by VisitScotland.
They promote the wealth of incredible features our country has to offer. They aim to help Scotland by growing its tourism industry and giving it a renowned presence in the global marketplace.
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