The East Renfrewshire Launch programme provides support to new businesses in East Renfrewshire over an 18-month period to help ensure their long-term sustainability.

The programme consists of: 

• a business academy course that covers key topics for setting up a new business
• access to a £500 start-up growth grant
• 18 months of one-to-one business mentoring and support

Course content includes:

• business planning – the essentials of business plan development, including market research, competitive analysis, financial projections, and marketing strategies
• financial management – how to create and manage budgets, understand cash flow, and access funding sources like grants, loans, and crowdfunding
• marketing and branding – how to create your new brand, build effective marketing campaigns, and use digital marketing tools and social media
• sales and customer relations – strategies for lead generation, sales techniques, and how to maintain strong customer relationships
• innovation and technology integration – innovation in business, the adoption of technology, and how to stay competitive in a digital age
• sustainability and social responsibility – sustainable business practices and social responsibility

Yes, if your business is less than 6 months old and is based in East Renfrewshire, or if you're planning to start a business here. 

To be eligible for the £500 grant, you need to participate in the other elements of the Launch programme too. Read more about the Launch Programme New Start Business Grant.

The programme is free to join.

Anyone who would like to work towards setting up their own business in East Renfrewshire or has a business in East Renfrewshire that's less than 6 months old.

The business academy course is held over 3 days.

You'll then need to attend regular mentoring and follow-up sessions, each lasting one hour, for up to 18 months.

Visit the Business Gateway East Renfrewshire website for more information.