Through a new government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals) whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices.

It will apply to fixed contracts agreed on or after 1st April 2022, as well as to deemed, variable and flexible tariffs and contracts. It will apply to energy usage from 1st October 2022 to 31st March 2023, running for an initial six-month period for all non-domestic energy users.

Join the Scotland Loves Local Fife Gift Card Programme

When it comes to buying a gift, it can be difficult to choose. The Fife Loves Local Gift Card works in the same way as a store gift voucher, but instead of having to shop in one place, it opens up a huge range of businesses locally.

If you would like to be part of the programme or simply want to find out how it works and how your business could benefit, click here to find out more.

Scotland’s Climate Week Starts Next Week

Scotland’s Climate Week is an annual event to raise awareness of the global climate emergency and encourages climate action across the country.

Climate Week is the perfect time to start or expand on your sustainability plans and a toolkit has been published to help you get going, with guidance on how you can start a conversation with your staff about climate change, how you can showcase your commitments and plans.

There is also information on how to run a climate change event for your employees and how you can encourage them to take action against climate change both at home and in the workplace. 

Click here to find out more.

A leading Fife chef who has worked in several high-profile establishments in the East Neuk and across Fife has joined forces with his wife to realise their aspirations of running their own street food vending business.

The business has already been shortlisted for The Courier Menu Food and Drink Awards and was a finalist in the Scottish Street Food Awards.

Click here to read the full story now

Visit Scotland Destination Net Zero Green Tourism Discounted Membership Offer

As part of the Visit Scotland Destination Net Zero Programme, to support Tourism Recovery, Visit Scotland is delighted to be able to offer a discount of up to £500 off Green Tourism membership for businesses.

This allows you to offer a point of differentiation by showing a commitment to responsible tourism practices and meet the needs of visitors, who are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability. 

Click here to find out more

Net Zero Transition Fund Offers £3,000 Grant

The Net Zero Transition Fund is a non-repayable grant of up to £3,000 for businesses in Fife. It can be used to help your business move toward operating with net zero carbon emissions. 

Priority is given to businesses in sectors such as energy, financial and business services, food and drink, manufacturing and engineering, and tourism.

Click here to find out more.

Webinar: Developing a Short-Term Cash Flow

Many people would like to start their own business but need to forecast their planned cash situation.

Using a cash flow template, the aim of the session is to provide a structured approach to developing a robust cash flow forecast to ensure you are aware of what your cash position will be at any time. 

Click here to find out more

The Scottish Growth Scheme is a package of financial support of up to £500 million for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland. Backed by the Scottish Government, it aims to help businesses grow.

This funding includes Business Loans Scotland, which is a consortium of Scottish local authorities. They provide loans ranging from £25,000 to £100,000 (and in exceptional circumstances up to £250,000) to eligible businesses on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Click here to find out more

Techstart Ventures Equity Finance

Techstart Ventures Equity Finance, which is managed by Techstart Ventures on behalf of the Scottish Government. It provides equity finance of up to £2 million, in rounds of up to £10 million, for eligible businesses.

Techstart invests principally in early stage startups and SMEs who are developing innovative new products with high growth and export potential.

Click here to find out more

UMi Debt Finance Scotland, which is managed by UMi Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and provides loans of £25,001 to £250,000 to eligible businesses.
 

UMi Debt Finance Scotland is not sector-specific and businesses in a variety of sectors have already been supported under the fund. However, certain sectors may still be restricted.

Click here to find out more

Whether you have moved to remote working and are looking for a professional space to host a meeting, or you simply want to get offsite for a sales meeting or HR Issue, Enterprise Hub Fife offers flexible meeting space to suit your requirements.

Click here to find out more

Webinar: Help Grow Your Business Overseas With Agents And Distributors

This is an online interactive course designed to help participants understand how working with agents and distributors can help grow their business overseas.

It will explore the different aspects of the legal relationship between the principal and the appointed partner, the cost implications to the business along with guidance on how to approach the selection, appointment and management process successfully.

Click here to find out more

Here to Help - Request a Call Back from a Business Adviser

We understand things may be extremely challenging at the moment whether it's dealing with financial issues, supporting your employees, or understanding what needs to be in place to enable you to sustain and grow your business.

If you have any questions or just need someone to talk to, our business advisers are here to help.

Request a call back now

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Funding for Social Enterprise Businesses from Firstport