Midlothian

Our Planning To Start tool is a great place to begin. It takes just 10 minutes to complete and provides you with an instant toolkit with key resources & information. We'll then connect you with a member of the team at our local office for further support.

Our website offers a business plan guide and template to download when you’re ready, market reports and research, as well as handy online guides and articles, video tutorials and podcasts. Plus, we have a great range of webinars to hone your start-up skills – from writing a business plan to marketing on a budget.

With our help, you could be in business sooner than you imagined.

Whether you’re looking to take on premises or learn more about digital marketing, we can help you take the next step. Get started by taking 10 minutes to complete our Strengthen Your Business Tool and get a personalised dashboard of online resources and webinars.

We know that your time is in short supply, so we also offer one-to-one advice at a time and day to suit you. Together, you and your business adviser can create a strategic action plan to suit your ambitions.

Our online resources and webinars can help you learn new skills, create opportunities and gain confidence. From HR to restructuring, innovation and digital marketing - we can help. And if specialist input is required, we can connect you to other sources of support.

From digital marketing strategy to social media, e-Commerce, cyber security and more, we can help boost your digital performance.

Our Digital Health Check is a great place to start. It will help pinpoint your digital strengths, areas you could improve, and how we can help, and it only takes 5 minutes to complete.

To discuss funding requirements please visit the Business Loans Scotland website or call 0131 516 4362.

Anyone starting a registered childminding business in Midlothian is eligible to apply. To find out more visit the Midlothian Council website.

These include:

• Planning permission - Advice and guidance on planning and building issues. Call the Planning Duty Office on 0131 271 3302
• Non-domestic rates - Find out if you are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme by calling 0131 469 5746
• Licensing and Regulations - Find out if you need a license and how to apply by calling 0131 271 3162 / 0131 271 3156
• Environmental Health - Assistance in the registration of food premises and compliance with food safety regulations. Contact Environmental Health by calling 0131 271 3549
• Trading Standards - Complying with Trading Standard regulations. Contact Trading Standards on 0131 271 3549
• Sourcing business property - Find information about council property on the market and an online property search facility for public and privately-owned commercial property on the Midlothian Council website.
• Midlothian Business Directory - Register for free and search the register for your local suppliers.

For more information on these services call 0131 516 4362 or visit the Midlothian Council website.

Operated by Women’s Enterprise Scotland, the Women's Business Centre website is free to access and offers dedicated, needs-based content on starting and growing a business, including stories, encouragement and top tips from leading business owners across Scotland.

Our advisers can help you look at your business challenges and then help you make the next practical steps. Along with that we can introduce you to PACE – Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.