Business advice and support
Businesses in Midlothian can access a wide range of information and contacts for additional support including the following.
Raising finance with Business Loan Scotland Ltd
Business Loans Scotland Ltd is a consortium of Scottish Local Authorities providing loan finance to businesses.
This is to support working capital, purchase of plant or equipment, or business property. The funding is gap funding up to £100,000 which cannot exceed 50% of the total funding required. You must show that you have tried and been unable to obtain the funding from conventional sources. Interest is charged at 6% (more in higher risk situations) with maximum term 5 years. Security will be taken in most cases.
- Register to check if you are eligible for loan funding and an adviser will get in touch with you.
- Business Loans Scotland brochure (PDF)
Business property advice
If you cannot find suitable property or you need more property information, please don't hesitate to contact Economic Development.
Midlothian Business Gateway
Midlothian Business Gateway offers a wide range of advice and services to new and established businesses, including social enterprises.
Borders Rail Business Guide
This guide helps businesses identify opportunities to drive new custom and enhance the quality of visitors’ experience. The Borders Rail Business Adviser (Tourism) can advise you on making the most of opportunities that the railway provides.
Business directory
If you are a Midlothian business and you would like a free entry in the Business Directory, find out more:
Winning business with the Council
We have signed up to the Supplier Development Programme (SDP). This helps small and medium sized businesses win public sector contracts.
Therefore small and medium sized businesses located in Midlothian can now access SDP services free of charge. The training is particularly in the field of public procurement, but also covers:
- health and safety
- equality and diversity
- quality management
- environmental policy
- various Meet the Buyer events.
Public sector spending on goods and services across Scotland amounts to over £9bn per year. The SDP advises businesses pitching for public sector contracts nationally or locally.