We know that it can sometimes be easier for New Scots to start a new business than to find employment.  The following is advice from Scottish Enterprise.

Funding and Support

Our new funding model is simpler and more inclusive, helping to create jobs and promote a greener economy. We’ll be promoting funding calls and grants from across our partner organisations, as well as delivering a few targeted funds of our own. 

To view more about changes to our grants and upcoming funding calls for 2022-2023 please visit our website here: Scottish Enterprise Business Grants.
 

You may wish to consider alternatives for support for the project you have in mind and can search for funding, grants and loan options on mygov.scot and Find Business Support 

With regards to general business advice, our partners at Business Gateway  offer practical help, advice and support for new and existing businesses in Scotland with one to one advisor appointments.  If this may be of interest, I can put you in touch with your local Business Gateway. Please reply to this email if you are happy for me to do this.

Alternatively, you can contact Business Gateway directly by calling 0300 013 4753 or visit their website: www.bgateway.com for further information. 

As your business is based in Dumfries and Galloway we’d recommend contacting the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency (SoSE) on 0300 304 8888 and full details of their local offices can be found at https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us/local-hubs    

If you’re considering setting up a social enterprise or another business in the third sector we would recommend contacting FirstPort. As part of the Just Enterprise consortium, they provide support to individuals setting up social enterprises.

In addition, please note the Export Support Service (ESS) are also available to answer questions about trading with Ukraine or Russia.  You can visit https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team, or call the ESS helpline on 0300 303 8955.  The helpline is currently operational Monday to Friday 0800-2200. 

Please also find below information about the Russian sanctions regime:

On 24 February the UK has announced a new package of sanctions on Russia, full details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-imposes-uks-most-punishing-sanctions-to-inflict-maximum-and-lasting-pain-on-russia

It is important that you ensure your business activities are compliant with the current sanctions against Russia and seek legal advice if necessary. The situation will obviously develop over the coming days and weeks, so you should continue to check the guidance pages listed below to understand the potential impact on your business and action you may need to take.
 
If you are planning to trade with Russia, you should check if your product is on the export ban list which can be found in the Russian Sanctions: Guidance document:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance
 
There is a suspension of dual-use goods. You can assess your products to determine whether or not they are controlled and are subject to this suspension via: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-controls-dual-use-items-software-and-technology-goods-for-torture-and-radioactive-sources
 
Consular support is available to British nationals in Ukraine and Russia: 

• Consular support for Ukraine: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-kyiv
• Consular support for Russia: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-moscow

 
You can stay up to date with the latest government notifications on export controls by signing up to the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) e-alert service.

• Notice to Exporters e-alerts: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKECO/subscriber/new

 
You should also consult the links below, which refer to 2019 and the latest 2022 financial sanctions relating to Russia.

• UK Sanctions Relating to Russia: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-sanctions-on-russia
• Russian Sanctions: Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance
• Financial Guidance, Russia: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-sanctions-ukraine-sovereignty-and-territorial-integrity

Companies doing business with countries subject to sanctions must accept the risks of doing so, just as they accept other political and market risks. We suggest you take legal advice if you suspect your business could be impacted.