More than 500 delegates are taking part in free workshops, seminars and other events during Argyll Enterprise Week in Oban this week.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway have organised the event, which runs from Monday to Friday, to support businesses and communities throughout Argyll and the Islands and encourage enterprise.
Highlights include sessions on funding, digital workshops, a mini XpoNorth creative event and a business support fair which is being held tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Corran Halls.
Big names, such as Virgin Start-up, Google’s Digital Garage and BT Local Business, are among the 40 plus organisations involved. There will be taster sessions on exporting, manufacturing, intellectual property, resource efficiency and digital. There will be workshops and seminars supporting businesses and social enterprises in the creative industry, food and drink and tourism sectors, among others.
A “Focus on Social Enterprise Day” on Thursday will include a Dragon’s Den style competition with more than £5,500 available in prize money. This gives people the opportunity to pitch to a panel of experts to secure investment to launch new a social enterprise or grow an existing one.
David Smart, HIE’s head of special projects in Argyll and the Islands, said: “This the very first time we have held an event like this in Argyll and it’s shaping up to be a very active and productive week. We are delighted with the number and calibre of the 40 plus organisations lined up to support the event, and with the take up of the workshops so far. The business fair on Wednesday is open to all and doesn’t need to be booked. There is still some space available at most of the other activities and anyone who hasn’t already done so is encouraged to check out the programme and book places.”
