A new coaching and development programme for entrepreneurs could help rural people bring their business ideas a reality.
The second stage of the Libraries and Innovation Network Aberdeenshire (LINA) Accelerator will be launched this week.
Designed to help existing and start-up businesses grow, LINA has been offering one-day workshops in Peterhead and Banff libraries for the last year supporting individuals with their companies in industries such as jewellery-making, charities, fitness instructing and architecture.
Now, the partnership between Robert Gordon University and Aberdeenshire Council is expanding this use of library space and resources to offer six-week coaching in key areas such as determining the business direction, setting and achieving targets, adapting the business model to cut costs and building a brand.
Angus McCurrah, founder of Huggadrum which uses drumming to improve mental wellbeing, attended a LINA workshop in Peterhead.
He explained that the sessions had given him confidence.
He said: “I found the business planning exercises very beneficial, particularly for having a plan for each different category of customers.
“I’ve since had a follow-up with a member of the LINA team to review my progress and learning. She provided me with further practical support, advice and guidance.”
Part-funded by the LEADER Scottish Rural Development Programme, free workshops will also run this year in Turriff, Strichen, Rosehearty, New Pitsligo, Cairnbulg, Fraserburgh and Macduff libraries.
The new programme will begin on Thursday in Peterhead Library and on Friday in Banff Library.
Find out more from Live Life Aberdeenshire or visit www.rgu.ac.uk/lina
