Features
Start-ups refused funding
A MASSIVE 75% of Scottish start-ups were refused bank funding over the past year, according to a new survey.
Over 1,000 organisations were surveyed by New Start Scotland, the country's largest business support exhibition, in a bid to identify the challenges facing new start businesses during the recession.
This survey has revealed that banks are still refusing to lend to new businesses, despite billion pound bail-outs using public money and the introduction of a Government-backed loan guarantee scheme.
New Start Scotland organiser, Ceri Rogers, says that access to finance is now the biggest problem that Scottish businesses face.
He said: “Start-up businesses will play a vital role in Scotland’s economic recovery and should be encouraged at this difficult time. The banks were saved by public money and they must be encouraged to pass this on to fledging businesses.”
Returning to the SECC on 27 and 28 March for the fifth year running, New Start Scotland provides all the information and support needed for entrepreneurs to launch their business with a bang.
And with over 120 exhibitors and 50 seminars, 2009 looks set to be the biggest show to date. Over 8,000 business hopefuls are expected to descend upon the SECC, all keen to turn their business dreams into reality.
The organisers also hope to appeal to those who have been made redundant to consider launching their own venture instead of looking for employment elsewhere.
And one lucky fledgling entrepreneur will walk away with £30,000 of business support services, including £5,000 cash to turn their business dreams into reality.
Visit www.newstartscotland.com/exhibition/ to register for your free tickets.
