A Roadshow coming to Inverness is looking for opportunities to invest in local businesses.

Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are joining forces with the British Business Bank to bring its SME Debt Finance Roadshow to the Town House on October 25.

Targeted at business owners from across the Highlands and Moray seeking finance to develop and expand, this event creates an opportunity for them to meet lenders looking for opportunities.

The Federation of Small Businesses’ Highlands & Islands development manager, David Richardson, said: “It’s no secret that the north’s businesses have been going through a torrid time in recent years, what with covid, skyrocketing costs, staff shortages and more, and many have been battling for survival. However, all is not doom and gloom, for there are many opportunities out there, not least those associated with our visitor economy and those that will arise out of the development of the new Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.

“What we need – and what we have – are entrepreneurs who can seize and run with these opportunities, creating the strong, vibrant and sustainable businesses, economies and communities so important to the North’s future. The trouble is, they can’t always do it alone.

“We are delighted to join forces with the British Business Bank, Highland Council and HIE to create this event, which we believe will make a real difference to entrepreneurs who have almost everything they need, but who just require finance to get them over the line to success.”

Danny Gallagher, Highland Business Gateway manager, added: “Highland Council is delighted to support this event, for funding is key to SME success, enabling businesses to grow, innovate, adapt, and compete in the dynamic business landscape. Moreover, easy and affordable access to finance not only benefits individual businesses, it also contributes to job creation, economic growth, and overall societal well-being in the Highlands.”

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