Rural Enterprise News: 22 February

March is just around the corner and spring is calling; and with it these opportunities and events for businesses and communities across Scotland:

Mint Ventures Roadshows, Entrepreneur and Investor Sessions: These events aim to provide de-jargonised gender-specific training for women entrepreneurs. Get insights into angel investing—for potential women investors and entrepreneurs alike—within a safe-space environment to learn, ask questions and be inspired by like minded supportive women. The events are scheduled for various areas in Scotland throughout March and April. View them all here.

Close Contact Business Funding: Funding is available to support businesses in close contact settings impacted by the requirement for physical distancing and capacity limits and advice to reduce contact within indoor setting that came into force from 9 December 2021 to 24 January 2022. The grant is a one-off payment at the rate of £1,000 for self-employed businesses and £1,500 for NDR registered premised business owners. Applications close on March 4. Find out more here. DigitalBoost Grant: While this fund is currently closed, GrowBiz encourages clients who are interested to complete the online eligibility check and registration to ensure you’ll receive a notification when it next goes live. You can do so here.

Manual Moving and Handling Training: PKAVS TSI is bringing a host of free learning opportunities to the third sector. Next up in the programme is in-person Manual Moving and Handling Training with Insight Coaching and Consultancy on Wednesday the 23 of February. Find out more and book here.

Celebration of Women: This event is being held by Women’s Business Station on the 8th of March to celebrate International Women’s Day. It will include guest speakers, digital networking opportunities and a wine tasting. Find out more and book here.

Rural Design Days: The Rural Design Days will take place on March 12 and March 13 as a hybrid event which aims to engage and connect designers, innovators, and visionaries around the globe. This event address the new challenges and opportunities of rural spaces at a time of multiple transformations. There will be also be physical “hub events” internationally. Participation is free. The programme of the two days with listed speakers and topics of the presentations, as well as the Zoom link, can be found here.

Cairngorms National Park Young Artist Opportunity: Are you aged 18-30 and have a connection to the Cairngorms National Park? The Cairngorms Youth Action Team (CYAT) have an exciting opportunity for a young artist to spend one week at Inshriach Bothy and some time at home in March, developing a piece of art. Closing date is 25 February, with the residency happening on the 17 – 24 March. More information can be found here. Applications and queries should be sent to cairngormstrust@cairngorms.co.uk Mount Blair Business Views Survey: Communities Housing Trust (CHT) are carrying out a Business Views Survey in partnership with Mount Blair Community Development Trust and Perth & Kinross Council. This questionnaire is both for those looking to start a business in the area and those with an established business, and gives the opportunity to express your views on any housing and business-related issues in your community. Take the survey here.