Business Gateway has recently launched its first App for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Scotland. ‘MyBusiness’ App is a handy little tool offering a wealth of free advice, sources of information and video tutorials for improving or starting your business. The app has three principal sections:
- ‘My Business Idea’ – for those who may be considering a new business venture. The guide takes the user though the initial research stages, such as the type of business you may be considering, creating a business plan, product development, funding and market research. At each stage you can find advice, literature and video guides to help you through the process.
- ‘Starting My Business’ offers everyday considerations to assist you through the initial stages of starting a new business. The user can find information and business support guides on finance and accounting matters, e-commerce, record management, finding premises and marketing a product, to name but a few.
- ‘Growing My Business’ is a guide designed to prepare the user for the challenges of growing and improving an existing business. You will find information on improving sales and marketing, strategic planning, choosing and dealing with suppliers, outsourcing and employing people, customer retention and managing costs.
Additional features
In addition to these guides, the app also features an events finder showing a range of free local workshops throughout Scotland. iPhone and iPad users can book into any of these events through their device, manage their business tasks using the personal planner system and ask questions that will be answered by the Business Gateway Enquiry Team. Those of you who have managed to resist the temptation of Apple have not been left out – an Android app will be launched within the next couple of months.
Responding to small business needs
Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at the Business Gateway National Unit, explains the decision to launch this new app: “We know that business is done on the move more than ever now so quick and easy access to important information and advice, literally at the touch of a button, is highly desired and valued by those running businesses as well as those thinking about it for the first time.”
Business Gateway has used some of the best business advisers in the country to assist with the design on this app. By working closely with SMEs in Scotland, these advisers have a clear understanding of the issues and challenges facing new and existing businesses. They will continue to work closely with SMEs over the coming months, adding new features and improving the app based on feedback and suggestions.
MyBusiness is a timely addition to the support and advice on offer from Business Gateway, with almost 30% of the 240,000 website visits over the last 6 months being viewed on mobile or tablet devices. These figures highlight just how important internet resources are and the manner in which this information is being sought. Evidently, Business Gateway is responding appropriately to the needs of SMEs in Scotland and really listening to their demands. What a refreshingly positive spot of news.
Having tested the app prior to writing this blog, you will be pleased to hear that it’s exceptionally quick to download, well designed, aesthetically pleasing and easy to use so give it a try and see what you think. It’s free anyhow so you have nothing to lose!
