BUSINESS GROWTH AND INCLUSION
In 2026, Creative Edinburgh established a new partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council's Business Growth and Inclusion service and Business Gateway Edinburgh. Together, we are supporting the local entrepreneurs and creative businesses to thrive in our city.
What Is This Partnership About?
Whether you're a freelancer running your own business, a sole trader, an early-stage creative entrepreneur looking to grow, a thriving creative startup, or simply want to strengthen your practice, this partnership opens doors to a wealth of free support.
Business Gateway Edinburgh offers free, high-quality advice on everything from marketing and finance to business planning. Through this partnership, we'll be making it easier than ever for our members to access it. We'll also be embedding Business Gateway Edinburgh resources into our Pathways to Careers programme, so that support is there for you at exactly the right moment.
On top of that, throughout the year, we'll be piloting special sessions and skills workshops designed with the realities of creative work in mind - think confidence-building, collaboration, wellbeing and sustainable business practice.
How Business Gateway Can Help
Business Gateway Edinburgh offers a variety of support to new and existing businesses in Edinburgh. The support they offer is delivered on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Through Business Gateway you can access:
- Free advice from their experienced business advisers to help you start a business or find new ways of doing business
- Free local workshops and seminars - ranging from start-up sessions to specific skills events - covering marketing, finance and e-commerce
- Free business information. The team offers information on all aspects of starting and growing a business and works with reputable local organisations - so you can be sure you will receive the best possible support.
Upcoming Business Gateway Events
Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or explore new areas of business development, there's plenty on offer. Check out these events from Business Gateway Edinburgh designed to support freelancers and creative businesses throughout the month.
