ABERDEEN has been chosen as the only Scottish location for a new pilot project that will provide funding and additional support to local businesses on a range of issues.
The pilot will focus on the collective efforts to support small to medium businesses in their recovery from Covid-19 by offering mentoring and other practical support.
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The announcement by Business in the Community (BITC) follows Community Planning Aberdeen’s successful Responsible Business online event, which was held in partnership with BITC in October 2020.
The event saw more than 60 people attend with almost half of those from the business community, representing 17 businesses across the city.
Jenny Laing, Aberdeen City Council co-leader and chair of Community Planning Aberdeen said: “Despite the considerable economic challenges we face as a result of the pandemic and the downturn in the oil and gas sector Aberdeen is an innovative city which has ambitious net zero targets for 2030 and this has been a deciding factor in BITC’s decision to choose Aberdeen as the only Scottish representative in this pilot project.
“Now more than ever, partnership working is crucial for all of us in the public, private and third sector and I would encourage as many business as possible to get involved in the project so they can discover what practical support is available for their business or offer mentoring support to others.”
Alan Thornburrow, BITC’s Scotland director said: “This project in Aberdeen will enable our network and partner organisations to support small businesses in and around Aberdeen that have been impacted by COVID-19 to innovate and thrive, and by extension support their communities to do the same.”
Small businesses with between 2-250 employees across Aberdeen are invited to get in touch if they are looking for additional help across a range of business issues from HR and legal advice to procurement and health and safety training.