Community enterprise hubs have been launched in South Lanarkshire to offer support to local businesses.
The two hubs will give support to new and developing businesses. The E3 hubs are based in Lanark and Blantyre and aim to provide free support, specialist training and business guidance across the area.
The E3 project (Elevator Entrepreneurial Ecosystem) is delivered by social enterprise Elevator UK and is supported by South Lanarkshire Council thanks to the UK Community Renewal Fund (CRF).
Since opening at the start of this month, hub staff have been busy with face-to-face and virtual appointments, providing guidance to start-ups and helping existing businesses grow and develop in the area.
Hubs are open all week for appointments and each hub offers facilities including free wi-fi, desk space and communal laptops which can be used by local businesses.
The E3 team also have an electric van which can bring the hub services to local and rural communities.
Dr Sam Easton, South Lanarkshire E3 project manager, said: “The E3 team have worked hard to bring the Lanark and Blantyre hubs to life in the local communities where they can best serve local people, whether they have their own business, have an idea for a business or haven’t even considered it.
“Our electric van will make our services even more accessible to rural South Lanarkshire and we hope to engage, inspire and support those we meet along the way.
“Our key goal is to help as many South Lanarkshire people and businesses as we can during this pilot project, and we work closely with South Lanarkshire Council to direct our efforts where they are most needed.
“We have had such a warm welcome from the community and encourage everyone to take advantage of the variety of support on offer.”
The council are urging businesses to take advantage of the range of services that are on offer.
The council’s head of planning and economic development, Pauline Elliott, said: “I would encourage anyone who has either recently started, or is thinking about starting, their own business to get in touch with the hubs. They are there to help and will be able to offer support and advice.”
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