Help is just the business

Nov 12 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

YOUNG entrepreneurs are set to be given pointers to help them start their own business.

An exhibition in Livingston will be held next Thursday (November 19) as part of the celebrations to mark 20 years of The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and support for Youth Enterprise in West Lothian.

The event will take place at The Centre in Livingston in the unit formerly occupied by Next.

In partnership with Business Gateway, PSYBT has been supporting young people across Scotland between the ages of 18 and 25 to start up and continue in business since 1989.

Over the years some 500 businesses have been supported in West Lothian.

Businesses that have received support from PSYBT during the last three years will take part in the exhibition.

Business advisers will also be on hand in The Centre on November 19 to answer questions from visitors to the exhibition who are interested in starting their own business.

PSYBT provides loan and grant funding to set up and to expand business ventures. Aftercare support is also provided for the new business owners.

Executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, said: “Small businesses, and the creation of new businesses, are vitally important to the economy.

“Our exhibition takes place during Enterprise Week, a fitting time to showcase some of the many businesses in West Lothian that have benefited from PSYBT support.

“We are grateful to The Centre in Livingston for their support in providing space for the young entrepreneurs to promote their businesses, while demonstrating the local support that is available to young enterprise.

“If you are inspired to start your own business, the council’s team of professional business advisers will be on hand to help.”