About the Author
Press Release
Externally written press release
The Scotsman - Design agency Dunclyde nets funding to roll out platform
ARTICLE
Business Gateway signposts route to funding victory for Aberdeen firm
An Aberdeen-based business has been awarded a prestigious government grant of £42,197, which will enable its expansion and growth over the next six months, following advice and signposting by Business Gateway.
Dunclyde, a creative design agency, launched ‘Open Sign’ in response to emerging needs generated by Covid-19. Initially launched in Aberdeen, the platform enables local businesses to list their present opening hours on a single, easy to use platform and includes additional information such as entry requirements and procedures, and contact details.
The competition attracted over 8,600 applicants and Dunclyde was one of just six other Scottish companies to be selected.
Working with Business Gateway, the team applied for grants and funding to support the growth of the platform, including the Innovate UK Fast Start Competition Grant. The competition attracted over 8,600 applicants and Dunclyde was one of just six other Scottish companies to be selected. The grant will help the firm promote and attract partners to roll out its platform across Scotland and the UK, which has recently expanded into Glasgow.
BusinessGateway provided support during the application process and highlighted additional funding opportunities for the team, who also received £2,500 worth of free billboard advertising from Ocean Marketing at Union Square ShoppingCentre in Aberdeen during lockdown.
Prior to the pandemic, Dunclyde accessed a range of Business Gateway services and received strategic advice on their business plan, company regulations, premises and marketing as the team prepared to launch the business in 2018. BusinessGateway has also facilitated client introductions, signposted relevant masterclasses and training and given advice on financial restructuring, exporting, and funding.
DanielClydesdale, Director, Dunclyde, said:
“We have a well-established relationship with Business Gateway and have benefited greatly from the support we have received since the early days of the business. The advice has increased our client base, enhanced the profile of our business, and provided enormous value for us during the pandemic.
“Business Gateway highlighted the opportunity to apply for the grant and gave us advice and encouragement along the way. To be in a position to support local businesses and expand our platform is incredibly exciting.”
Aisha Kasim, Business Gateway adviser, said:
“It’s incredibly positive to see Dunclyde defy the current, difficult economic conditions many are facing.
“The Open Sign initiative has provided a vital lifeline for many other small and local businesses across the country during difficult conditions, and with this funding, Dunclyde and the team are in a strong position for growth across the UK. With so many funding and grant opportunities available, I would encourage all businesses to get in touch with us to see if there is something that might work for them.”
To find out more aboutBusiness Gateway and funding opportunities, visit their website at https://www.bgateway.com/resources/finance.
About Business Gateway
As Scotland’s national business service, Business Gateway has helped budding entrepreneurs address a wide range of issues during 2018 and have helped more than 3,000 SMEs to scale up their growing businesses as well as providing crucial support to over 9,000 new businesses.
1. BusinessGateway offer a range of professional resources, support and tools to help those in business learn new skills, create new opportunities and develop sustainable strategies for growth.
2. BusinessGateway is delivered by local authorities throughout Scotland.
3. BusinessGateway works in collaboration with a wide variety of organisations, includingScottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to help deliver the best advice and support to Scottish businesses.
Words by: BIG Partnership
Special thanks to: Aisha Kasim, our business adviser at Elevator UK & Business Gateway letting us know about funding opportunities