Small businesses from Argyll and Bute are being urged to see if they can access a free service that will help improve their customer base.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway service is inviting local companies to find out if they are eligible for a free digital review which aims to help them expand their the online presence.

The money will come from the remainder of the Scottish Government’s earmarked Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery (LACER) business support allocation of just under £35k.

Helensburgh and Lomond councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, the authority's new policy lead for business development, is hopeful that this cash will support small business growth and recovery.

He said: “Having an effective digital presence and trading online offers Argyll and Bute’s small businesses a host of benefits.

“[This includes] wider customer reach, cost savings, marketing opportunities, data-driven insights, and enhanced customer engagement.

“This remaining earmarked funding will enable us to help an additional 45 small businesses and we are keen to hear from anyone interested, particularly those in our more rural communities.”

Councillors previously approved £355,000 of Argyll and Bute’s £1.449m total LACER allocation in 2022 for direct business support through two grant funds; a business start-up grant and a business development grant.

Both of these grants were administered through Business Gateway.

The funding was fully committed by December 2022 and the scheme closed to new applicants.

However, some businesses claimed less than their approved grant, leaving £35k remaining for business support.

To find out more about support for your business, call Business Gateway on 01546 604555 or email business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk.