The Business and Skills service provides a range of support and advice for local businesses from those starting out to social enterprises and successful international organisations.
The Young Person's Guarantee (YPG)
Officially launched on 5 November 2020, The Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG) is a commitment to Scotland’s young people. The Guarantee is not a new programme, but it provides additional investment to build on successful activity happening locally and nationally.
The Guarantee is about connecting young people to appropriate opportunities. All unemployed 16 – 24 year olds in Scotland will be given the opportunity to access support to help them into work, to go to university or college, to take up an apprenticeship, take part in training or work experience, or take part in a formal volunteering programme.
For more information visit The Young Person's Guarantee website
Enquiries can be sent to: ABZWorks@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Skills and employment
Aberdeen City Council's Employability, Skills and Community Enterprise service supports individuals, local businesses, and community based enterprises to create the conditions for sustainable economic growth by supporting and retaining a diverse range of skilled jobs and high value businesses in the city. The team works in three key areas: employability, skills and community enterprise.
For further information, please contact Angela Taylor, Employability Lead at angtaylor@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Empty Shops Grant Scheme
Following approval of the Union Street Empty Shops Action Plan, Aberdeen City Council has launched a £500,000 fund for city centre regeneration.
The fund offers grant awards of up to 50% of project costs towards eligible physical works required for internal reconfiguration of vacant shops on Union Street to enable reoccupation by new businesses and tenants. Find out more and how to apply.
Land and property
Find information on property for sale or lease and asset management from Property Services. For general enquiries about land and property for business, please contact Andrew Stephen at astephen@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Business support
Aberdeen City Council's Business support is delivered on behalf of Elevator UK through Business Gateway. Elevator UK, is the largest private sector provider of business support in Scotland. A team of 16 friendly business advisers operate across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to provide support to businesses, whatever stage they are at.
Whether you are considering starting a business, have newly launched your company, or are looking to grow your business, then Business Gateway can assist.
The Business Gateway team offers a wealth of fully funded support – this means it is always free for you to access. The support can include your own dedicated business adviser, a range of webinars and networking events, connections to local industry professionals, access to market research reports, and much more!
Please visit Business Gateway to find out more information or get in touch directly by calling 01224 289725 or emailing aberdeen@bgateway.com.
Business finance
Aberdeen City Council is a member of Business Loans Scotland, a consortium of Scotland's 32 local authorities, offering loan finance to new and growing small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).
lease refer to Business Loans Scotland for further information.
International trade
Aberdeen City Council International Trade team support the Aberdeen business community by maintaining a portfolio of close business relationships with government, economic development agencies and industry bodies. The team is located in Marischal College and is here to help you find the advice and information you need to get your business involved in international trade activities or exploit further international trade opportunities for those already exporting. Find out more at International Trade.
Invest Aberdeen
Invest Aberdeen is the inward investment hub for Aberdeen City and Shire providing a one-stop point of contact for exploring opportunities for your business in the North East of Scotland. The team is committed to delivering a tailored service to meet your criteria whether it be business support and guidance, providing one point of contact to businesses or supporting property investors and developers seeking to invest in the city region.
This professional, collaborative approach seeks to respond to the needs of investors and businesses alike and facilitates access to a wide range of partners across the city including: Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, property agents and other council departments such as Planning, Economic Development and Business Services.
Visit Invest Aberdeen for more information.