Micro-enterprises* and self-employed people in rural areas are disproportionately affected by the current coronavirus crisis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
*A \u2018micro-enterprise\u2019 is any business employing fewer than 10 people and\/or with a turnover less than \u00a3500k <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The REDS project aims to provide funding, support and collaboration opportunities to the small businesses of rural Scotland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowd Funding <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation\u2019s immediate focus is to establish the REDS fund to enable them to provide grants to struggling enterprises before they are forced to close permanently. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to ask the people of Scotland and further afield, to help them raise the \u00a33 million required to support 1,200 micro-enterprises. For further information on how you can help see here: https:\/\/www.crowdfunder.co.uk\/reds<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grant Funding <\/p>\n\n\n\n To support as many enterprises as possible, grants will be provided under a unique 50:50 principle: 50% of the grant will go to the business requiring support, and 50% to whichever rural business(es) are providing the service required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Online Directory <\/p>\n\n\n\n REDS is an online directory for all rural businesses in Scotland \u2013 to promote enterprise in every sector, to stimulate connection and collaboration across the country. The directory is in development and will be hosted here: https:\/\/www.reds.scot<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Free Enterprise Support <\/p>\n\n\n\n Free ongoing enterprise support will be offered to any business who applies for funding \u2013 delivered by GrowBiz and its network of national partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n REDS will bring together the many agencies, support organisations and experts which work to support rural enterprise in Scotland \u2013 and match businesses to the support they need most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on the project please contact us: connect@reds.scot<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you require any further information regarding funding, please contact <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alison Clark <\/p>\n\n\n\n Covid-19 Response Coordinator <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tiree Community Development Trust <\/p>\n\n\n\n