Rural Enterprise Support: Evaluation Report

This document describes an evaluation of an integrated, place-based business support pilot program provided by GrowBiz in rural Scotland. The program aimed to support rural businesses through personalized services, practical advice, networking opportunities, and digital skill enhancement. The evaluation used surveys, interviews, and focus groups to assess the program's effectiveness. Results indicated high satisfaction among participants, with benefits including increased confidence, reduced isolation, and improved business skills. Challenges included disruptions from COVID-19 and difficulties in developing digital platforms. The evaluation concluded that place-based, tailored support is crucial for rural businesses, emphasizing the importance of understanding local needs, providing practical support, and fostering community connections. Recommendations for future support include better equality monitoring, a broader range of impact measures, and principles that focus on the social dimensions of support. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: The Scottish Government (The Scottish Government)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: July 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes