An exciting announcement

June 2021 marked a year since the start of REDS, which was created by GrowBiz as a response to the hardships and suffering many small rural businesses were experiencing due to the pandemic and associated lockdown.

REDS has always aimed to provide long-term solutions to some of the challenges rural enterprises face, helping them become more discoverable through the online Directory and interactive map and encouraging exploration and spending within Scotland’s small rural and island businesses through the REDS Gift Card scheme.

We’ve achieved a lot in our first year, with over 90 enterprises now listed on the Directory, 150 merchants able to accept the REDS Card, and over £4500 locked into the rural economy through the card. But we are also looking to the future and have an exciting announcement to make…

From June 1st it will become free to list on the Directory for any qualifying micro business or enterprise!

In order to qualify, you must be actively trading, based in rural or island Scotland, have 10 or fewer employees and have less than £500,000 in annual turnover. Enterprises that are eligible to be on the Directory can sign up to accept the REDS Gift Card, at no charge. 

Businesses on REDS can also access the one-to-one enterprise support services provided by GrowBiz, as well as learning sessions designed to increase business skills, peer learning opportunities and an award-winning mentoring programme. 

If you qualify and are not already on the Directory we would love to hear from you! The more enterprises listed the more we can highlight the variety and vibrancy of Scotland’s rural economy. Click our ‘add your business’ button to find out how to apply.