The number of people contacting Business Gateway, the national business advice service, has reached its highest level since its management was passed to Scotland’s local authorities.
A 32.5% increase to 26,240 for the year to March included those looking to start up for the first time and those already running existing businesses.
The total number of inquiries which were received by the service rose by 11% to 63,247.
The number of new businesses started with Business Gateway’s support during the last financial year remained constant at just above 10,100.
Leading entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter said: “John Wayne said: ‘Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway…’ Starting a business and then building it takes courage and huge commitment, so the more support you get the easier it becomes.
“This year’s impressive figures from Business Gateway are a great encouragement in that many more are saddling up and taking full advantage of a service designed to help realise your ambition.”
Additional research indicated that 76.5% of companies receiving support from Business Gateway have a significantly better chance of surviving beyond three years compared to 57.1% of those who don’t work with the service.
Councillor Stephen Hagan, of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, said: “It is against the backdrop of greater devolution that I am delighted to see Business Gateway increasing engagement with businesses through local offices.
“Engaging at a local level means Business Gateway can present a more integrated service, collaborating with local authorities to allow businesses access to wider economic development support.”