Bagels to bamboo bras – five years of backing Scottish businesses

Fifth birthday celebrations are kicking off in Glasgow for a company that has helped to get hundreds of Scottish businesses off the ground.

From bagels to bamboo bras and everything in between – Transmit Start-Ups has already backed the business dreams of 965 entrepreneurs in Scotland to the tune of almost £10million.

Transmit Start-Ups was set up in 2013 by three entrepreneurs who shared an ambition to help others just starting out.

By delivering the Government-backed Start Up Loans programme they offer entrepreneurs an alternative to a traditional bank loan, with high-impact mentoring to maximise the results of finance provided.

The team has now grown to 27, with dedicated advisers based at the Collabor8te Business Centre in Glasgow’s Montrose Street. Demand has also led to the launch of the Transmit Group of companies, providing financial support and business advice to power the long-term journey of entrepreneurs.

Michelle Doherty, a Transmit business adviser based in Glasgow, said: “We are different to other providers because so many of us are entrepreneurs ourselves and we understand the challenges facing business owners. We are empathetic, we get really fired up by good ideas and we are adaptable to make sure each client gets exactly what is needed to succeed.

“The start-up community is buzzing at the moment and we are excited to be right at the centre of that as the biggest Start Up Loans lender in Scotland.”

Transmit is marking its milestone anniversary with a party on 29 November at citizenM in Glasgow showcasing a series of local loan recipients.