The Grow Ayrshire Support Programme, from the ‘Ayrshire Food an ‘a’ that’ initiative and supported by the three Ayrshire Councils, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Gateway, is designed to help local food and drink manufacturers across the region by way of a series of workshops, mentoring programme, grant and consultancy support and live product trials – allowing attendees to test their goods in real-world retail and wholesale settings. The topics covered in the workshops include, Retail, Wholesale, Sustainability, Marketing and Branding, Digital and Procurement. These topics are all relevant to businesses operating in this sector and the programme will provide the tools, connections, and expert guidance to take your products onto local shelves or into wholesale, public procurement, and retail markets.

What You’ll Get ?

A nine-stage Growth Plan — from a business review to full implementation and Peer to Peer learning opportunities.

What do we need from you?

All we need is your commitment to attend the workshops. The programme will take 15 businesses through growth planning. There is no cost to your business.

Workshops:

  • Retail 1 Day 27 October 2025, County Buildings, Ayr
  • Wholesale ½ Day, TBC, Ingram Enterprise Centre, Kilmarnock
  • Sustainability ½ Day 24 Nov 2025, The Circuit, Irvine
  • Marketing & Branding* ½ Day 26 Jan 2026, Ayrshire College
  • Digital *½ Day 23 Feb 2026, DPMC, Irvine
  • Procurement ½ Day 30 Mar 2026, Ingram Enterprise Centre, Kilmarnock

Plus:

  • Mentor Programme – connect with experienced entrepreneurs, Ayrshire Chamber mentors, and SMAS advisors
  • Grant & Consultancy Support – to help make plans a reality
  • Live Product Trials – test your goods in real-world retail and wholesale settings

Next stage?

If you are interested, and are a Small/Medium Business (less than 250 employees), based in Ayrshire, submit an application as soon as possible. We are only taking 15 businesses on this exciting opportunity. We will assess each application on its own merits and suitablility for the programme.

If you require further information, or have questions relating to an application, email grow@ayrshire.food

Time and spaces are limited — don’t delay your application.

Complete the application form.