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Supporting and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Nick Bansal, Business Growth Enabler (BGE) at The Royal Bank of Scotland gives us an insight into his role and how he supports entrepreneurship and business growth within Aberdeen and the Shire.

With new businesses and innovative concepts increasingly emerging from within our local universities and colleges, it’s important for me to be an integral part of the wider business network.  This means I regularly engage and co-host events with local organisations such as Business Gateway, Elevator, Chambers of Commerce and councils.

Many people aren’t familiar with BGEs but we are an integral part of the Royal Bank of Scotland service in Scotland and can help serve the public right at the heart of their community. I can support the local ecosystem in many ways, including:

  • Hosting topical events to encourage innovation and change in Aberdeen 
  • Facilitating introductions and providing quality connections from within my own network and beyond
  • Sharing best practice and celebrating success through topical Thought Leadership and handy tips
  • Providing insight and information about how the Bank and its partners, can support businesses to scale and succeed

A key example of encouraging growth in my area is the promotion of female entrepreneurship which is a huge opportunity given Federation of Small Business figures which suggest that just one in ten businesses in Aberdeenshire are run or owned by women.

My aim is to help more women start their own business by being a male ally.  I provide a safe environment for female entrepreneurs where they won’t be judged, can be themselves and talk openly about their business objectives. In addition, The Royal Bank of Scotland now offers Back Her Business – a female-only crowdfunding programme in partnership with Crowdfunder that is helping to remove some of the financial barriers holding women back.

It’s great to know that entrepreneurs in Aberdeen are surrounded by so much first-class support, however it is vital to engage and make the most of all that is available including programmes such as Converge.  I want more local people to feel encouraged to choose entrepreneurship as a career path and I’m so pleased to be in a position where I can support and empower this.

To find our more about how BGEs like Nick support business growth in your local area contact: