In association with

We created the ‘Small Business 1000’ with The Herald to give Scottish small businesses a boost. By combining our collective strength, this partnership will give you national exposure in print and online, access to emerging talent and events that really matter.

Why become a Small Business 1000 Partner?

  1. Get featured in The Herald Scotland (print + online)

  2. Access to Invite-Only events across the country

  3. Tap into a pipeline of young, motivated talent with direct mentoring opportunities in schools across Scotland

  4. Win business by investing in your community

Elevate Your Small Business: Join SB1000 to gain media exposure, attract talent and turn community impact into growth

Whether you're looking to raise your profile, demonstrate impact in your community or grow your business - then SB1000 is the partnership for you.

Becoming a SB1000 Partner costs £1000 annually, and includes exclusive benefits and opportunities. Your partnership funds and supports the Powering Futures School Programme aimed at 16-18 year olds at over a hundred high schools across Scotland. Growing your small businesses, that empowers and inspires young people.

Download SB100 Brochure
Explore School Qualification

In Partnership with

With over 1 million monthly readers across Scotland, The Herald is one of the country’s most trusted and influential news platforms. As a business featured through SB1000, your story gains visibility in both print and digital - reaching industry leaders, customers, and communities across Scotland.

For small businesses, that means credible, high-impact exposure that builds your brand, boosts your reputation, and opens doors you didn’t know existed.

Ready to take advantage of this offer? Become a SB1000 partner today!

Meet the Partner

Featured SB1000 Partner

Crunchy Carrots

At Crunchy Carrots, we’re proud of our Falkirk roots but have always thought big, especially when it comes to impact. Joining SB1000 felt like a natural extension of what we already do: delivering results for clients, supporting our community, and creating real opportunities for young people.

SB1000 gives us the chance to connect with like-minded, purpose-led businesses across Scotland, stay visible, and continue growing sustainably. It also brings added structure and support to the work we already do - mentoring, offering placements, and helping young people find their first steps into creative careers.

For us, it’s about more than ticking a box. It’s about playing our part in shaping the future workforce, giving back to the community that has backed us, and proving that small businesses can make a big difference

“Social value isn't an add-on; it’s part of how we work. SB1000 gives us a new way to deliver that impact while continuing to grow as a business.” Scott Henderson, Managing Director

Exclusive Partnership Events

  • Morning Briefing

    Oct 2025 | 10am - 11.30am

    Attend the Morning Briefing to meet and network with fellow SB1000 partners, hosted by The Herald and Powering Futures. Walk away with real insights and real contacts.

  • An Evening With...

    Oct 2025 | 6pm - 8pm

    This is a rare chance to hear first-hand insights from someone who’s been there and done it, with space to ask questions and connect with fellow business owners.

  • Meet The Buyer

    Nov 2025 | 10am - 12.30pm

    This event connects businesses with senior decision-makers from major organisations. It’s a great to build relationships and network with people who are often hard to reach.

Partnership Benefits & Pricing

For just £1,000, your business gains access to a powerful partnership designed to raise your profile, grow your network and make real impact.

  • Become a mentor ✓

    Engage and support the next generation by becoming a Powering Futures school mentor.

  • Featured in The Herald ✓

    Benefit from a featured editorial in The Herald Scotland which will be in Print & Online.

  • Invite to Exclusive Events ✓

    Join exclusive partner-only events with fellow businesses, industry leaders and policy makers.

  • Generated Social Value ✓

    You will support the creation of a pipeline of talent which we connect to the world of opportunities.

Testimonials

  • Martin Fleet, Managing Director - Sheila Fleet Jewellery

    “We were delighted that Jocelyn enrolled in the Powering Future’s programme.  It really gave her a great opportunity to research, draft and present findings which relate to Sheila Fleet Jewellery working towards setting goals in sustainability and efficiencies.  We plan to implement some of the recommendations and solutions that Jocelyn has suggested in her presentation and explore others further.”

  • Catherine Leech, Managing Director - Anturas

    "Our employees are encouraged to shape the future of the company and drive positive changes. We are an inclusive and supportive employer who celebrate our employee achievements. We support Powering Futures as it provides a place for our team to share their experience with the next generation of employees and really does help us give something back."

  • Jamie Burns, Managing Director, Ailsa Reliability Solutions

    “As an independent engineering consultancy based in Ayrshire, we’re proud to be part of SB1000. Supporting young talent through real-world project experience is central to how we grow.

    SB1000 gives small businesses like ours a stronger voice and a practical way to shape Scotland’s future workforce while staying true to our values of quality and continuous development.”

  • Scott Henderson, Managing Director - Crunchy Carrots

    “Social value isn't an add-on; it’s part of how we work. SB1000 gives us a new way to deliver that impact while continuing to grow as a business.”

Become a Partner

If you are interested in joining or finding out more information, get in touch below and someone from our team will be in touch with you.

FAQ’S

  • We have made this initiative as inclusive as possible meaning all types of businesses operating in any industry are eligible to sign up for SB1000. 

  • Currently we are only accepting annual payments of £1000 + VAT. However, feel free to contact us to discuss other possible options.  

  • We have some degree of flexibility in these cases. Contact us at sb1000@newsquest.co.uk to set up a call to chat through opportunities and options.  

  • No, we are only asking for the annual £1000+VAT payment. There are no hidden costs.  

  • Click the link here which will give you all the details of the Powering Futures schools programme and discover how your mentorship adds value to the next generation  

  • Access to the exclusive Small Business 1000 network connects you with like-minded, forward-thinking business leaders across Scotland who are passionate about building a future-ready, sustainable economy. We provide a space for honest conversation, mutual support, and social partnership. 

  • Yes! Members of the SB1000 community can expect to attend events such as: 

    • Morning Briefings  

    • An Evening With 

    • Meet the Buyer 

  • We ask that our mentors attend 3 school visits throughout the academic year (Aug – Mar). Click here for further information on what this looks like. 

  • We aim to hold events at least once every 2 months to ensure our SB1000 community can have a space for honest conversations with likeminded people who understand the highs and lows of leading a small business in this economy. 

  • If you have any questions about this initiative, contact sb1000@newsquest.co.uk 

Still have Questions?

Email - sb1000@heraldandtimes.co.uk