What steps it is taking to encourage the formation, growth and survival of small businesses in the Highlands and Islands.

The Scottish Executive recognises that the formation, growth and survival of small businesses is crucial to the economic success of the Highlands and Islands, and to Scotland as a whole. The way forward is set out in the publication A Smart, Successful Scotland
- the first comprehensive statement by the Executive setting out the direction and priorities for the Enterprise Networks.The Scottish Executive is continuing to work closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to ensure easier access to public sector support for new and small businesses in the HIE area. A number of significant developments are in hand. For example, HIE will shortly be introducing HIE Starts, a flexible new programme which has support from the Highlands & Islands Transitional Programme; it will provide information, advice, training and financial assistance to small business starts that have the potential to contribute to the growth of the local economy.In addition, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise have developed The Greenhouse in Inverness which provides a range of office and laboratory incubator accommodation for technology based start-ups. The Outreach Incubator project complements The Greenhouse by providing support and guidance to technology start-ups throughout the Highlands and Islands.In addition to these programmes, which are specific to start-ups, new businesses can also access the wide range of business and skills development programmes delivered by the HIE Network.