Alasdair Macnair, 25, from Stirling, who saw active service in Iraq with the Royal Engineers, was awarded a small business loan by Poppyscotland and the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) to help him launch his chosen career as a forestry contractor.
The loan was part of a new initiative, to help ex-Service men and women get their business ideas off the ground in a time of global financial downturn. Poppyscotland and PSYBT are working in partnership to support young veterans in Scotland.
Alasdair said: “The help from Poppyscotland and PSYBT has been invaluable in providing a strong foundation for my business. The loan will help me to purchase essential tools and equipment, including a vehicle and power tools.
“It has always been my dream to run my own business and I chose to work in forestry because I like working outdoors, it keeps me fit and there is a lot of variety in my job. Each day is different – from felling and planting trees, maintaining forest areas, to spraying chemicals and building and repairing fences.”
PSYBT supports the applicant in producing his or her business plan and cash flow forecast. If an applicant has served in the Armed Forces, then Poppyscotland will join the award panel meeting and will then decide whether to contribute finance to the applicant’s business idea and at what level. PSYBT provides all ongoing support for the candidate and the applicant repays the loan to both organisations.
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Case Study: Alasdair Macnair » 