The first point of contact for a new or growing business is the Orkney Business Gateway office.  The Business Gateway offers advice about funding, tax, finance, health and safety, environment and efficiency, IT and e-commerce, business events, networking and business contacts and also organises training courses in business start-ups and other relevant topics.  Visit the Business Gateway website or call into the office at 14 Queen Street in Kirkwall for more information.

While the Business Gateway caters for small and new businesses, the Kirkwall office of Highlands and Islands Enterprise provides advice and support to larger businesses and together with Orkney Islands Council's Economic Development department, provides funding and advice for ambitious businesses in a number of industry sectors. Orkney Islands Council can also advise on funding and on building regulations and business rates.

The local office of Skills Development Scotland can provide advice on training and education and the Scottish Agricultural College provides a support service to the agricultural industry. 

The Energy Advice Centre at the Travel Centre in West Castle Street, Kirkwall, advises on all matters to do with energy including grants and loans, insulation, heating systems, fuel bills and tariffs, renewable energy and property energy audits.