MSPs on the European Committee hold a special session in light of the UK's Brexit vote.
Almost a dozen witnesses gave evidence before members at Holyrood.
Among them were representatives from the farming and drinks sectors.
On 23 June, voters in the UK backed Brexit by 52% to 48%.
In Scotland, the electorate voted by 62% to 38% for Britain to remain in the EU.
Colin Borland of the Federation of Small Business Scotland tells the committee that because of the free movement of people, it is relatively easy to hire from Europe. He believes any new deal would need to keep bureaucracy to a minimum.
Graeme Roy from the Fraser of Allander Institute says that if the post-Brexit deal is close to what the UK currently has with the single market, then the impact on trade and business will be less.
He adds;
Stephen Boyd, assistant secretary of the STUC, says he believes the future "will be worse than we have now" once the UK leaves the European Union.
The focus now will be on what is negotiated, he adds.
Mr Boyd also tells the committee that he fears there is a "high risk" that "current protections [for workers] will be diminished".
Lack of future productivity in Scotland is a concern, says Mr Roy of the think tank. He says that improving productivity has historically been an issue for Scotland.
He tells the committee: "If our inward investment and exports were to slip further [due to Brexit], improving productivity would be difficult."
Graeme Roy of the Fraser of Allander Institute is first to be quizzed by MSPs. He speaks about the report his body has published. It says that Scotland faces a sharp slowdown in growth and higher unemployment over the next few years as a direct result of the Brexit vote.
Good Morning Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
A leading economic forecaster has warned of a possible technical recession in Scotland as a result of the Brexit vote.
The Fraser of Allander Institute says a prolonged spell of uncertainty and financial volatility are now unavoidable.
They've also warned unemployment will rise next year and say the top priority now has to be retaining access to Europe's Single Market.
Derek Mackay, Scotland's Secretary for Finance and the Constitution, told the Good Morning Scotland programme: "It indicates what some people have been saying.
"It also had calls for action - many of which I would support in terms of the UK government, Bank of England and others.
"I think it supports that position to try and secure the best possible deal for Scotland, the best possible outcome and that's why the Scottish government's pursuing Scotland's interests."
MSPs will be hearing evidence from financial experts and business leaders into the possible consequences of the post-Brexit vote.
Starting at 09:30, the committee is due to take evidence from;