Scotland is a unique ecosystem for new and growing businesses. The country is just big enough a market without being so large that influencers are unreachable.
We also have quite a number of support programmes – for start-ups and scale-ups, for social enterprises and for specifically rural companies. Here I’ve compiled a short cheatsheet to point you in the direction of some of the initiatives that could help you on your business journey.
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Elevator – Aberdeen, Dundee
Although headquartered in Bridge of Don, Elevator has business centres in 18 locations from Perth to Banff. It was the UK’s first Centre for Entrepreneurship, and combines the delivery of Business Gateway with an open access public facility, digital demonstration centre and business accelerator.
Read more about Elevator – [insert page=’entrepreneurial-spirit-business-success-celebrated-annual-elevator-awards’ display=’link’]
Entrepreneurial Spark – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayrshire
ESpark is free and has links to major banks and professional services. The scale up programme is designed for companies with a turnover of over £200,000 or £150,000 worth of funding. Participants must commit to key dates over the period of the programme.
Read more about Entrepreneurial Spark – [insert page=’entrepreneurial-spark-alumni-generate-64-million-turnover’ display=’link’]
Firstport
Firstport is Scotland’s development agency for social entrepreneurs and social enterprises. The package of support includes seed funding, business advice and connections. Their Social Innovation Awards applications need to be in by 9 October 2017.
Read more about Firstport – [insert page=’almost-3000-social-purpose-businesses-set-scotland-last-10-years’ display=’link’]
Seedhaus – Edinburgh
Tech accelerator Seedhaus recruits five startups twice a year to join their incubator in Edinburgh. They invest £18,000 in each business through equity investment and work with them to fast track growth.
Read more about Seedhaus – [insert page=’tech-accelerator-unveils-high-profile-investors-first-cohort-startups’ display=’link’]
Acorn Enterprises – Fife
Aiming to fill the gap in Scotland for support in more rural locations, Acorn Enterprises caters for both businesses and students. The accelerator runs 20-week business accelerator programmes, Acorn business bootcamps and entrepreneurial events. Their 8th business accelerator, in Dundee, is open for applications.
Read more about Acorn Enterprises – [insert page=’dundee-business-accelerator-accepting-new-applications’ display=’link’]
Codebase – Edinburgh, Stirling
Codebase is a tech incubator, built entirely on private equity. They have bespoke office spaces from 2-100 staff and offer mentorship and investment. To simply join in the buzz, they also offer co-working spaces.
Read more about Codebase – [insert page=’pwc-codebase-launch-new-scale-programme’ display=’link’]
Who has helped you on your journey? Let me know by dropping me an email [email protected]
Kim McAllister is a Journalist & Communications Consultant and director of Impact Online