Highlands and Islands Enterprise marks five years of successful business programme
A fast track training and mentoring programme has supported 133 entrepreneurs in the Highlands and Islands since it began five years ago.
Pathfinder Accelerator gives participants practical tools and techniques to put their ideas through their paces, including a 'Dragon's Den' style pitching session in front of real investors. The aim is to build a company or launch a new product or service, in a shorter space of time with substantially less money.
The fully funded programme is aimed at businesses, social enterprises and start-ups with aspirations for growth or those with exciting ideas to progress.
The programme is developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered mostly online. Seventeen entrepreneurs joined the most recent intake in March to begin the 12-week programme. Applications for the next intake, due to begin in May, close on April 21.
Catriona Ramsay, development manager at HIE, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome another group of businesses to Pathfinder Accelerator, which takes us to 133 since the programme launched five years ago. Together with our partners Skillfluence and Investing Womens Angels, we are excited to continue the successful programme and support more businesses to move forward with their ideas and succeed.”
Entrepreneurs are coached directly by experts across a range of areas including new product development, innovation, business strategy, finance, investment and more.
The programme is delivered online by training specialists Skillfluence Ltd, which has developed a new course structure including an e-learning platform to make the course more accessible. Skillfluence Ltd will partner with Investing Women Angels to provide business advice and support to the participants.
