Young entrepreneurs to get more support
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A NEW programme to help young entrepreneurs has been launched in the north.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has designed IMPACT30 to uncover a new generation of business talent, with help available from industry experts in order to drive the growth of young people’s businesses.
A 12-month fully-funded business growth programme, it is open to both new and existing entrepreneurs.
The project is part of HIE’s Northern Innovation Hub initiative and is a collaboration with leading consultancy firm Anderson Anderson and Brown (AAB).
Felix Spittal, senior project manager at HIE, said: "IMPACT30 is an exciting opportunity for ambitious young entrepreneurs who want to unlock their ideas and encourage positive change and growth.
"We want the project to annually develop 30 business leaders of the future from across the Highlands, help them overcome existing challenges, inspire plans, and put in place the foundations of support that will help them thrive.
"The expertise and experience AAB and their network of collaborators bring to the IMPACT30 programme is an invaluable resource and will drive the businesses forward."
IMPACT30 is open to anyone under the age of 35 who is working in a business less than three years old.
It has been designed to accommodate a wide range of businesses from across the Highlands, and uses a variety of digital tools which can be used whenever suits the applicant best.
Businessman James Robertson, who founded Skye Candles in 2006, has urged young entrepreneurs to make the most of the opportunity.
"Building a business is not for the faint hearted," he said.
"You’ve got to be passionate about what you do, have a good work ethic and got to be constantly willing to learn and adapt your skills.
"Making the most of IMPACT30 will hopefully allow young entrepreneurs to progress their ventures faster, by offering the sort of support that can be invaluable in avoiding costly and time-consuming mistakes.
"I’d definitely encourage young business people from across the Highlands to give it a go and hopefully take their business to the next level."
