Pathways to Start

What is it? 

Pathways to Start is a six-week, fully funded business start-up programme to help people build the confidence, skills and networks to turn great ideas into sustainable businesses.

It is designed for people in underrepresented groups who have ideas and ambition, but who haven’t always had the confidence to start a business.

We are delivering the programme in two local authority areas: Moray, and Argyll & Bute.

You’ll receive a mix of tailored one-to-one support and group training, delivered by experienced mentors. You’ll learn how to plan and grow a business, and connect with others on a similar journey.

This programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by HIE with Skillfluence in Argyll and Bute and UHI Moray in partnership with CJM Lumina in Moray.

What are the programme benefits?

• certified training from experienced mentors;
• practical skills to help you start and run a business;
• a supportive community;
• ongoing mentoring support;
• up to £1,000 of eligible costs to develop your business idea; and
• up to £500 expenses to support access to the programme

Not sure if it's for you?

If you want to find out more before applying to take part in Pathways to Start, drop into one of our information sessions. 

Join us in Moray

Who's eligible?

You can apply if you:

• Live in the Moray Council area or Argyll and Bute (excluding Helensburgh and Lomond) See postcodes below.
• Identify as part of an underrepresented group in business - for example, women, young people, carers, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, those on low incomes, refugees, ex-military, ex-offenders, people with care experience, speakers of minority languages such as Gaelic or Scots, or people affected by domestic abuse

Priority is given to people who have not started a business, but early or pre-trading businesses can apply too. See full list of examples and postcodes below. 

Moray postcodes:
AB36, AB37, AB38, AB45, AB54, AB55, AB56, IV30, IV31, IV32, IV36

Argyll and the Islands postcodes:
FK20, G83, KA27, KA28, PA20, PA21, PA22, PA23, PA24, PA25, PA26, PA27, PA28, PA29, PA30, PA31, PA32, PA33, PA34, PA35, PA36, PA37, PA38, PA41, PA42, PA43, PA44, PA45, PA46, PA47, PA48, PA49, PA60, PA61, PA62, PA63, PA64, PA65, PA66, PA67, PA68, PA69, PA70, PA71, PA72, PA73, PA74, PA75, PA76, PA77, PA78

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please get in touch - we’re happy to discuss.

Programme schedule

Please apply by Friday 5 December, we’ll let you know if you’re successful by Friday 19 December.

The six-week training course will take place January - March 2026.

How to apply

Please complete our online form to apply to take part in Pathways to Start. Places will be allocated based on location and membership of an underrepresented group.

Priority will be given to those who have not started a business. If more people apply than there are places available, we’ll allocate places in a fair way that gives everyone an equal chance. We're doing this to avoid any risk of discrimination and reduce the collection of sensitive data.

Need to speak to us?

If you would like to talk to someone about your application, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk and we will get back to you.