The programme has been developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and is delivered mostly online. It will provide fast-track training and mentoring for entrepreneurs looking to build a company or launch a new product.
This is the tenth group to start on the four-month programme since it began in 2018 with a launch day held on Thursday 5 May 2022 at An Lòchran for all the 22 businesses taking part.
The programme provides businesses at all stages in their development the opportunity to test a new product or process to ensure its fit for the market at lower cost or in a shorter space of time. Support is provided to through a combination of weekly workshops sessions, masterclasses and one-to-one coaching sessions.
Andrea McColl, senior development manager for life sciences at HIE, said:
“We were delighted to host our launch day in person before the programme continues online. It is a great opportunity to meet everyone face to face and build the network with like-minded business owners. I am looking forward to seeing this group of businesses test their innovative ideas for commercial viability and plan for growth.”
The businesses taking part are:
The programme forms part of the Northern Innovation Hub, which is led by HIE and funded by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal partnership, with £11m from UK Government and £1.7m of European Funding (ERDF).
The Pathfinder Accelerator programme was originally targeted at SMEs in the Highland Council area but due to its success has now been extended across the whole of the Highlands and Islands area through additional funding from HIE.
The programme will be delivered online by training specialists Skillfluence Ltd who have developed and designed 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. They will provide coaching and mentoring as well as help develop networking, sourcing, funding, and planning for future growth.
Further places are available on future Pathfinder Accelerator programmes for businesses, social enterprises, charities and entrepreneurs from across the Highlands and Islands. The next intake will be after summer 2022 and anyone interested in joining the programme can find out more at www.hie.co.uk/pathfinder.