Two things. Speed and Action! By bringing together a highly experienced team of expert trainers, coaches and investors, Pathfinder Accelerator will help you to rapidly execute your venture in the shortest possible time. It will help you avoid costly pitfalls and rapidly increase your confidence as you evolve your ideas based on real-world action-orientated validation of your product, service, marketing, business model and more. You will have access to a network of experts and resources that you can tap into to bring your ideas to life. Plus, it's all designed so you can fit the programme around your busy schedule without the need to travel. You will be pushed to reach your goals and ensure your business is reaching its full potential.

The programme is open to small-medium size businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs related to the following industries: Life sciences, healthcare, animal health, aquaculture, technology, IT, or engineering.

This business should be based in the Highland Council region and looking to launch a new product or service or changing your business model. This includes businesses using technology to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this.

Through a series of workshops, led by highly experienced trainers, the programme covers a range of business skills. These aim to help you boost your business and fast track the development, implementation and growth of new products, services, or business models. Topics covered in the programme include:

• Define and de-risk your venture
• Business model design
• Customer discovery
• Building and leading your team
• Funding your project
• Pitching to investors
• Scaling for growth

 As part of the programme, you will have access to coaching, mentoring and the opportunity to work with experienced investors and roundtable events with subject experts.

The next programme will begin 9^th September 2021. We will run three cohorts per year until 2024

Applications will usually close 2 weeks before the programme start date. The upcoming closing date is 19 August 2021. If you have any questions, please contact the Pathfinder team.

The programme runs for six months. After this you will be invited to join our alumni events.

This programme is not additional work to squeeze into your already busy diary. It's designed to accelerate your existing commercialisation journey, helping you hit your goals sooner without wasting time going down rabbit-holes that you may have otherwise. It does this by taking you on a logical journey, with training and coaching from experts at every stage, giving you the confidence and accountability to encourage you to more rapidly set and execute key activities until you achieve your goals.

In practical terms, the programme is split into two three-month stages. In the first stage you will be required to attend one live online workshop for half a day per week. In the second stage you will be required to attend around one hour per week. Additional time will be required for 1-2-1 coaching and online learning activities throughout the programme.

The programme is free to attend.  Funding will be provided by State Subsidy and you will receive a letter to notify you of the aid received. 

After the programme you will have access to alumni resources including a news bulletin, roundtable events with industry and business experts.