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Grants will foster entrepreneurship
New funds will help more people from under-represented
backgrounds start their own businesses and nurture fledgling
companies.
A total of 42 recipients will share £1.6 million through the
Ecosystem Fund, while 20 projects will receive £1.3 million
through a new Pre-Start Pathways Fund.
Funding to help women and other priority groups become
entrepreneurs and access support and advice forms part of the
Scottish Government initiative.
Wellbeing Economy Secretary announced the recipients at the
Scottish Black Talent Summit in Edinburgh.
He said:
“These two funds provide key support to unlock the potential in
underrepresented communities, realising their talent and widening
pathways for them to start thriving businesses.
“Funding grassroots organisations is crucial. But we must also
address systemic gaps preventing equal entrepreneurial
participation. That's why the Pre-Start Fund complements the
Ecosystem Fund in extending support more widely.
“Between established business community support and expanding
community inclusion programmes, I believe Scotland is building an
entrepreneurial climate that lives up to our guiding missions of
equality, opportunity and community.”
Edinburgh data literacy company DataKirk has received grants from
the Ecosystem and Prestart Pathways funds. Founder and Chief
Executive Officer at the DataKirk, Fash Fasoro, said:
“We are delighted that DataKirk has been chosen as the recipient
of both the Scottish Ecosystem Fund and the Pathways Pre-Start
Fund by the Scottish Government. These grants will enable us to
further our mission of empowering Black Talent to reaching their
full entrepreneurial potential.
“At DataKirk, we are driven by a vision of a world where every
individual, regardless of their background, has equal access and
opportunities to not only create their own-source revenues but
also contribute to job creation and community investment.
“These grants will enable us to expand our efforts, support more
aspiring Black Talent entrepreneurs and foster an ecosystem of
inclusivity and innovation. This is a significant step forward in
our journey and we are excited about the positive change we can
bring to communities and the Scottish entrepreneurial landscape.”
Background
Accessing our information
- Scottish Enterprise (scottish-enterprise.com)
Pathways Pre-start Fund:
form and guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Encouraging entrepreneurship is a key action in the Scottish
Government’s National Strategy for
Economic Transformation.
