Strathclyde Business School and the Scottish National Investment Bank have partnered up to launch a new programme aiming to help scale-up Scottish businesses.
The Scottish Impact Investor Readiness Programme aims to address growth barriers facing Scottish businesses, specifically informed by research into the challenges businesses centred on environmental and societal impacts face when attempting to scale-up.
While aiding in other obstacles facing businesses, the programme focuses on helping organisations develop a more clear understanding of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues of their business, and how to measure impact.
Experts from across the University of Strathclyde are set to deliver the programme, from the ScaleUp Institute-endorsed Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Sustainable Development.
“As an impact investor, we can see first-hand how focusing on critical impact measures can drive long-term societal and economic benefits for Scotland, for generations to come,” David Ritchie, executive director of partnerships and engagement at the bank, said.
“Investors demand more than commercial returns, they also want to see the positive human impact that their funding enables,“ he added. “It’s never been more pressing for businesses to understand and embed the principles of impact investing in their business plans.”
John Anderson, director of growth programmes at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, added: “Having supported over 450 SMEs since 2015, across multiple practical programmes, we’re delighted to partner with Scottish National Investment Bank to continue our mission in supporting leaders of ambitious, growth-oriented businesses.
“Thanks to the partnership arrangement, the programme has been made as accessible as possible, with fees heavily subsidised, reducing the usual cost of £7,500 down to £500 per participant.“
The programme begins on 27 August, and applications are now open – find out more and apply here.
Source: DIGIT