£1.5m boost to help South of Scotland entrepreneurs turn ideas into action
A £1.5million funding investment from the Scottish Government will help more people across the South of Scotland turn business ideas into action as we launch the latest phase of our award-nominated Pathways programme.
The funding will allow us to run Pathways through 2026/27, helping more people explore entrepreneurship, test early-stage ideas and access tailored coaching, mentoring, practical learning and grants of up to £1,000.
Find out more and start your Pathway to entrepreneurship today.
Phase two success
- Phase three follows a successful second phase, which generated 823 enquiries, supported 529 clients and awarded 464 grants to aspiring entrepreneurs across the South of Scotland.
- Pathways has already helped hundreds of people across the region build confidence, develop entrepreneurial skills and take meaningful steps towards self-employment and business creation.
Award nomination
Pathways has also been shortlisted for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year at the Institute of Economic Development (iED) Awards, taking place in November.
Phase three
Phase three is now underway following the recruitment of a new coaching team, with participants already beginning their entrepreneurial journeys across the South of Scotland.
This phase will build on the success of previous cohorts by continuing to provide personalised support to individuals at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey, helping participants gain the confidence, knowledge and practical tools needed to explore self-employment and business creation.
If you have an idea, are exploring self-employment or need support to take the first step, Pathways can help you build confidence, shape your plans and move from ambition to action.
Programme for Government
The Scottish Government committed to extending Pathways as part of its Programme for Government, published in September, to help more female founders develop their businesses.
Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Stephen Flynn said:
“The Scottish Government’s new five-year Programme for Government makes a very clear commitment to creating a world-class entrepreneurial economy.
"We will ensure that more people, regardless of their gender, background or region, have the opportunity and support to start and grow a business.
“Hundreds of people from across the South of Scotland – from all walks of life - have now been helped to make their business idea a reality through the SOSE Pathways programme.
"This further Scottish Government investment means many more right across the region will benefit.”
One Pathways client, Amy Paterson, Director and Founder of Root and Rise based in Castle Douglas, said:
“Pathways has helped me transform an idea that has been in my head for a long time, into a real business serving real people in my community, and for that I’m beyond grateful.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Pathways – it would probably still be an idea in my head.
“I couldn’t recommend this programme more to anyone with a burning desire to start a business – go for it.”
Another Pathways client, Ancrum-based Lucy Bruce of Lucy Bruce Planning Consultancy added:
“The Pathways Programme has helped me gain confidence to become self-employed.
“My coach was incredibly supportive and reassuring, acting as a sounding board for my new business while providing advice on the steps required to set up a new business.
“The programme has been very insightful and has helped me expand my network. I look forward to seeing where my business may take me.”
South of Scotland Enterprise Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross said:
“Pathways is about helping people who have the spark of an idea, but need the confidence, guidance and practical support to take that first step.
“The response so far shows just how much untapped talent and ambition there is across the South of Scotland.
"With phase three now underway, we want to help even more people break down barriers, test their ideas and build businesses rooted in their communities.”