Accelerator programme to target ‘digital’ as key growth market 

A business accelerator programme operating in three cities across Scotland is targeting digital as a key growth market.

Elevator, which delivers Business Gateway services in Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth, is looking for start-up, early stage and growth companies who are ready to ‘accelerate their business to the next level’ as applications for its suite of accelerator programmes opens.

The social enterprise runs six fully-funded accelerators across Scotland – from Perth to Moray, with three sector specific programmes aimed at the digital, energy and creative markets. The suite includes: 

-Elevator’s Flagship Accelerator, run in Aberdeen and Dundee
-Famous Grouse Idea Centre Creative Accelerator powered by Elevator
-ONE Digital Accelerator powered by Elevator 
-Moray Accelerator powered by Elevator  
-Grey Matters powered by Elevator 

Scotland’s aspiring intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs are invited to apply to a first stage bootcamp where their ideas will be tried and tested by expert business specialists. This initial step will also provide participants with an understanding into each accelerator’s dynamic environment. 

The most promising entrepreneurs – referred to as founders – will be chosen for a place on the programme of their choice, which will begin in Autumn 2019.  

Elevator’s suite of accelerators underpins its commitment to foster a culture of entrepreneurshipand support Scotland’s vision to become a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative society. Each plays an instrumental role in itsoverarching strategy to increase the number and quality of Scottish start-ups. 

As the largest provider of Business Gateway services in the country working across three of its seven cities – Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth, Elevator supports one in every five ofScotland’s Business Gateway start-ups. 

Gary McEwan, Elevator CEO, said: “Entrepreneurship is a key driver for regional growth. Our accelerators play a major role in supporting this; we look at synergies within the ecosystem and leverage our existing knowledge to unlock opportunities within Scotland’s diverse business sectors.

“Elevator is committed to investing in the formation of new Scottish start-ups. This year alone we have developed two new accelerators, partnering with Opportunity North East to launch our first digital accelerator, and with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Business Gateway Moray to introduce a bespoke programme for Moray businesses.  

“Our goal is to find the game-changers, innovators and disruptors who are ready to be brave with their thinking and develop sustainable businesses to stimulate the economy’s growth and prosperity.”

Derek Mackay, the Scottish Government’s Economy Secretary, said: “Elevator’s innovative approach to business development is helping entrepreneurs get the support they need to start-up and grow their businesses which will play a crucial role in realising the Scotland CAN DO vision of a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation.”