Almost 400 tech businesses have received help from a nationwide education and mentoring scheme for Scottish startups and founders.
The Scottish Government-backed Techscaler programme has delivered the support to firms in in its first year of operation, officials have stated.
First Minister Humza Yousaf toured the Stirling branch of the Codebase-run scheme yesterday, as plans were unveiled for a further regional hub.
He said: “Growing businesses are fundamental to a thriving Scotland, and the Scottish Government I lead is committed to doing whatever we can to help businesses unleash the enormous economic potential of accelerating a fair, green and growing economy.
“That is why our Programme for Government is investing in the entrepreneurs of the future, building on the valuable work already taking place within Techscalers.
“Tech start-ups right across Scotland now have access to world-class education and mentoring and opportunities for peer learning and networking through the Techscalers – a hugely impressive programme which has made Scotland one of the most tech start-up friendly places in the world.
“We are taking action now, in partnership with business, to help stimulate sustainable and fair economic growth across Scotland.”
A total of 387 fledgling firms received assistance from the £42 million Scottish Government scheme, which provides free mentoring and advice to early stage business owners.
The seventh Techscaler hub will open in Dumfries during this financial year, joining others already operating around the country. The 2023-24 Programme for Government includes an additional £15 million to support entrepreneurs from ‘all walks of life’.
Techscalers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness deliver work spaces and advice for start ups. The third group of entrepreneurs to undergo training and business development begin this week.
In total 387 participants have taken part in Techscaler programmes and 318 businesses have been supported with mentoring. Some 314 training events were held for 6,130 attendees up to the end of August.