Budding entrepreneurs will have new opportunities to scale their businesses after the national Techscaler programme signed a regional partnership in the Scottish Borders.
The Scottish Government tech startup support programme – operated by CodeBase – has struck an agreement with Hometown Hub, a leading provider of collaborative workspaces in the South of Scotland.
The ‘milestone’ agreement will strengthen the tech ecosystem in South Scotland, combining dynamic workspaces with a commitment to fostering tech innovation and entrepreneurship.
Hometown Hub has a strong presence across the Borders, with flexible workspaces – supporting community events – in Jedburgh, Eyemouth, St Boswells, Lauder, and Stow.
Techscaler shares a similar vision, aiming to support, educate and mentor tech entrepreneurs, making tech entrepreneurship accessible to all. The partnership brings together the strengths of both organisations, providing a ‘comprehensive ecosystem for tech startups, students and professionals, allowing them to access state-of-the-art workspaces and a wealth of resources and support to help them succeed in their endeavours’.
Sarah-Jane Burns, Techscaler head of regional engagement for the South of Scotland, said:“I’m thrilled that we’re launching this partnership and starting our engagement across The Borders. Techscaler is here to support the skills development of people, whatever their sector or background, to build and develop tech products and companies.
“Working with Hometown Hub means we have amazing spaces from which to build a tech community, deliver our education programmes and create connections across The Borders, and for Techscaler members to have spaces to work from, connect, interact with others and feel part of a welcoming community.
“Setting up a business, freelancing or exploring new avenues like technology for your work can be daunting, isolating and scary and we want people to know that there’s a community and spaces out there to help, support and welcome you to ask questions and be curious.”
Andrew Earnshaw, founder of Hometown Hub, said: “This is an exciting partnership for Hometown Hub and it ties in perfectly with our commitment to supporting local businesses, promoting growth and encouraging entrepreneurship across The Borders. With five hubs across the region, we’re able to provide office, co-working and meeting spaces in towns across the region, and we can’t wait to see what interesting innovations and ideas come through our doors with the support of the Techscaler programme.”
A launch event is being held at the Station House in Stow on 24 January. Register here.