A new digital platform designed to support and connect minority ethnic entrepreneurs in Scotland is set to be launched later this month.
The Knowvate Hub aims to educate its members and facilitate connections with tech ecosystem partners from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Its Community Resource Hub will be officially launched at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow on April 19th, the latest fixture in Knowvate’s nationwide ‘Include and Inspire’ event series which has attracted over 300 ethnic minority entrepreneurs across Scotland to date.
Founded as a spinout from Black Professionals Scotland in 2023, Knowvate Hub is committed to engaging with racially underrepresented communities across Scotland, focusing on pathways to entrepreneurship and providing resources and support to help overcome barriers to participation.
Onyinye Igbokwe, co-founder and director of programmes and initiatives at Knowvate Hub, said: “Our events not only provide a platform for established business leaders to share their stories but have also allowed us to learn from our members and audience, identifying gaps in access to enterprise support.
“The Knowvate Community Resource Hub will provide dedicated online support for established and aspiring entrepreneurs, featuring content and case studies from a diverse group of business leaders while facilitating connections with other organisations who can help enable business success.”
The project was one of 42 backed by The Ecosystem Fund 2023-24, a Scottish Government initiative delivered by Scottish Enterprise, designed to enhance startup activity and address gaps in enterprise education, fostering inclusivity and opportunity in entrepreneurship.
Alison Loveday, Scottish Enterprise’s high growth entrepreneurship interim team teader, said: “As Scotland’s national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise is committed to building an inclusive ecosystem for startups, creating the best possible environment for our talented people to succeed.
“The work that Knowvate Hub is doing in this space, encouraging entrepreneurship among minority ethnic groups, will help drive innovation and economic prosperity, and we are delighted to support the Knowvate Hub through the Ecosystem Fund.”
Nyasha Mutembwa, an “Include and Inspire” event participant, said: “The speakers have redirected my life’s trajectory entirely. I now feel empowered to aim for the stars. This experience, though outside my comfort zone, has broadened my perspective.”
Nick Murray, co-director at Startup Grind Scotland, a key partner in the project said: “The Ecosystem Fund was created to empower startup community leaders to be bold with their aspirations of inspiring and empowering their audiences. By establishing resource and signposting central hubs such as this, and sharing inspiring entrepreneurial narratives from all backgrounds, we empower individuals to realise their visions and drive collective prosperity.”