The 40 businesses participating
in Scotland’s entrepreneurial development programme, Unlocking Ambition, have raised a total of £6.5 million since its launch, with the majority gained from external funding.

Launched in July 2018, the £4 million two-year programme is delivered by Scottish Enterprise (SE) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh; it supports entrepreneurs with the talent, mind-set and potential to scale up their business, while at the same time adding significant value to the Scottish economy.

More than 50 jobs have been created to date across the businesses, with more in the pipeline.

The funding and job creation have enabled the entrepreneurs to focus on building their business and accelerating the development of new products or services.

To date, a total of 59 new growth projects have been delivered and 19 new products or services have been developed. For example, Glasgow-based Phox Water has developed a sustainable water filter with re-usable cartridges, and the Unlocking Ambition funding (www.unlockingambition.scot) has enabled the company to have this product made in Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Unlocking Ambition programme is already making a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy and wider society.

"The cohort’s achievements in the past year in attracting funding, creating jobs and delivering pioneering new products and services demonstrate the talent and enthusiasm of these entrepreneurs.

"The social missions that drive many of these businesses forward continue to benefit communities in Scotland and beyond.”