A fully-funded support programme is being launched to help Scottish businesses create an impact ... by making a real difference while boosting profitability.
Run by Elevator, a social enterprise which champions entrepreneurship and employability across Scotland, IMPACT! is a purpose-led business support programme launching in January 2024
This unique initiative helps organisations align their business goals with their core values, and will be delivered to three cohorts in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.
Across Scotland, businesses are pivoting towards not only being profitable but also doing good in the world, making a difference in society by being more ethically and environmentally responsible.
IMPACT! will help them achieve this while maximising growth and creating a culture where employees feel positive, motivated and valued. IMPACT! Is applicable across any sector - whether that be hospitality, energy, food and drink, service, technology or manufacturing.
A Scottish Government commissioned report, ‘Now is the time for Purpose’ (2022), said long-term evidence showed a focus on purpose increases a company’s bottom line.
It also stated:
- 67% of people will pay more for purpose-driven products and services
- 73% of businesses say a well-defined purpose helps navigate disruption
- purposeful businesses are forecast to achieve 10% higher growth than other businesses
Elevator successfully pitched to Scottish Enterprise’s Ecosystem Fund to bring the free programme to fruition. To deliver it, Elevator has drawn together the very best of practices from across the world, and its expert team of specialists will help businesses develop the knowledge and skills necessary to grow their organisations in purposeful, impactful, responsible and sustainable ways.
The sessions will be delivered by personal development and leadership coach Zoi Kantounatou, who is also co-founder and CFO at learning platform FutureX; co-founder and MD of Zebra Growth, Lee Fitzpatrick – an entrepreneur with 15 years’ global experience in the start-up space – and Catherine Docherty, founder and MD of innovation and design management consultancy Journey Associates.
This group of experts, curated by Elevator, will focus on teaching a range of strategies, from aligning business goals with core values, market differentiation, human centric leadership, regenerative and ethical marketing, and scaling with purpose.
Elevator will give participants opportunities to develop approaches which consider the real-world challenges facing them. They will learn and apply concepts of purpose to their own businesses during the workshops and have the chance to network and collaborate with like-minded professionals and entrepreneurs.
Elevator has previously run a successful pilot of the programme in Perth and Kinross, with participant feedback praising the opportunity to “meet and engage with other entrepreneurs, find the purpose of your own venture and use it for good”.
Programme Manager Andrew Cameron, said: “We’re delighted to be adding to Elevator’s diverse and stimulating portfolio of programmes with IMPACT! We’ve curated some of the country’s top experts to deliver meaningful sessions on key subjects such as leadership, marketing, and scaling up – all with a shared spotlight on the importance of positive impact.”
Elevator CEO, Professor Gary McEwan added: “Helping entrepreneurs marry purpose and profit is very much at the heart of everything we do. Support from the Scottish Ecosystem Fund has allowed us to encapsulate this mission in a dedicated programme which aligns with the Scottish Government’s focus on championing ethically-sound businesses. This joined-up approach is crucial to bolstering the Scottish economy with future-proofed, values-driven businesses.”
What participants need:
- an existing business – whatever stage it's at
- enthusiasm and drive – to acquire the tools and knowledge to scale your businesses
- a desire to create impact with purpose
- commitment to attend the full programme of sessions
The deadline to register is January 31.
In Edinburgh, onboarding will take place on February 13, followed by learning sessions on February 21, 22 and 23. A networking event will then be held on March 12.
In Glasgow, onboarding will take place on February 14, followed by learning sessions on February 27, 28 and 29, and a networking event on March 13.
In Dundee, onboarding will be on February 15, with learning sessions on March 6, 7 and 8 and a networking event on March 14.
A joint all-Scotland cohort event will be held to conclude the programme.
To find out more about the IMPACT! programme, email Andrew Cameron at andrewc@elevatoruk.com or click here to register your interest.
The IMPACT! Programme is proudly supported by the Scottish Ecosystem Fund 2023-24.
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